Berroco Breakwater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Breakwater Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Berroco Breakwater is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Amy Christoffers. This pullover features a sophisticated construction combining seamless knitting techniques with decorative lace panels. The sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from 36" to 60" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 21½" and 24½". The design includes approximately 2–4" of ease for comfortable wearing.

Construction Techniques

The Breakwater employs a bottom-up, seamless construction worked entirely in the round using circular needles. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous garment from the cast-on edge upward. The sweater begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles, then transitions to larger needles for the body.

The body is primarily worked in Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which creates a distinctive textured surface. The design incorporates lace panel work strategically placed on the front and back of the garment. These lace panels are worked from charts and add visual interest and breathability to the design. The seamless, in-the-round construction ensures that the lace panels integrate smoothly with the body of the sweater.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) create the elastic cuff at the lower edge, worked for 2" to provide stretch and shape retention
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Purling every round creates the main fabric texture, providing a smooth, refined appearance
• Lace Panels: Chart-based lace panels featuring Right Panel and Left Panel variations add decorative openwork elements to the front and back sections

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Breakwater is designed to be knit with Berroco Quinoa yarn (50 grams per ball). Yarn requirements range from 4 balls for the smallest size (36") to 8 balls for the largest size (60"), with the sweater shown in size 40" requiring 5 balls in colorway #1040 Fennel.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires 29" circular needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm). The smaller needles are used for the ribbed cuff and neckline, while the larger needles accommodate the body stitches. A 16" circular needle in size 4 (3.50 mm) is needed for finishing the neckline. Additional notions include one stitch holder, ten stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of round), and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Reverse Stockinette Stitch using the larger needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and the pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning.

Skill Level and Design Details

Rated as an intermediate project, the Breakwater requires familiarity with circular needle knitting, working in the round, reading lace charts, and managing multiple stitch markers. The combination of seamless construction and lace panel work makes this an engaging project for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques.