Bearberry Top Knitting Pattern

Bearberry Top in Berroco Tuscan Tweed

What Is Being Made

The Bearberry Top is a knitted garment designed by Amy Christoffers that offers a versatile layering piece suitable for intermediate knitters. This top features a finished bust measurement range of 36 to 60 inches across seven size options, with lengths varying from 27¾ to 30 inches depending on the selected size. The design incorporates approximately 6 to 10 inches of ease, allowing for comfortable wear over various undergarments and base layers.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs circular knitting techniques throughout construction, utilizing both 16-inch and 29-inch circular needles to manage stitches efficiently. The pattern incorporates in-the-round knitting methods, which create seamless fabric and reduce finishing work. A key finishing technique featured in this pattern is the Sewn Tubular Bind Off, a professional closure method that creates an invisible, elastic edge ideal for necklines and cuffs. This bind-off technique involves threading yarn through stitches with a tapestry needle in a specific sequence to achieve a polished, refined appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Bearberry Top is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the knit side. The gauge for this pattern is established at 20 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches when worked in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.

Materials Required

The Bearberry Top is designed specifically for Berroco Tuscan Tweed yarn in colorway #9063 Columbine. Yardage requirements range from 8 to 12 balls depending on the selected size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The pattern calls for two sizes of circular knitting needles: size 7 (4.50 mm) needles for the main fabric and size 6 (4.00 mm) needles for edging work. Additional supplies include stitch markers in two different colors to track pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn for temporarily holding stitches during construction.

Berroco recommends using the specified yarn to achieve the intended finished measurements and fabric characteristics. Knitters are advised to check their gauge carefully before beginning, as individual tension variations can affect final garment dimensions.