Berroco Pima

Berroco Pima 100™ Knitting Pattern Collection

Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern collection from Berroco features five distinct knit designs created by designer Amy Christoffers, all worked in Berroco Pima 100™ yarn. The collection includes the garments: Lourdes, Marquita, Cosette, Aliisa, and Larue. Each design showcases the exceptional qualities of pure Pima cotton, offering knitters multiple options for creating soft, beautifully-defined garments suitable for warm-weather wear.

Yarn Specifications

Berroco Pima 100™ is a 100% Pima cotton yarn spun into a 4-ply construction, providing superior softness and excellent stitch definition. Each hank contains 219 yards and weighs 100 grams. The yarn features an unmercerized finish, which creates a distinctive matte appearance across the color palette rather than the sheen of mercerized cotton. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch.

Construction Techniques

The patterns employ fundamental knitting construction methods appropriate for fitted garments. Designs begin with ribbed edgings worked on smaller needles to create definition and elasticity. The body sections are worked primarily in stockinette stitch, with strategic shaping achieved through decreases at neck edges and sleeve cap areas. Shoulder shaping utilizes bind-off techniques worked across multiple rows to create sloped shoulders. The patterns include both right-side and wrong-side rows, with specific instructions for decreasing stitches at regular intervals to achieve proper garment fit across multiple size ranges.

Stitch Techniques

• Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1 pattern) create elastic edges
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric construction, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Decreasing: Single stitch decreases worked at neck edges and shoulder points for shaping
• Binding Off: Used to secure stitches and complete edges, particularly at shoulder seams
• Slip Stitches: Utilized when transferring stitches between needles or holders

Pattern Features

The patterns are graded across multiple sizes to accommodate different body measurements. Stitch counts for cast-on range from 103 to 151 stitches depending on the desired size. The designs incorporate set-up ribbing sections followed by extended stockinette stitch sections that create the main garment body. Sleeve shaping is worked to specific measurements, with instructions provided in inches for consistency across all sizes. Neck shaping involves strategic decreases worked on alternate rows to create a gradual slope.

Materials and Needles

The patterns specify the use of straight needles in two sizes: smaller needles for ribbed sections and larger needles for the main body and stockinette stitch sections. The exact needle sizes are referenced in the complete pattern instructions. Berroco Pima 100™ yarn is the recommended fiber for these designs, ensuring proper gauge and the intended fabric characteristics.

Care Instructions

Finished garments should be machine washed in cold water using the delicate cycle to preserve the integrity of the Pima cotton fiber. Garments should be laid flat to dry rather than machine dried, preventing shrinkage and maintaining the shape and drape of the finished piece.

Pattern Support

Berroco provides ongoing pattern support through their website at berroco.com, including a dedicated pattern corrections page for the latest updates to pattern #385. Knitters can access abbreviations, terms, and a learning center through the Berroco website. Direct pattern support is available via email at patternsupport@berroco.com for questions or clarifications during the knitting process.