Berroco Spree Fall Collection Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Spree Fall Collection: Blondin Sweater

What is Being Made

The Blondin is a top-down raglan sweater designed by Mel Kennelly, available in nine sizes ranging from 36½" to 72" bust measurement. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished garment with lengths measured from the back neck ranging from 21¼" to 25¾" depending on size selection. The sweater features a distinctive two-color striped yoke construction that transitions into a solid body.

Construction Technique

The entire sweater is worked in the round from the neck down, employing a top-down raglan shaping method for the yoke. This construction approach allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length easily before binding off. The neck shaping is accomplished using short rows, a technique that creates a contoured neckline without requiring seaming. The yoke features a repeating stripe sequence of four rounds in the main color followed by two rounds in the contrast color, creating a 6-round repeat pattern that continues throughout the yoke section.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Circular knitting: The entire project is worked on circular needles in the round, eliminating the need for seaming
• Raglan shaping: Increases are worked to create the characteristic diagonal lines from armhole to neckline
• Short-row shaping: Used specifically for neck contouring to achieve a professional fit
• Stranded colorwork: Two-color striping in the yoke section, alternating between main and contrast colors
• Stitch markers: Essential for tracking pattern repeats and marking the beginning of round

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Spree, a yarn weight of 50 grams per ball. Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 5 balls of Sand (#94103) as the main color and 3 balls of Meadow (#9452) as the contrast color, scaling up to 11 balls of Sand and 5 balls of Meadow for the largest size. Gauge is measured at 23 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles after blocking.

Needles: The project requires two sizes of circular needles—size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.5 mm)—in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for working different sections of the sweater. Additionally, one set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 5 and 7, or preferred needles for small circumferences, are needed for working the sleeve caps and other tight areas. The pattern also calls for 4 stitch markers (with one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), 1 removable marker, and waste yarn for holding stitches.

Sizing and Fit

The Blondin offers nine size options with positive ease of approximately 2–4 inches, meaning the finished garment will measure 2–4 inches larger than your actual bust measurement for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Sizes range from 36½" to 72" finished bust circumference, accommodating a wide range of body types. The length options span from 21¼" to 25¾" measured from the back neck, allowing customization for different torso proportions.