Berroco Alwen Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Alwen Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Alwen is a classic pullover sweater designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is offered in seven sizes ranging from 44" to 68" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 22" and 25½". The sweater is designed with approximately 10–12" of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. This makes it an ideal project for knitters seeking a straightforward, wearable garment with generous proportions.

Techniques Used

The Alwen employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, which allows for simple, manageable knitting without the complexity of circular needling for the body. Individual pieces—the back, front, and sleeves—are completed separately and then seamed together to form the finished sweater. This traditional approach is particularly suitable for knitters at the Easy skill level, as it involves straightforward shaping and assembly.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Moss Stitch, a textured, reversible fabric created through alternating knit and purl stitches. The Moss Stitch pattern repeats over four rows: Rows 1 and 2 alternate knit 1 and purl 1 across; Rows 3 and 4 reverse this sequence, beginning with purl 1 and knit 1. This creates a subtle, bumpy texture that is visually interesting and lies flat without curling. The ribbing at the lower edge uses a 2×2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2), which provides elasticity and helps the sweater maintain its shape at the waistband.

Materials and Tools

The Alwen calls for Berroco Inca Tweed yarn in the colorway #8920 Sabio. Yardage requirements range from 6 hanks for the smallest size to 10 hanks for the largest sizes; each hank weighs 100 grams. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in sizes 9 (5.50 mm) and 10 (6.00 mm), with the smaller needles used for the ribbed cuffs and waistband and the larger needles for the main Moss Stitch fabric. A 24" circular knitting needle in size 9 is also required, likely for picking up stitches or working certain sections. Additional notions include one stitch marker and one stitch holder for managing stitches during shaping.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches in Moss Stitch on the larger needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements, and the pattern emphasizes this by noting "TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE." The back panel is cast on with a long-tail cast-on and begins with 3½" of 2×2 ribbing before transitioning to Moss Stitch. Armhole shaping and neckline shaping are incorporated as the piece grows, with increases and decreases worked at specific intervals to create the proper garment silhouette.

Design Features

The Alwen is a timeless, versatile sweater design that emphasizes comfort and ease of construction. The Moss Stitch texture adds visual depth and interest while remaining simple enough for knitters new to texture patterns. The 10–12" of positive ease ensures the sweater will drape comfortably over the body rather than fitting snugly, making it suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The classic seamed, bottom-up construction method provides a structured, polished finish and allows knitters to try on their work as it progresses.