Berroco Maxim Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Maxim Children's Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Maxim is a children's pullover sweater designed by the Berroco Design Team, available in 6 sizes ranging from children's size 2 through size 12. The finished measurements span chest widths from 24 inches to 29 inches and lengths from 15 inches to 19 inches, making this a versatile pattern suitable for growing children. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines classic construction with decorative cable detailing.

Techniques Used

The Maxim sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for easy shaping and modification. The pieces are then seamed together to create the finished sweater. This traditional construction method provides excellent control over fit and allows for precise armhole and neck shaping. The pattern includes a neck shaping section that requires working both sides simultaneously, a technique that ensures symmetrical shoulder lines and a professional-looking neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Moss Stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and durability. Moss Stitch is achieved by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence, producing a subtle, bumpy texture that works beautifully in children's garments. The sweater also features cable stitches, which are worked from a chart and add visual interest and dimension to the design. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, a technique that requires careful attention but produces striking three-dimensional patterns. The combination of Moss Stitch as the base fabric with charted cable motifs creates a balanced design that is both textured and visually engaging.

Materials and Yarn

The Maxim is designed to be knitted with Berroco Remix, a yarn that comes in 100-gram hanks. The pattern calls for 3 to 4 hanks of the main color (MC) in shade #3901 Birch, depending on the size being made, plus 1 hank of contrast color (CC) in shade #3949 Nightfall. The Birch colorway provides a neutral base, while the Nightfall contrast adds depth to the cable details.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires straight knitting needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm), allowing knitters to adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge. A 16-inch length circular knitting needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is used for the neckline, and a cable needle (cn) is essential for working the cable stitches throughout the pattern. For sizes 2 and 4, the sweater includes button bands and requires three 1-inch buttons for closure. Stitch markers are also needed to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Construction Notes

Achieving the correct gauge is critical for this project. The pattern specifies 20 stitches and 25 rows equal 4 inches in Moss Stitch on the larger needles, while the cable motifs worked from the chart measure 40 stitches over 6½ inches on the larger needles. The Berroco Design Team emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning, as this ensures the finished sweater will match the intended measurements. The pattern is worked primarily on the larger needles, with the smaller needles reserved for ribbing or edge details that require a tighter gauge.