Berroco Maldives Jumper Crochet Pattern

Berroco Maldives Crochet Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Maldives is an intermediate-level crochet sweater designed by Donna Yacino. This garment features a sophisticated lace construction with a fitted bodice and decorative peplum detail. The sweater is available in seven sizes, ranging from 36 inches to 60 inches bust measurement, with finished lengths between 23 and 25½ inches. The design is shown in size 40 inches with approximately 6 inches of ease for a comfortable fit.

Construction Techniques

The Maldives sweater employs a top-down, worked-flat construction method for the main body pieces. The back and front panels are crocheted separately from the top down before being seamed together. Once the body is complete, the peplum is picked up from the lower edge and worked in the round to create the flared detail at the hem. This combination of techniques allows for precise shaping at the neckline and shoulders while maintaining the flexibility of circular construction for the peplum section.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This design showcases two distinct lace patterns that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment.

• Pattern 1: A lace pattern based on a chain multiple of 3 plus 2, featuring decorative groups and chain spaces that create an open, airy fabric. This pattern repeats at 2½ inches in width and uses the group stitch as a foundational element.
• Pattern 2: An alternative lace pattern that repeats at 2½ inches in width, offering design variety within the sweater construction.
• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used for gauge measurement and structural integrity, with a gauge of 18 double crochets and 9 rows equaling 4 inches.
• Group Stitch: A special abbreviation defined as a decorative stitch created by working yarn overs and pulled loops in specific positions, then drawing yarn through multiple loops on the hook. This stitch creates the lace openwork characteristic of Pattern 1.
• Cluster Stitch: Another special technique where double crochets are worked into consecutive stitches, leaving the final loop of each on the hook before drawing yarn through all loops at once, creating a textured, dimensional effect.
• Chain Spaces (ch-sp): Open areas created by chain stitches between groups, contributing to the lace appearance of the patterns.

Materials and Tools

The Berroco Maldives is designed to be worked in Berroco Medina yarn, a yarn weight requiring 4 to 6 balls (100 grams each) depending on the finished size selected. The yarn color shown in the pattern is #4733 Agadir. Construction requires a 4.50 mm (size 7) crochet hook, or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. The pattern also calls for 4 removable markers to assist with tracking pattern repeats and construction points throughout the project.

Gauge and Sizing

Accurate gauge is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies 18 double crochets and 9 rows equal 4 inches in double crochet stitch. For the lace patterns, Pattern 1 gauge is measured as 8 groups equaling 4 inches in width. Taking time to check gauge before beginning ensures accurate finished measurements and proper fit across all seven available sizes.