Nerva Cardigan in Berroco Aurelia - Downloadable PDF

Nerva Cardigan Crochet Pattern in Berroco Aurelia – Pattern Summary

The Nerva Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet pattern designed by Mel Kennelly and published by Berroco. This downloadable PDF pattern guides crocheters through constructing a relaxed, generously sized cardigan with a clean, modern silhouette. With 11 sizes ranging from a finished bust measurement of 37" up to 77" (94–195.5 cm), the Nerva is designed to be inclusive and accessible across a wide range of body types. The pattern is shown in size 4 with approximately 16" of positive ease, and the designer recommends 10–20 inches of positive ease for the intended relaxed fit.

What Is Being Made

The Nerva is a crocheted cardigan — an open-front layering piece worked in a straightforward, wearable construction. Its finished lengths range from approximately 19¾" to 26½" depending on size, making it a comfortable mid-length layer suitable for everyday wear. The generous positive ease recommendations give this cardigan a casual, drapey quality that works well as a cozy layering piece over lighter garments.

Construction Method

One of the most appealing aspects of the Nerva Cardigan for intermediate crocheters is its efficient, beginner-friendly construction approach. The cardigan is worked bottom up in one piece, which is then folded and seamed to create the final garment shape. This method minimizes the number of separate pieces to manage and reduces complex shaping decisions mid-project. Working in a single flat piece means crocheters spend more time in a satisfying rhythm of stitching and less time juggling multiple panels. The seaming step at the end brings the cardigan together cleanly and gives the finished garment structure at the shoulders and sides.

The back begins with a foundation chain and is worked flat in rows, building up the body with consistent half double crochet fabric. Armhole shaping is introduced partway through the row count, with stitches left unworked to create the necessary structure for the garment's upper body.

Stitches Used

• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – This is the primary stitch used throughout the Nerva Cardigan. The half double crochet creates a fabric that is slightly denser and more structured than single crochet, yet softer and more flexible than double crochet. It produces a subtle, attractive texture that works beautifully with smooth or slightly textured yarns and drapes well in a cardigan silhouette.
• Foundation Chain – The pattern begins with a long foundation chain, from which the first row of half double crochets is worked directly. This is a standard technique for flat crochet construction.
• Chain-2 Turning Chain – Throughout the pattern, a chain-2 is used at the beginning of each row and counts as a half double crochet, a common convention in crochet patterns that keeps the stitch count consistent across rows.

Techniques Used

• Flat row-by-row crochet – The entire body is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making it straightforward to follow and easy to check gauge and progress.
• Armhole shaping – Shaping is achieved by working across only a portion of the stitches in a given row, leaving remaining stitches unworked to define the armhole opening. This is a clean and simple shaping technique well-suited to intermediate crocheters.
• Seaming – After the main fabric is complete, the piece is folded and seamed to form the finished cardigan. Seaming in crochet can be done using slip stitch, whip stitch, or mattress stitch depending on the crocheter's preference, and creates neat, durable joins at the shoulders and sides.
• Gauge checking and blocking – The pattern specifically notes that gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important detail. Blocking a swatch before beginning ensures accurate sizing, particularly for a garment with such a wide size range. Crocheters are strongly encouraged to take the time to check gauge before casting on.

Yarn and Materials

The Nerva Cardigan is designed for Berroco Aurelia, a worsted weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The sample shown