Berroco Davit Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Davit Seamless Top-Down Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Davit is a women's seamless knit sweater designed by Amy Palmer. This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated open-back construction that provides versatility in fit across multiple sizes. The sweater is available in six finished bust measurements ranging from 33½ inches to 53 inches, with corresponding length options from 19 inches to 26 inches. The design incorporates approximately 1–4 inches of positive ease, and the open back construction allows each size to accommodate a wider range of bust sizes than traditional fitted sweaters.

Construction Method and Techniques

Seamless, Top-Down Construction: The Davit is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning at the front shoulders and progressing downward in a single continuous piece. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and creates a garment with superior fit and comfort.

Worked in the Round: The body begins with flat knitting for the front shoulders and neck shaping, then transitions to circular needle work. The sleeves are picked up around the armholes and worked downward in the round, creating seamless sleeve caps and a professional finish.

Short Row Shaping: The lower edge of the sweater is shaped using short rows, a technique that creates subtle shaping and contour without increasing bulk. This method allows the designer to achieve a refined silhouette while maintaining the seamless construction.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Davit is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This fundamental knit stitch provides an elegant canvas for the garment's open-back design.

Shaping is accomplished using Make One Left (M1L) and Make One Purl Right (M1pR) increases, which are invisible increase methods that maintain the integrity of the stockinette fabric. These increases are strategically placed to shape the neckline and create the garment's fitted silhouette.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Davit is designed to be worked in Berroco Quinoa, a specialty yarn made from quinoa fiber. The pattern calls for 4 to 9 balls (200 to 450 grams total) depending on size, in the colorway #1001 Sesame Seeds. Each ball of Berroco Quinoa weighs 50 grams.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires both 32-inch and 16-inch circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm), or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include 8 regular stitch markers and 2 removable stitch markers or safety pins for marking specific sections during construction.

Gauge: The pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.