Berroco Rutabaga Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Rutabaga Knit Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Rutabaga is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Mel Kennelly. This versatile garment is available in multiple sizes ranging from 36" to 72" bust circumference, with finished lengths between 21" and 25" depending on size selection. The sweater is suitable for a range of body types with recommended positive ease of 2–5 cm for smaller sizes and 5–10 cm for larger sizes, allowing for comfortable, relaxed fit options.

Construction and Techniques

The Rutabaga sweater employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning pieces are knit from the lower edge upward. The garment is worked flat in separate pieces rather than in the round, and these pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This construction approach allows for easier shaping and customization at key points like armholes and necklines.

A distinctive design feature of this pattern is the use of stripes created through an alternating yarn technique. Knitters work with two balls of yarn simultaneously, alternating between them every other row. This method prevents the typical striping or patterning that would occur if a single yarn were used continuously, creating a more subtle color variation throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater is worked primarily in Pattern Stitch, which is the foundation stitch used to achieve the specified gauge of 13 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) when measured after blocking. The pattern incorporates standard knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters, with shaping accomplished through increases and decreases at strategic points such as armholes and the neckline.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Rutabaga is designed to be worked in Berroco Wizard yarn. Depending on the finished size, the pattern requires between 2 and 4 balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 100 grams. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in colorway #2922 Moonstone.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need size 11 / 8 mm needles for the main body of the sweater and a 16" / 40 cm circular needle in size 10 / 6 mm for finishing details such as neckline work. Additional notions include one stitch marker, waste yarn for holding stitches and marking armhole positions, and standard seaming supplies for joining the flat-worked pieces together.

Accurate gauge measurement is essential for this pattern, as it directly affects the finished measurements of the sweater. Berroco recommends checking gauge after blocking to ensure the most accurate results before committing yarn to the full project.