Berroco Rena Jumper Crochet Pattern

Berroco Rena Sweater: Crochet and Knit Pullover

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Rena is an intermediate-level pullover sweater designed by Alison Green. This garment combines crochet and knitting techniques to create a unique hybrid construction. The sweater is available in multiple sizes ranging from 34" to 70" bust circumference, with finished lengths between 20" and 21" depending on size. The design shown is displayed in size 38" (96.5 cm) bust measurement.

Construction Techniques

The Rena employs a distinctive mixed-technique approach that begins with crochet granny squares and triangles. The pullover starts by working granny squares and triangles for three rounds or rows using the crochet hook. These individual motifs are then joined together by working a fourth row and slip stitching to create the joined structure. After the granny square construction is complete, rows of double crochet are added to the sides of the joined pieces. The body and side seams are then seamed together to form the main garment body.

Once the crochet foundation is established, the construction transitions to knitting. Sleeve cuffs, the hem, and the neckline are all picked up and knit using circular and double-pointed needles, creating a seamless finish on these edges. This technique of picking up stitches from the crochet base and knitting them adds both structural integrity and a refined finishing detail.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the crochet portions, with gauge measured at 17 double crochet stitches and 8 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm)
• Granny Squares: Individual square motifs worked in rounds, measuring 2¾" (7 cm) square before joining, and 5" (12.5 cm) measured diagonally after joining rounds are complete
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join the granny squares and triangles together, creating a cohesive fabric from the individual motifs
• Chain Stitches (ch): Foundation and joining chains, including specialized joining techniques such as ch1-join and ch2-join that combine chain stitches with slip stitches into specified stitches or spaces
• Lace Elements: The pattern incorporates lace techniques, likely created through the open construction of the granny squares themselves

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

• Picked-Up Stitches: Stitches are picked up from the finished crochet base along the sleeve cuffs, hem, and neckline edges
• Circular Knitting: The picked-up edges are worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless ribbing and finishing
• Seamless Construction: The knit portions are worked seamlessly in the round, eliminating the need for seaming on these finished edges

Materials: Yarn and Tools

Yarn: The Rena is worked in Berroco Tiramisu, a yarn weight that requires between 9 and 17 balls (depending on size) of the 50-gram balls. The sample shown uses colorway #9204 Panna Cotta. Berroco Tiramisu is the recommended yarn for this pattern.

Crochet Hook: Size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 17 double crochet stitches and 8 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking.

Knitting Needles: 16" (40 cm) and 32" (80 cm) circular knitting needles in size 4 (3.5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge. One set of size 4 (3.5 mm) double-pointed needles is also required for working the smaller circumference areas such as sleeve cuffs and the neckline.

Sizing and Fit

The Rena is offered in nine sizes with bust measurements of 34", 38", 42", 46", 50", 54", 58", 62", 66", and 70" (86.5 cm through 178 cm). The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable fit. All finished measurements shown are taken after