Berroco Olana Jumper Crochet Pattern

Berroco Olana Crochet Sweater

What is Being Made

The Olana is a women's crochet sweater designed by Amy Palmer, featured in Berroco Book #415. This intermediate-level garment is available in 12 sizes ranging from 35 inches to 62½ inches bust measurement, with finished lengths between 22 and 24 inches. The sweater showcases a sophisticated lace pattern and is worked primarily in the round, making it an ideal project for crocheters looking to expand their skills beyond basic construction techniques.

Construction and Techniques

The Olana employs a bottom-up construction method, with the body worked in the round to the underarms before being divided for separate back and front sections. This approach allows for seamless shaping and efficient garment assembly. The lower ribbing is worked down during the finishing stages, creating a polished, fitted edge at the hem.

The sweater uses seaming techniques to join sections after the initial circular construction, and portions are worked flat once the body is divided. The designer incorporates lace stitch patterns throughout, creating an open, airy fabric that showcases the yarn's beautiful color variations. Specific post stitches—back post double crochet (bpdc) and front post double crochet (fpdc)—are utilized to add textural depth and definition to the design.

Stitches Used

This pattern relies on fundamental crochet stitches combined in creative ways:

• Double crochet (dc) forms the foundation of the lace pattern and ribbing
• Single crochet (sc) creates definition and structure within the lace motifs
• Chain stitches (ch) establish the open, airy spaces characteristic of lace construction
• Shell stitch, defined as [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] all in the next stitch, creates the primary decorative element
• Back post double crochet (bpdc) and front post double crochet (fpdc) add textural contrast and dimensional shaping

The pattern stitch repeats over a multiple of 8 stitches and is worked in rounds, with color changes between rounds managed by carrying the unused color loosely up the side of the work to minimize bulk.

Materials and Gauge

The Olana is designed to be worked with Berroco Farro yarn, a premium fiber available in two coordinating colors for this project: Turquoise (#6433) and Golden (#6422). Yarn requirements range from 3 to 8 balls of the primary color and 4 to 8 balls of the secondary color, depending on the finished size selected. Each ball of Berroco Farro weighs 50 grams.

Construction requires a 3.25 mm (size D) crochet hook, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit: the pattern stitch should measure 2 shells plus 2 single crochets over 2½ inches horizontally, with 4 rows measuring 1½ inches vertically. The lower ribbing is worked to a gauge of 22 double crochets and 6 rounds measuring 4 inches. Taking time to swatch and verify gauge before beginning ensures the finished garment will meet the intended measurements.

Design Details

The sweater features positive ease of 2 to 4 inches, meaning the finished bust measurement will be slightly larger than your actual measurements for comfortable wearing. The pattern includes 12 graduated sizes to accommodate various body types, with the sample shown in the 37½-inch size. The two-color design allows for creative color play, with the unused yarn color carried along the side seams during construction—a technique that requires twisting the yarns at the beginning of every right-side row to prevent unsightly long loops from forming.