Berroco Bice Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bice Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Bice is a classic knit sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, suitable for knitters of all skill levels. This garment features a simple, elegant construction with finished bust measurements ranging from 36" to 60" and lengths from 22" to 24½", making it versatile for various body sizes. The design incorporates approximately 4–6" of ease for comfortable wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Bice sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach. This method allows knitters to work the back and front pieces separately on straight needles before assembling them together. The straightforward construction makes this an accessible project for those new to garment knitting, while the classic techniques ensure a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches that create both textural interest and structural integrity:

• Garter Stitch—Used for the ribbed edging at the lower body, creating a textured, elastic border that provides definition and helps the garment sit properly
• Stockinette Stitch (St st)—The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side
• Increases (M1R and M1L)—Make-one right and make-one left increases are used to shape the cap sleeves, allowing for gradual, invisible shaping
• Bind-off—Used to shape the shoulders and finish edges with secure, neat closures

Materials and Gauge

The Bice is designed to be worked in Berroco Corsica yarn, a worsted-weight option available in color #3634 Phlox. The pattern requires 6 to 10 balls depending on the finished size selected. Knitters will need straight needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm), as well as a 16" circular needle in size 4 (3.50 mm) for finishing. Additional notions include one stitch holder, two stitch markers, and two removable stitch markers for tracking shaping points.

The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements and drape.

Design Details

The sweater features cap sleeves that are shaped through strategic increases worked every right-side row for six repetitions, creating a gentle cap at the shoulder. The body begins with a Garter Stitch ribbed section worked on smaller needles before transitioning to larger needles and Stockinette Stitch for the main garment. Shoulder shaping is achieved through bind-offs worked at the beginning of rows, creating a fitted neckline and structured shoulder line appropriate for a classic sweater silhouette.