Berroco Matilda Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Matilda Version 2 Children's Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Matilda is a children's pullover sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, available in five sizes ranging from 2 to 10 years old. The finished chest measurements span from 25 inches for size 2 up to 33 inches for size 10, with corresponding length measurements from 13½ inches to 21 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a classic, wearable garment suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Matilda sweater is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders, with pieces worked flat on straight needles before being seamed together. The pattern includes a set-up ribbing section that provides elasticity and structure at the lower edge, followed by the main body pattern worked in garter stitch. The sweater features raglan armhole shaping, a classic construction technique where diagonal decreases create sloped armholes that extend from the underarm to the neckline, allowing for a comfortable fit and easier sleeve integration.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The ribbing section uses alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2), which is worked for 1½ inches to create a fitted waistband. The main body is worked in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on the right side and purling every row on the wrong side when working flat. This produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. Shaping is accomplished through knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases, which are worked strategically on right-side rows to create the raglan armhole decreases. The pattern uses stitch markers to denote pattern boundaries and stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Materials and Notions

The Matilda sweater is designed to be knitted with Berroco Pixel yarn in the colorway #2232 Cupcake. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 hanks for the smallest size to 5 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 100 grams. The pattern calls for knitting needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.50 mm), allowing the knitter to adjust needle size to achieve the specified gauge. Additionally, the pattern requires one set of double-pointed needles in size 5 (3.75 mm) for working the neckline in the round. Supporting notions include 4 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches when working in garter stitch on the larger needles, and checking this gauge before beginning is essential for achieving accurate finished measurements.