Berroco Ropewalk Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Ropewalk Sweater by Norah Gaughan

What is Being Made

The Berroco Ropewalk is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Norah Gaughan from her Vol. 15 collection. This intermediate-level garment is available in eight sizes to fit bust measurements from 30 inches up to 54 inches, with finished bust measurements ranging from 36 to 60 inches. The sweater features a finished length of 23 to 25 inches depending on size, and is designed with approximately 6 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Techniques

The Ropewalk sweater is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and the integration of cable pattern panels throughout the design.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch used in this sweater is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The design prominently features cable stitches worked from a charted pattern, with a center 55-stitch cable panel measuring 10 inches in width. The pattern includes strategic decreases worked at marked intervals to shape the armholes, with decreases continuing every 6 rows as established. Additional shaping is achieved through standard decreases including ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) techniques at garment edges.

Materials and Gauge

The Ropewalk sweater is designed to be knitted with Berroco Maya yarn in color 5648, requiring between 10 and 15 fifty-gram hanks depending on the finished size. Knitting needles in sizes 7 (4.5mm) and 8 (5mm) are required, with the larger needles used for the main fabric and the smaller size for ribbing or edgings. A 16-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5mm) is also needed, along with a cable needle for working cable stitches and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, with the recommendation to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished measurements.