Berroco Odeleite Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Odeleite Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Odeleite is a knitted sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Berroco Booklet #405. This intermediate-level project creates a classic pullover sweater with cap sleeves, available in eight sizes ranging from 35" to 64" bust circumference. The finished length varies from 21¾" to 24¾" depending on size, offering versatility for different body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Odeleite employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the sweater is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping and straightforward stitch manipulation throughout the project.

Key shaping techniques include the backwards-loop cast-on method for adding stitches at the side edges to create the cap sleeve openings. The pattern incorporates increases (specifically M1R, or make-one-right increases) to shape the armholes and sleeves, creating a fitted silhouette. The design features garter stitch edging at the lower edge, where knit stitches are worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows to create a textured border, while the body is worked primarily in stockinette stitch for a smooth, classic finish.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic smooth V-pattern texture
• Garter Stitch: Used for the lower edge ribbing, created by knitting every row to produce horizontal ridges
• Make-One-Right Increase (M1R): An invisible increase technique used for shaping the armholes and cap sleeves
• Backwards-Loop Cast-On: A simple casting method used to add stitches at the side seams for sleeve opening

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Linen Stonewash, a linen-blend yarn that provides structure and breathability. Yardage requirements range from 6 to 12 balls (300 to 600 yards total, depending on size), with the sample shown knitted in colorway #7370 Basalt, a neutral dark tone. Each ball weighs 50 grams.

Needles: The project requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Size 4 (3.50 mm) knitting needles for initial cast-on and lower edge work
• Size 6 (4.00 mm) knitting needles for the main body in stockinette stitch
• Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle (16" length) for neckline finishing
• Size 4 (3.50 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeve cap shaping

Notions and Gauge: The pattern requires stitch holders, stitch markers, and removable stitch markers to track shaping points throughout construction. The target gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger (size 6) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate finished measurements and proper fit.