Berroco Regina Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Regina Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Berroco Regina is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by the Berroco Design Team, featured in Book #417. This pullover sweater offers eight size options ranging from 36½" to 66" bust measurement, with finished lengths between 18" and 22½" depending on size. The design accommodates 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Technique

Regina is constructed using a hybrid approach that combines circular knitting with flat knitting techniques. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarms using circular needles, creating a seamless lower section. Once the body reaches the underarm division point, the piece is divided and the back and front panels are worked flat in rows, allowing for shaping and armhole development. This method reduces seaming while maintaining the flexibility of flat-panel shaping for the upper garment.

Shaping and Increases

The sweater features strategic increases worked at regular intervals to create subtle shaping. Increases are executed using M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) techniques, which are invisible increases that blend seamlessly into stockinette stitch. Increases occur in a structured pattern: the first increase round is followed by 11 rounds of knitting, then this 12-round sequence repeats. Additional increase rounds are worked at specific points to achieve the final stitch count of 110–198 stitches depending on size.

Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used throughout Regina is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. The lower edge features a textured ribbed cuff created by alternating purl and knit rounds, providing elasticity and a finished edge that hugs the body.

Yarn and Materials

Regina is designed to be worked in Berroco Gingham, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern requires 3–5 balls depending on size, with the sample shown knit in colorway #3150 Harissa. Knitters will need two circular needles in size 11 (8.00 mm)—one 16" needle and one 29" needle—to accommodate the stitch counts during different construction phases. Additional notions include two stitch markers in different colors to track pattern repeats and the beginning of round, plus waste yarn for holding stitches during the underarm division.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 18 rounds per 4" measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, as the eight available sizes are calculated based on this gauge specification. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch and measure carefully before beginning the project to ensure the finished sweater meets the intended measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, Regina requires familiarity with circular knitting, working in the round, reading pattern instructions, increasing techniques, and transitioning between circular and flat knitting methods. The pattern assumes knitters understand basic abbreviations and can work both stockinette stitch and ribbing confidently.