Tina Cardigan in Berroco Bestie - Downloadable PDF

Tina Cardigan in Berroco Bestie – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Tina Cardigan, designed by Mel Kennelly and published by Berroco, is a relaxed, cozy open-front cardigan worked in super chunky yarn. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated Easy, making it an excellent project for beginner knitters who want to build confidence while producing a stylish, wearable garment. The design features an open front with bands that intentionally do not meet at the center, giving the cardigan a casual, draped silhouette that pairs beautifully with the generous recommended ease of approximately 2–4 inches / 5–10 cm positive ease.

Sizing and Fit

The Tina Cardigan is offered in a wide range of sizes to suit many body types. Finished bust measurements span from 35 inches up to 72 inches (89 cm to 183 cm), broken into three size groupings. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in the 40 inch / 101.5 cm size. Finished lengths range from approximately 19½ to 22 inches (49.5 to 56 cm) depending on the size chosen. It is important to note that bust measurements are based on back width, which is a helpful detail when selecting the correct size.

Yarn: Berroco Bestie

This pattern is specifically written for Berroco Bestie, a super chunky weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The sample is knitted in colorway #10513 Mac & Cheese, a warm, inviting tone that suits the cozy character of the design. Depending on the size being made, the pattern calls for between 9 and 17 balls of Berroco Bestie. Super chunky yarn like Bestie knits up quickly, which is part of what makes this pattern so approachable for beginners — the large stitches are easy to see and manipulate, and the project grows satisfyingly fast on the needles.

Needles and Notions

The Tina Cardigan requires two needle sizes. The main fabric is worked on size 13 / 9 mm needles, while a smaller size 11 / 8 mm needle is used for certain sections, likely the ribbing or border details. Both sizes are used as 32-inch / 80 cm circular needles, which accommodate the large stitch counts comfortably even when knitting flat. A set of size 13 / 9 mm double-pointed needles (or the knitter's preferred method for working small circumferences) is also required, suggesting the sleeves or cuffs are worked in the round. Additional notions include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Stitches and Techniques

Two primary stitch patterns are featured in the Tina Cardigan:

• Seed Stitch – A classic textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, with the stitches offset on every subsequent row so that knits sit above purls and vice versa. Seed stitch creates a beautifully bumpy, non-curling fabric that is ideal for borders, bands, and body panels. The gauge for seed stitch in this pattern is 9 stitches and 16 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm using the larger needle.
• Stockinette Stitch – The most fundamental knitting stitch pattern, formed by knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows (or knitting every round when working in the round). Stockinette produces a smooth, classic fabric with a slight natural curl at the edges, which is why it is often paired with a seed stitch border. The gauge for stockinette in this pattern is 10 stitches and 14 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm using the larger needle.

As with all knitting patterns, gauge swatching is strongly recommended, and the pattern notes that gauge should be measured after blocking. Blocking super chunky yarn can noticeably open up the fabric and affect the final dimensions of the finished garment, so this step is especially important for achieving the intended fit.

Construction Overview

The use of both circular needles and double-pointed needles suggests a