Berroco Gavarnie Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Gavarnie Knit Sweater by Norah Gaughan

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Gavarnie is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Norah Gaughan. This garment is a classic pullover sweater available in seven sizes to fit bust measurements from 30 inches up to 54 inches, with the photographed sample shown in size 38 inches. The finished sweater features a circumference at the underarm ranging from 40 inches to 64 inches depending on size, with lengths between 26 and 28 inches. The design incorporates approximately 10 inches of ease for comfortable wearing.

Knitting Techniques

The Gavarnie sweater is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length if needed.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are joined using seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Lace details: The sweater incorporates lace patterning, with the center panel of both the front and back featuring lace elements that add visual texture and sophistication to the design.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace work:

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch used throughout the sweater body, created by knitting all stitches on the right side rows and purling all stitches on the wrong side rows. This creates the smooth, classic fabric that serves as the foundation for the garment.
• K2, P2 Rib: A knit-purl combination rib used for edgings and cuffs. This stitch is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 additional stitches, alternating knit and purl columns to create an elastic, textured border that helps the sweater maintain its shape.
• Lace stitches: The center panels incorporate lace patterning, though specific lace stitch instructions are referenced in the full pattern document.

Materials and Tools

The Gavarnie sweater is designed to be knitted with Berroco Weekend DK yarn in color #2977. Yardage requirements range from 4 hanks for the smallest size (30 inches) to 7 hanks for the largest sizes (50 and 54 inches).

Knitting needles required include:

• Size 5 (3.75mm) needles
• Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• 16-inch circular needles in size 5 (3.75mm) for ribbing and neckline work
• Stitch holder for holding stitches during construction

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working stockinette stitch using the larger size 7 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the sweater to fit correctly across all the available sizes.

Design Notes

This Norah Gaughan design from Berroco volume 16 is classified as an intermediate skill level project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The combination of lace patterning in the center panels with classic stockinette and ribbed sections creates a balanced, wearable design that works well for various occasions.