Berroco Knicknack Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Norah Gaughan Knicknack Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Norah Gaughan Knicknack is a women's knitted sweater designed by renowned knitwear designer Norah Gaughan. This garment is available in eight sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 30 inches to 54 inches, with the sample shown in size 34 inches. The finished sweater features a back and front width (when laid flat) of approximately 29½ to 45 inches depending on size, and a length of 16 to 18 inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and proportions.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques that define its structure and aesthetic appeal. The sweater is worked flat, meaning it is knitted in separate pieces on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier stitch manipulation and pattern work. The garment is seamed, with individual pieces joined together using traditional seaming methods to create a finished garment. The design incorporates lace techniques throughout, creating openwork patterns that add visual interest and a delicate quality to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Knicknack pattern utilizes a variety of knitting stitches to create its distinctive lace design. The foundational stitch is stockinette stitch (st st), which provides a smooth, classic base for the garment. The lace pattern incorporates several advanced stitches including yarn overs (yo), which create the openwork holes characteristic of lace knitting, knit through the back loop (k1tbl), which adds textural variation, slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk), and knit two together (k2tog) decreases. These decrease stitches are paired with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while creating the lace motif. The pattern also uses purl stitches (p1) to create definition and structure within the lace sections, and knit stitches (k1) for ribbing and edge definition.

Materials

The Knicknack sweater is crafted using Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light yarn in color 4217. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 hanks for the smallest size to 10 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 50 grams. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in size 7 (4.5mm) for the main garment construction, as well as a 16-inch circular needle in size 4 (3.5mm) for finishing details such as neckbands or ribbed edges. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches when working in stockinette stitch with size 7 needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Stitch markers are also required to help track pattern repeats and maintain accuracy throughout the knitting process.