Berroco Kai Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Kai Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Kai is a seamless, bottom-up knit sweater designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level garment features a classic pullover construction with a finished bust measurement range of 32 to 56 inches and a length varying from 28½ to 31 inches depending on size selection. The sweater is designed with approximately 2 to 4 inches of ease for comfortable wearing. The back piece is approximately 2 inches longer than the front, creating subtle visual interest in the finished garment.

Construction Techniques

The Kai employs a hybrid construction method that combines flat knitting with circular knitting. The back and front panels are initially worked separately in flat rows over a garter stitch border, then joined together and worked in the round to the underarm. Once the body reaches the underarm, it is divided again and the back and front are worked flat to completion. This technique allows for seamless construction in the round while maintaining the flexibility of flat knitting for shaping at the armholes and neckline.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.

Garter Stitch: Used for the border sections at the beginning of both the back and front panels. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges.

The gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle size, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Kai calls for Berroco Indigo in colorway #6403 Flare. The yardage required ranges from 4 hanks for the smallest size (approximately 400 yards) to 7 hanks for the largest size (approximately 700 yards), with each hank weighing 100 grams.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two sizes of circular knitting needles—size 6 (4.00 mm) and size 7 (4.50 mm)—both in 29-inch length for the main body work. An additional 16-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is needed for working smaller circumferences. The pattern also calls for 1 stitch holder and 4 stitch markers, with one marker in a different color to denote the beginning of each round.

Skill Level and Considerations

This pattern is rated at an intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and techniques. The combination of working in the round and working flat requires comfort with both methods. Careful attention to gauge is emphasized in the pattern instructions, as accurate gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements.