Berroco Retro Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Retro Pullover: Knitted Lace Striped Sweater

What is Being Made

The Berroco Retro Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted pullover sweater designed by Norah Gaughan. This garment is available in six sizes, ranging from 32 inches to 52 inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length options from 18½ inches to 24½ inches. The pullover features a classic retro aesthetic with lace patterning and striped colorwork throughout the design.

Construction Method

This pullover is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach, meaning the body and sleeves are knitted as separate flat pieces starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the shoulders. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together to create the finished garment. This construction method allows for easier adjustments to length and pattern matching across different sections of the sweater.

Techniques Used

• Lace Work: The sweater incorporates lace patterning, which creates openwork sections through strategic yarn overs and decreases. The Fan Pattern is a key stitch pattern element, worked over 21 stitches and featuring yarn overs (yo) combined with decreases like SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) to create the characteristic lace fabric.
• Striping: Color work is achieved through alternating stripes using two complementary yarn colors in the Berroco Ultra Wool DK yarn.
• Ribbed Edging: The pattern includes 2/2 Rib (knit 2, purl 2 ribbing) worked in both flat rows and rounds, providing structure and stretch at the edges of the garment. The ribbing can be adjusted in length to customize the overall garment length without disrupting the lace pattern repeats.
• Short Row Shaping: The pattern employs German Short Row (GSR) double stitch technique for shaping, allowing for three-dimensional construction details without visible gaps or holes.
• Seaming: Flat pieces are joined together using seaming techniques to create a cohesive pullover garment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary base stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric.
• 2/2 Rib: A four-stitch repeat ribbing pattern (knit 2, purl 2) that provides elasticity and definition at cuffs, neckline, and hem areas. This stitch is worked both in flat rows and in the round depending on the garment section.
• Fan Pattern: A lace stitch pattern worked over 21 stitches that combines purl stitches with yarn overs and decreases (SSK and k2tog) to create decorative fan-shaped openwork.
• Yarn Overs (yo): Used throughout the lace sections to create the openwork effect characteristic of lace knitting.
• Decreases: SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) are used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace patterns.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a worsted-weight yarn. Depending on the size being knitted, 2 to 3 balls each of two colors are needed: #83122 Sunflower (Main Color) and #83108 Frost (Contrast Color). Each ball weighs 100 grams.

Needles and Notions: Knitting needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm) are required, with size 5 used for the main fabric and size 3 for ribbed sections. A 16-inch circular needle in size 3 (3.25 mm) is needed for neckline finishing. The pattern also requires 2 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper fit.

Pattern Notes and Customization

The Berroco Retro Pullover offers flexibility for customization. Knitters can adjust the overall length of the garment by mod