Berroco Rye- Portfolio Vol. 1 PDF

Berroco Rye Cardigan – Pattern Summary (Berroco Portfolio Vol. 1 by Thea Colman)

What You Are Making

Rye is a bottom-up, seamless cardigan designed by Thea Colman and published as part of Berroco Portfolio Vol. 1. It is a classic button-front cardigan featuring textured stitch panels worked alongside stockinette, creating a beautifully structured fabric with visual interest. The design is available in a wide range of sizes, with a finished bust measurement (closed) of 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, or 60 inches, and a length ranging from 19 to 25 inches depending on size. The pattern notes that the garment was designed with approximately 4 inches of ease, so knitters seeking a more fitted silhouette are encouraged to size down.

Construction Technique

Rye is constructed bottom-up and largely seamless, making it an excellent project for knitters who prefer minimal finishing work. The body is worked in one piece to the underarms, at which point the work is divided for the back and two fronts. The sleeves are worked in the round separately and then joined to the body at the underarms, after which the yoke is worked in one piece to completion. Portions of the garment, including the fronts and certain shaping sections, are worked flat, giving knitters experience with both flat and circular knitting within a single project. Short rows are also employed for shaping, adding a refined fit to the finished garment.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Bramble Stitch panels – a classic textured stitch pattern that creates a dense, bobble-like fabric; these panels are a defining design feature of Rye
• Stockinette stitch (St st) – used alongside the Bramble Stitch panels throughout the body and sleeves
• Short rows – used for shaping within the garment
• Working in the round – sleeves are knitted circularly before being joined to the body
• Working flat – front bands and certain garment sections are worked back and forth
• Seamless yoke construction – body and sleeves are joined and the yoke is completed in a single piece

The pattern notes that if the first knit stitch after each Bramble Stitch panel appears loose, knitters should work that stitch through the back loop to tighten the tension — a helpful finishing tip included in the instructions.

Skill Level

Rye is rated Intermediate by Berroco, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, working in the round, and reading stitch panels. The combination of flat and circular knitting, short row shaping, and the Bramble Stitch pattern provides a satisfying challenge without being overly complex.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Alpaca (100g hanks) in colorway #6275 Pea Soup Mix, a worsted weight yarn. Depending on size, you will need 4 to 8 hanks. Berroco Ultra Alpaca is a popular blend known for its softness, stitch definition, and the luxurious drape that alpaca content provides — qualities that complement the textured Bramble Stitch panels beautifully.

• 29-inch and 16-inch circular needles, size 8 (5.00 mm) – primary needles for body and sleeves
• 16-inch circular needle, size 7 (4.50 mm) – for finishing or edging
• Double pointed needles (dpns), size 8 (5.00 mm) – a set of 4, used for sleeve knitting in the round
• Stitch markers, stitch holders, and waste yarn – for managing stitches during construction
• ½-inch buttons – 7 to 10 buttons depending on size, for the button band closure

Gauge is critical for this