Berroco Top Knitting Pattern

Berroco Portovenere Knit Top

What is Being Made

The Portovenere is a knitted top designed by Alison Green, offering an intermediate-level knitting project. This garment features a modern construction with a front gap detail and collar extensions, available in nine size options ranging from 36" to 72" bust measurements. The finished length varies from approximately 31½" to 35" depending on size, providing versatility for different body proportions and style preferences.

Construction Technique

The Portovenere employs an efficient one-piece construction method. The garment is worked from the bottom upward in a single piece until the underarms, where it is then divided to create separate back and front sections. This approach minimizes seaming and creates a seamless integration of the body. Front bands are worked from stitches held on waste yarn during the initial construction phase, then sewn to the finished front edges. Collar extensions are separately sewn to the back neck and joined using a three-needle bind-off technique, which creates a strong, finished seam ideal for neckline stability.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this top. The pattern incorporates several intermediate-level techniques including:

• Circular needle knitting for seamless construction
• Stitch marker placement for pattern tracking and shaping
• Waste yarn techniques for holding stitches during construction
• Three-needle bind-off for joining collar extensions to the back neck
• Blocking to achieve accurate finished measurements and gauge

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Berroco Vernazza yarn, a premium fiber option from Berroco, Inc. The project uses two coordinating colorways: the main color (MC) Portofino (#10603) and a contrasting color (CC) Plentzia (#10601). Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 9 to 19 balls of the main color and 3 to 4 balls of the contrasting color, with each ball weighing 50 grams.

Needles required include 32" circular needles in sizes 7 (4.5 mm) and 8 (5 mm), allowing knitters to adjust based on personal gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a spare needle for executing the three-needle bind-off technique.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles. Gauge is measured after blocking, making blocking an essential step for achieving accurate finished measurements. The pattern recommends 2–4 inches of positive ease for comfortable wear, ensuring the finished garment drapes appropriately on the body.