Berroco Arcata Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arcata Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Arcata Pullover is a seamless, top-down knitted sweater designed by Allison Jane. This intermediate-level garment is worked in the round and features a classic pullover construction with set-in sleeves. The finished sweater offers a range of sizes from 37 inches to 64 inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length options from 22 inches to 29 inches, making it suitable for various body types and fit preferences.

Techniques Used

This pullover employs several advanced knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Seamless construction: The entire garment is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Top-down construction: The sweater begins at the neckline and progresses downward to the hem, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and try-ons during the knitting process.
• Stranded colorwork: The pattern incorporates a two-color stranded technique using a cream main color and butternut contrast color, creating a decorative motif worked from a chart.
• Stripe patterning: Color changes are integrated into the design through charted rounds, adding visual depth to the finished piece.
• Short-row shaping: The neckband uses short-row shaping techniques to create a contoured, fitted neckline that sits properly on the shoulders.

Stitches Used

The Arcata Pullover utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance.
• Ribbing: Used in the neckband with alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib), providing elasticity and a finished edge.
• Yarn over increases (Yo): Decorative increases worked throughout the pattern, twisted on the following round to close the stitch and create intentional eyelet or textural elements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Arcata Pullover is designed to be worked with Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a durable worsted-weight yarn. The pattern requires 4 to 9 balls of the main color (100 grams per ball) depending on the chosen size, with the smallest size requiring 4 balls of #8301 Cream and the largest requiring 9 balls. A single ball of #8329 Butternut contrast color is used across all sizes for the stranded colorwork sections.

Needles and notions include size 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for working the body and neckband, plus one set of four size 7 double-pointed needles for completing the sleeve caps. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn for temporarily holding sleeve stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 21 stitches and 31 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The design is shown in the 37-inch size with approximately 1 inch of positive ease, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit suitable for layering.