Berroco Perrin Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Perrin Knit Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Perrin is a pullover sweater designed by Amy Christoffers, intended to be worn with a relaxed fit that provides approximately 4–8 inches of positive ease. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in eleven sizes, ranging from 32¾ inches to 68¾ inches in bust circumference, with corresponding lengths from 18 inches to 22¾ inches. The sweater is shown in the 40¾-inch size and is crafted to be a versatile, comfortable everyday garment.

Techniques Used

The Perrin sweater employs multiple construction techniques to create its finished structure. The garment is worked in the round for much of the construction, allowing for seamless knitting in circular sections. Certain sections are also worked flat, which means working back and forth in rows rather than continuously in circles. The sweater features seamed construction where flat-worked pieces are joined together. The design incorporates lace elements throughout, created using yarn-over and knit-together decreases that form an openwork pattern. The sweater is constructed using the bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline and shoulders.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is called the Stripe Pattern, which is worked over an even number of stitches and repeats over eight rounds. The pattern alternates between lace rows and knit rows to create visual interest and texture. Key stitches include:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count by one
• Yarn over (yo): An increase that creates an eyelet hole, essential for the lace pattern
• Stitch marker (sm): Used to denote pattern repeats and round beginnings

The Stripe Pattern is worked either from written instructions or from accompanying charts, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer visual or written guidance. Rounds 1 and 5 feature the lace decrease-and-increase sequence, while rounds 2, 4, 6, and 8 are worked entirely in knit stitch to allow the fabric to rest between patterned rows. Rounds 3 and 7 offset the lace pattern by one stitch, creating a staggered visual effect.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Perrin sweater is designed to be knitted with Berroco Zinnia yarn, a 50-gram ball weight yarn available in color #7118 Menthe. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 6 balls for the smallest size to 14 balls for the largest sizes, providing approximately 300–700 yards of yarn depending on the finished dimensions selected.

The pattern requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes. Size 6 / 4 mm circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths are used for ribbed edgings and sections worked at a tighter gauge. Size 8 / 5 mm circular needles in the same length options are used for the main body fabric worked in the Stripe Pattern. Additionally, one set of size 6 / 4 mm double-pointed needles is required for working the small circumference of the neckline and sleeves. The pattern recommends choosing needle size to obtain the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches when working the Stripe Pattern with the larger needles.

Supporting notions include two stitch markers in different colors to help track pattern repeats and round beginnings, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction, such as when setting aside sleeve stitches or neckline stitches before final finishing.

Pattern Notes

Accurate gauge is essential for this project, as the finished measurements depend on matching the specified 20 stitches and 32 rounds per 4 inches in the Stripe Pattern. The pattern is designed with a relaxed fit philosophy, meaning the positive ease built into the sizing ensures the sweater will not cling to the body but will drape comfortably. Knitters have the option to follow either the written Stripe Pattern instructions or accompanying charts, accommodating different learning preferences and skill levels within the intermediate range.