Berroco Espe Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Espe Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Espe is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Amy Christoffers. This garment is available in seven sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 41" to 59", and length measurements from 24½" to 26½". The sweater is designed with approximately 4 to 6 inches of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The shown sample is displayed in size 44" with Scorpionfish colorway.

Construction Technique

The Espe sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat method. This traditional approach involves knitting the back and front pieces separately on straight needles from the lower edge upward, then seaming the pieces together. The flat construction allows for precise shaping and charted pattern work throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater features charted pattern work as its primary stitch element. Knitters follow a detailed chart to create the decorative pattern across the body of the garment. The pattern is worked consistently across the back, front, and armhole sections. Standard knitting techniques are employed for shaping, including cast-on stitches for armhole shaping and bind-off stitches for shoulder and neck shaping.

Yarn and Materials

The Espe is knitted using Berroco Elba yarn, a worsted-weight yarn requiring 10 to 16 balls depending on size selection (each ball is 50 grams). The sample shown uses colorway #7741 Scorpionfish. Construction requires straight knitting needles in sizes 6 (4.00 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm), with the smaller needles used for the ribbed cast-on edge and the larger needles for the main charted pattern. A 24" length circular knitting needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is also needed, along with one stitch marker and one stitch holder for managing stitches during neck shaping.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working the charted pattern on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Seven size options are provided to accommodate a wide range of body measurements.

Shaping Details

The sweater incorporates several key shaping elements:

• Armhole shaping created by casting on 4 stitches at the beginning of rows
• Armhole depth ranging from 6½" to 8½" depending on size
• Shoulder shaping worked over multiple rows with bind-off decreases
• Neck shaping with center stitches marked and bound off to create the neckline opening