Berroco Manihi Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Manihi Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Manihi is a women's knit sweater designed for easy skill level knitters. This pullover garment is available in six sizes ranging from X-Small through 2X, with finished bust measurements from 40 inches to 60 inches. The sweater features a relaxed fit with approximately 10 inches of positive ease built into the design, making it suitable for layering or a comfortable everyday wear piece. The finished length ranges from 21½ inches in the smallest size to 25 inches in the largest size.

Techniques Used

The Manihi sweater is constructed using a bottom-up seamed construction method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edges upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This approach is ideal for beginners and intermediate knitters, as it eliminates the complexity of circular needle techniques while maintaining a classic sweater silhouette.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Manihi is stockinette stitch (abbreviated as St st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-shaped pattern on the right side. Stockinette stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the front side with purl rows on the back side, resulting in the traditional appearance associated with knit sweaters. This fundamental stitch is accessible to knitters with basic skills and creates an elegant, timeless fabric suitable for any season.

Materials and Gauge

The Manihi pattern calls for Berroco Captiva yarn in the colorway #5557 Thistle. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 8 hanks for the smallest sizes to 13 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 50 grams. Knitters should use size 10½ (6.50 mm) straight knitting needles, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge.

Proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. The required gauge is 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches when measured over stockinette stitch. The pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning, as variations in individual knitting tension can significantly affect the finished garment's fit and dimensions.

Construction Details

The back and front pieces are cast on with 82 to 122 stitches depending on size, then worked even in stockinette stitch. The pattern uses parenthetical sizing notation, with the smallest size listed first followed by changes for progressively larger sizes. After completing the body pieces to the specified length, side seams and sleeve seams are sewn together using a seaming technique, creating finished edges and a cohesive garment structure.