Berroco Blondin Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Blondin Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Blondin is a seamless, top-down knitted sweater designed by Mel Kennelly. This intermediate-level project features a classic pullover construction with raglan shaping on the yoke. The sweater is available in eight sizes ranging from 36½" to 72" bust circumference, with finished lengths varying from 21¼" to 25¾" measured down from the back neck. The design showcases a striking striped pattern throughout the yoke, creating visual interest in the upper body of the garment.

Construction Techniques

The Blondin sweater employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level knitters:

• Top-down seamless construction: The entire sweater is worked in the round from the neck down, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, unified garment.
• Raglan shaping: The yoke features raglan-style increases that create diagonal lines from the neck to the armholes, providing a flattering, classic silhouette.
• Short-row shaping: The neckline is shaped using short rows, a technique that adds depth and contour to the neck opening for improved fit.
• Striped colorwork: A repeating stripe sequence alternates between the main color and contrasting color throughout the yoke, adding visual dimension without requiring complex colorwork techniques.
• Worked in the round: The body is primarily constructed using circular needles, with small circumferences worked on double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Blondin sweater is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), the foundational knit stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The stripe sequence for the yoke follows a repeating pattern of 4 rounds in the main color followed by 2 rounds in the contrasting color, creating a balanced, eye-catching design element. This straightforward stitch pattern keeps the project accessible while delivering striking visual results.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Blondin is designed to be worked with Berroco Spree, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for two colors: Sand (#94103) as the main color, requiring between 5 and 11 balls depending on size, and Meadow (#9452) as the contrasting color, requiring between 3 and 5 balls depending on size. The recommended gauge is 23 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm)—one set in 16-inch length and one in 32-inch length. Additionally, knitters will need one set each of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in both sizes for working the sleeves and neckline. Essential notions include four stitch markers (with one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), one removable marker for tracking pattern repeats, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Sizing and Fit

The Blondin offers generous sizing options with eight finished bust measurements: 36½", 40", 44", 48¼", 52½", 56", 60", 64¼", 68½", and 72". The pattern recommends approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, modern fit. Finished lengths range from 21¼" to 25¾", providing options for different body proportions and style preferences.