Berroco Glacial Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Glacial Pullover: Intermediate Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Glacial Pullover is a classic pullover sweater designed by Jesie Ostermiller from Portfolio Vol. 4. This intermediate-level knitting project features a modern construction method with raglan shaping and decorative patterning. The sweater is available in five size options, ranging from 34¾ inches to 53½ inches in finished bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments from 23¼ inches to 26 inches. The garment is designed with 2–4 inches of ease at the bust, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fitting pullover suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Glacial Pullover employs a bottom-up construction method, which is a popular approach for seamless sweaters. The front and back pieces are initially knit flat on circular needles for the first 2 inches, then joined in the round to create a seamless body. This hybrid flat-and-round technique allows for easier shaping at the lower edges while maintaining the efficiency of circular knitting for the main body. Once the body reaches the appropriate length, the sleeves are joined, and the yoke is worked with raglan shaping—a classic sweater construction where diagonal decreases create the characteristic sloped shoulder line. The pattern recommends using distinctive stitch markers to differentiate between A-line shaping in the body and raglan shaping in the yoke, helping knitters avoid confusion during construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Glacial Pullover incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Broken Rib Stitch: Used as a foundational pattern throughout portions of the sweater, creating a textured, elastic fabric with vertical lines. This stitch pattern has a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches.
• Chevron Chart: A decorative charted pattern featured on the front, back, and both sleeves of the pullover. The Chevron Chart has a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches, creating a distinctive geometric pattern.
• Stockinette Stitch: The smooth, classic knit stitch used in portions of the garment. Stockinette stitch in this pattern has a gauge of 17 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches.

The combination of these stitch patterns—ribbed texture, geometric charting, and smooth stockinette—creates a balanced design with both visual appeal and structural integrity.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Glacial Pullover is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100-gram ball weight yarn. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 5 balls for the smallest size (34¾ inches) to 9 balls for the largest size (53½ inches). The pattern specifies color #3301 Cream, a neutral shade that complements the stitch pattern details.

The needle requirements include a combination of circular and double-pointed needles to accommodate the various construction stages:

• One 32-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) for the main body and yoke
• Two 16-inch circular needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm) for ribbed edgings and smaller circumferences
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in size 6 (4.00 mm) for working the collar in the round

Knitters should also have waste yarn available to temporarily hold sleeve stitches during construction, stitch markers to track pattern placement and shaping, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning—the primary gauge to match is 19 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in Broken Rib Stitch on size 6 needles.