Berroco Isthmus Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Isthmus Pullover: Seamless Top-Down Cable Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Isthmus Pullover is a sophisticated pullover sweater designed by Allison Jane and featured in Berroco Portfolio Vol. 4. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished garment with a classic pullover silhouette, available in eight sizes ranging from 38¼ inches to 65¾ inches in bust measurement. The sweater features approximately 4 inches of ease built into the sizing, making it a comfortable, relaxed-fit garment suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Isthmus Pullover employs a seamless, top-down construction method, meaning the sweater is knit beginning at the neckline and progressing downward toward the hem. This approach is worked in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous, tubular fabric. The top-down method allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length to personal preference before binding off.

The design incorporates cable techniques as a primary design element. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture that adds visual interest and dimension to the sweater. The pattern includes specific cable crossing instructions, with left crosses (LC) and right crosses (RC) detailed in the stitch glossary to guide knitters through the cabling sequences.

Stitch Details and Gauge

The sweater utilizes stockinette stitch (St st) as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. The cable pattern sections require a different gauge than the stockinette areas due to the density created by crossed stitches. Knitters should achieve 22 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger needles after blocking. For the cable pattern sections, the gauge is 26 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches on the larger needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

The pattern includes a double increase technique for shaping, which adds two stitches in a single row by working into the legs of stitches below the working row, creating a smooth, invisible increase that maintains the integrity of the stitch pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Isthmus Pullover is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100-gram skein yarn. The pattern calls for 6 to 13 balls depending on size, with the sample shown knit in colorway #33103 Wheat. Berroco Ultra Wool is a durable, versatile yarn suitable for everyday wear and repeated washing.

The project requires an extensive needle and notions kit to accommodate the seamless, in-the-round construction:

• 32-inch circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm)
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm) for working the crown and sleeves in the round
• 16-inch circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm) for transitioning to smaller circumferences at the cuffs and neckline
• A spare 16-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) or smaller for holding stitches
• A cable needle for executing cable crosses
• 12 stitch markers, with one in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of each round
• A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Waste yarn for provisional cast-on and to temporarily hold sleeve stitches during construction

Size Range and Finished Measurements

The pattern provides eight size options with the following finished bust measurements: 38¼, 42, 46¼, 50, 54¼, 57¾, 62¼, and 65¾ inches. Length measurements (not including the collar) range from 22 inches in the smallest size to 27¼ inches in the largest size, accommodating various heights and proportions. The intermediate skill level makes this pattern suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle cable work and seamless garment construction.