Berroco Gertrude Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Gertrude Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

Gertrude is an intermediate-level knit sweater from Berroco Book #412, designed as a pullover jumper with a classic fit. The garment is available in eight sizes ranging from 42" to 68" bust measurement, with finished lengths between approximately 20½" and 23¾" depending on size. The sweater features 6–10" of positive ease in the bust, making it suitable for a comfortable, relaxed wearing style.

Construction Techniques

This sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, beginning at the lower body and working upward toward the shoulders. The body is worked in the round using circular needles from the cast-on edge up to the underarms, where it is then divided for the back and front and worked flat. The sleeves are picked up around the armholes and worked down in the round, creating a seamless integration at the armhole. This hybrid approach—combining seamless circular knitting with flat sections—allows for efficient construction while maintaining shaping flexibility.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Gertrude sweater utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The ribbing at the lower body is worked in alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib), creating an elastic edge that measures 1½" from the cast-on. The main body and sleeves are worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which is created by knitting every round when working in the round, producing the classic smooth, V-textured fabric. Shaping is achieved through make-one increases (M1R and M1L), which are invisible increases that maintain the integrity of the stockinette pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Gertrude sweater is designed to be knit with Berroco Nomad yarn, a worsted-weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size (42" bust) to 15 balls for the largest size (68" bust). The recommended colorway shown in the pattern is #9103 Oats, a neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.

Needles required include 29" circular needles in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 10½ (6.50 mm), a 16" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm), and one set of double-pointed needles in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 10½ (6.50 mm). The pattern calls for 2 stitch markers, 2 removable stitch markers, and waste yarn to hold stitches during construction. The recommended gauge is 11 stitches and 21 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle, making gauge checking essential before beginning the project.