Berroco Kaver Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Kaver Sweater by Norah Gaughan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Kaver is an experienced-level knitted sweater designed by renowned knitwear designer Norah Gaughan. This garment is sized to fit bust measurements from 34 inches up to 48 inches, with finished bust measurements ranging from 38 to 52 inches. The sweater features a center back length varying from 19 to 26 inches depending on the size selected, making it a versatile piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

The Kaver is constructed using seamed construction and is worked flat rather than in the round, which means pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together. This approach allows for precise shaping and is a hallmark of structured, tailored garment design. The pattern incorporates charted colorwork as a central design element, with multiple chart repeats creating visual interest across the front of the sweater. Decreasing techniques are employed strategically to achieve the finished silhouette, with specific decrease rows worked in stockinette stitch to shape the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater is primarily worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The design features charted pattern work that is repeated five times across the front panel, with the chart beginning at different rows depending on the size being knitted. This allows the colorwork motif to be properly proportioned for each size. The pattern uses knit and purl stitches for foundational construction, with knit two together (k2tog) decreases worked on right-side rows to shape the garment. Selvage stitches are maintained at the edges (k1 at the beginning and end of chart rows) to ensure clean seaming.

Materials and Tools

The Kaver calls for Berroco Captiva yarn in color 5507, requiring 7 to 13 fifty-gram hanks depending on the size being made. Berroco Captiva is the specified yarn for this pattern. The project requires circular knitting needles in sizes 5 (3.75mm) and 7 (4.5mm) to achieve the proper gauge, with the larger needles used for the main fabric. A crochet hook size E/4 (3.5mm) is also needed, likely for finishing details such as edging. Additional tools include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in charted pattern using the larger needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all sizes. The front panel begins with a cast-on of 217 to 297 stitches depending on size, with markers placed to delineate the five chart repeats. After working the charted pattern rows, decreases are worked to dramatically reduce the stitch count to just 9 stitches, indicating significant shaping in the upper portion of the sweater. This is characteristic of an experienced knitter's project, requiring attention to detail in following the charted instructions and maintaining proper tension throughout.