Berroco Saja Jumper Knitting Pattern

Berroco Saja Seamless Top-Down Lace Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Saja is a seamless pullover sweater designed by Amy Christoffers and featured in Booklet #404. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted sweater with a sophisticated lace yoke detail. The finished garment offers multiple size options ranging from 38 inches to 63 inches in bust measurement, with corresponding lengths from 22 to 29 inches. The sweater shown in the pattern is knit in size 42½ inches with approximately 7 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Saja employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level knitters:

• Top-down construction: The entire pullover is worked from the neck downward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you progress
• Seamless, worked in the round: Using circular needles, the sweater is knit continuously in rounds, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish
• Lace yoke shaping: The yoke features lace pattern elements created through yarn overs and decreases, adding visual interest and texture to the upper body
• Short-row shaping: Short rows are incorporated to shape the neck and yoke, creating a custom fit across the shoulders and upper back

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative techniques:

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing: Used at the neckline for a stretchy, finished edge that hugs the neck comfortably
• Yarn overs (yo): These create the lace pattern in the yoke and contribute to the sweater's elegant aesthetic
• Wrap and turn (w&t): A short-row technique used to shape the neck and yoke without creating visible gaps in the fabric

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Saja is designed to be knit with Berroco Mantra yarn, a premium yarn choice that provides excellent stitch definition for both the stockinette body and lace yoke details. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls to 9 balls of Berroco Mantra (50 grams per ball), with the pattern shown in color #4433 Toffee.

Needle requirements include:

• Two 29-inch circular needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm)
• Two 16-inch circular needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm)
• 2 stitch markers in different colors to track pattern repeats and construction points
• Waste yarn for holding stitches during construction

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential for proper fit.