Millington Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool - Portfolio4 - Downloadable PDF

Millington Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool

What is Being Made

The Millington Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan sweater designed by Emily Ringelman, featured in Portfolio Vol. 4. This intermediate-level garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan with a finished bust measurement of 33½" to 51" depending on size selection, and a length ranging from 25¾" to 28¾". The design offers approximately 1–2" of ease for comfortable wearing, making it suitable for various fit preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Millington Cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the neckline. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles or circular needles, allowing for traditional row-by-row knitting before pieces are seamed together. Selected sections are also worked in the round using double-pointed needles, particularly for shaping and finishing details. This combination of flat and circular knitting techniques creates a well-structured, professionally finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Millington Cardigan is Double Seed Stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and visual interest. The garment features cable stitches as a decorative element, adding dimension and traditional knitting appeal. The back features a charted cable design spanning 44 stitches and measuring 7" in width. Pocket details are incorporated with a separate 20-stitch chart measuring 3½" across, providing functional and aesthetic elements to the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Millington Cardigan is designed to be knitted in Berroco Ultra Wool, a durable and versatile yarn. The pattern calls for 5 to 8 balls of yarn (100 grams each) depending on the finished size selected, totaling approximately 500–800 grams of yarn. This yarn weight is classified as aran weight, providing good stitch definition and a balanced fabric weight suitable for a cardigan.

Needles and Notions

• Straight needles or 29" circular needles, size 7 (4.50 mm), or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns), size 7 (4.50 mm), for working sections in the round
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases
• Cable needle (cn) for crossing stitches to create cable patterns
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming pieces together

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in Double Seed Stitch. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern is available in six sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 33½" to 51", allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired fit and ease. The pattern designer recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure successful results.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Millington Cardigan requires familiarity with fundamental knitting techniques including cable stitches, seaming, and working with multiple needle types. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts and managing increases and decreases for shaping.