Berroco Balletomane Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Balletomane Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Balletomane is a classic knit sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Berroco Book #410. This garment is constructed as a pullover sweater with a fitted yoke and is available in eight sizes ranging from 34" to 64" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 21" and 26½". The sweater is shown in size 47" and is recommended for knitters of all skill levels, as it is rated as an Easy project.

Construction Techniques

The Balletomane employs a bottom-up, seamless construction method worked primarily in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The body and sleeves are worked in the round from the cast-on edge up to the underarms. The pieces are then joined together, and the yoke is completed in one continuous piece worked in the round to the neckline. This technique provides excellent fit and reduces finishing work, making it an ideal choice for knitters seeking a polished garment without the complexity of multiple seams.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P2, K1): A textured rib pattern is used for the lower edge of the body, creating a 2" ribbed cuff that provides elasticity and helps the sweater maintain its shape during wear and washing.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and yoke sections, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.

Materials and Gauge

The Balletomane is designed to be worked in Berroco Pirouette yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. Depending on the finished size, the project requires between 5 and 10 balls of yarn in colorway #2342 Golden. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needles, which is essential to check before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires a range of circular needles and double-pointed needles to accommodate the seamless, in-the-round construction:

• 16" circular needles in sizes 7 (4.50 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm)
• 29" circular needles in sizes 7 (4.50 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm)
• 1 set of double-pointed needles in sizes 7 (4.50 mm) and 8 (5.00 mm) for working the upper sleeve cap and neckline
• 4 stitch markers, with 1 in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of each round
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Waste yarn for holding stitches temporarily during construction

Sizing and Fit

The Balletomane offers generous sizing options with a recommended positive ease of 2–4 inches, meaning the finished bust measurement will be 2–4 inches larger than your actual bust measurement for comfortable wearing room. Finished bust measurements range from 34" to 64", and finished lengths vary from 21" to 26½" across the eight available sizes, allowing knitters to customize the fit to their preferences.