Berroco Riasa Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Riasa Knit Sweater

Garment Overview

The Berroco Riasa is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Alison Green, featured in Booklet #391 version 2. This pullover sweater is available in seven sizes with finished bust measurements ranging from 36" to 60", and finished lengths from 24¼" to 27¼". The garment is designed with approximately 2–4" of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Techniques

The Riasa sweater employs a hybrid construction method that combines both flat and circular knitting techniques. The ribbed cuffs and body ribbing are worked flat on straight needles, then strategically joined to work in the round for the main body sections. This approach allows for efficient construction while maintaining design control at key transition points. The sweater is built using a bottom-up construction method, beginning with the ribbed edges and progressing upward toward the neckline.

Stitch Details and Cables

The Riasa features cable stitch patterns as a primary design element, worked from charted instructions. The body incorporates stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, with cable motifs established through increases and pattern repeats. The pattern uses M1 (make one) increases to create shaping and stitch distribution across the body. Ribbing sections utilize knit and purl combinations for stretch and recovery at the edges.

Yarn and Materials

This sweater is designed to be knitted with Berroco Catena yarn, a worsted-weight fiber. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 9 to 16 balls of Berroco Catena (50 grams per ball), with the sample shown in colorway #5444 Citrine. The pattern recommends using the specified yarn to achieve the intended drape and gauge.

Needles and Notions

• 29" circular needles in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 11 (8.00 mm)
• 16" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm) for smaller circumference sections
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 11 (8.00 mm)
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• Waste yarn for holding stitches during construction

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle size (size 11). Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit. The pattern includes seven size options to accommodate different body measurements, with ribbing on the back extending 1" longer than the front ribbing for design shaping.

Pattern Structure

The sweater body begins with a joining row that establishes the cable pattern repeats across the width. Stitches are distributed with increases worked at specific intervals—the pattern calls for [M1, k3] repeats to create evenly-spaced cable sections. The front and back are initially worked together in the round, then divided at the underarm to allow for separate shaping of the front and back pieces. This construction method minimizes seaming while maintaining the integrity of the cable patterns.