Siza Cardigan in Berroco Ultra Wool DK - Downloadable PDF

Siza Cardigan Crochet Pattern in Berroco Ultra Wool DK — Downloadable PDF

The Siza Cardigan, designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco, is a relaxed, stylish crochet cardigan worked in a beautifully textured stitch pattern with striking vertical color-stripe detailing. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level crochet pattern offers ten sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 39 to 73 inches (99–185.5 cm), making it an exceptionally size-inclusive design. The sample shown is a size 3 (46" / 117 cm bust) modeled with 12 inches of positive ease, and the pattern recommends 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, drapey fit. Finished lengths range from approximately 24½ to 27½ inches (62–70 cm) depending on size.

What Is Being Made

The Siza Cardigan is a flattering, open-front crochet cardigan featuring a structured body with vertical stripe accents. The design is worked in three colors — a main color and two contrasting colors — creating a sophisticated, modern aesthetic. The cardigan is constructed in flat pieces (Back and two Fronts) that are seamed together, giving it clean, tailored edges. The vertical stripes are not worked into the fabric during construction but are instead added afterward using a surface slip-stitch technique, which creates bold, crisp lines of color across the finished fabric.

Construction and Techniques

• Flat construction: The Back and Front panels are each worked flat in rows, then joined by seaming — a method that produces neat, stable seams and a structured silhouette.
• Surface slip-stitch stripes: After the main fabric is complete, vertical stripes in Verbena (CC1) and Ocean (CC2) are applied directly onto the surface of the fabric using slip stitches. This technique allows for precise color placement without the complexity of colorwork during the main construction.
• Gauge management: Gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step for achieving accurate finished dimensions. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 11 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the pattern stitch, counting each half double crochet and each chain-1 space as a stitch.
• Stitch markers: Used throughout to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary fabric is worked in a custom Pattern Stitch built on a foundation chain that is a multiple of 15 plus 5 stitches. The stitch pattern alternates between half double crochet (hdc) clusters and chain-1 spaces, creating an open, rhythmic texture with visual interest. Key stitch elements include:

• Half double crochet (hdc): The dominant stitch throughout the body, worked in groups with chain-1 spaces interspersed to create the signature pattern texture.
• Chain-1 spaces (ch-1 sp): Worked between hdc stitches in alternating positions across rows, contributing to the lacy, airy quality of the fabric. Each chain-1 space is counted as a stitch for gauge purposes.
• Turning chain: A chain-2 turning chain counts as an hdc throughout the pattern, maintaining consistent stitch counts at row edges.
• Surface slip stitch: Applied post-construction in the contrasting colors to create the vertical stripe design detail.
• Chain stitch foundation: The pattern begins with a standard chain foundation worked to the required multiple.

Materials — Yarn, Hook, and Notions

The pattern is designed specifically for Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a 100-gram DK-weight yarn. Three colors are used:

• 83109 Fog (MC — Main Color): Required in quantities of (3, 3, 4) [4, 5, 5, 5] {6, 6, 6} balls depending on size. Fog is a neutral, muted gray tone that forms the primary body of the cardigan.