Berroco Idabel Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Idabel Knitted Sweater

What is Being Made

The Idabel is a classic knitted sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, suitable for knitters of all skill levels with an Easy rating. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 36 inches to 68 inches bust measurement, with finished lengths between 21½ and 24 inches. The sweater is shown in the 40-inch size and is designed with approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Idabel sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat approach, which means the garment pieces are knitted separately from the bottom edge upward and then assembled together. This traditional construction method allows for straightforward shaping and finishing.

The sweater begins with ribbed edging at the lower edge, which provides elasticity and a polished finish. The ribbing is worked over 3 inches in a 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) using smaller needles to create a snug, fitted band. After the ribbing is complete, the knitter transitions to larger needles and continues the body in stockinette stitch for a smooth, classic fabric texture.

A key technique featured in this pattern is holding two yarns together throughout the entire project. The Berroco Artesia and Berroco Ultra Wool yarns are worked as a single strand, with the recommendation to alternate Artesia skeins every 2 rows to ensure even color distribution and yarn integration. This two-yarn approach creates a balanced fabric with combined texture and warmth.

Stitches Used

• 1x1 Ribbing (K1, P1): Used for the cuff edging to create stretch and structure at the lower edge
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the sweater, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, V-textured fabric

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Idabel pattern calls for two complementary Berroco yarns worked together as one:

• Berroco Artesia (C1): A 100-gram hank, with yardage requirements ranging from 2 to 3 hanks depending on size. The sample shown uses color #4807 Quince, a warm, earthy tone.
• Berroco Ultra Wool (C2): A 100-gram ball in a worsted weight, requiring 3 to 5 balls depending on size. The sample uses color #3300 Snow, a crisp white shade that contrasts beautifully with the Quince.

The two-yarn combination creates a fabric with depth and visual interest while maintaining consistent gauge and drape.

Needles required: US Size 9 (5.5 mm) needles for ribbing and a 16-inch circular needle at the same size, plus US Size 10½ (6.5 mm) needles for the body stockinette stitch. The size difference between ribbing and body needles is standard practice to ensure the ribbed cuff remains elastic while the body fabric has appropriate drape.

Additional notions: 1 stitch marker and 2 stitch holders are needed for managing stitches during construction.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles with both C1 and C2 held together. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished sweater matches the intended measurements and drape. The pattern emphasizes taking time to verify gauge to avoid sizing discrepancies.