Berroco Esme Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Esme Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Esme is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Amy Palmer. This garment features a classic pullover construction with a finished bust measurement range of 34 to 58 inches across seven size options. The sweater is designed with approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. The back length ranges from 24 to 27 inches depending on size, with the front intentionally cut 1 inch shorter for a modern silhouette.

Construction Techniques

The Esme employs a hybrid construction method that combines both flat and in-the-round knitting techniques for optimal garment shaping and efficiency. The front and back hems are worked flat on circular needles to establish clean finished edges, then these pieces are joined together to transition into seamless in-the-round knitting for the body. This approach allows for precise stitch control on the hem sections while eliminating the need for seaming the body and sleeves. The sleeves are worked in the round from cuff to underarm, then seamlessly joined to the body at the underarm points. The yoke and collar sections are completed entirely in the round, creating a unified neckline without visible seams.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern is a four-stitch repeat ribbed texture that alternates between knit and purl stitches. When working in the round, the pattern stitch consists of two rounds of P2, K2 ribbing followed by two rounds of K2, P2 ribbing, creating a subtle textural variation. When working flat on the hems, the same four-stitch multiple is maintained with corresponding row sequences. This reversible ribbed pattern provides both visual interest and inherent elasticity, making it ideal for cuffs, hems, and fitted sections. The gauge is established at 18 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when worked in the pattern stitch on the larger needles.

Materials and Tools

The Esme is designed to be knit with Berroco Tuscan Tweed yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. The pattern calls for 7 to 13 balls of the main color (MC) in shade #9063 Columbine, depending on the size selected, and 2 balls of the contrasting color (CC) in shade #9023 Wild Ginger for all sizes. The needle requirements include one 29-inch circular needle in size 9 (5.50 mm) for the main body work, 16-inch circular needles in both sizes 8 (5.00 mm) and 9 (5.50 mm) for smaller circumference sections, and one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 8 and 9 for sleeve and yoke shaping. Additional notions include four stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of rounds) and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction. Proper gauge checking is emphasized as essential before beginning the project.