Berroco Zira Jumper Knitting Pattern
By Berroco
Specifications
| Brand: | Berroco |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted, Worsted |
| Designer: | Mel Kennelly |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Techniques and Construction: | Bottom Up, Lace, Seamed, Worked Flat, Worked In The Round |
Product Description
Berroco Zira is a cozy tunic with an intriguing combination of elegant lace, a deep v-neckline, and a drop-shoulder fit. This long pullover is worked in the round from the bottom up the other underarms, where the back and front divide and are knit flat separately before being seamed together at the shoulders. Zira’s slightly belled sleeves are also knit in the round from the bottom up with lace trim echoing the body, and are seamed to the armholes during finishing. Berroco Renew blends recycled and sustainable sourced fibers to create a velvety soft yarn that you can feel good about and feel good in. Zira is a dynamite choice for your must-knit list with its cozy feel that can pair with dress pants for work or an evening out as easily as it can with leggings for a night on the couch. Lace pattern is written out only.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Measurements: designed to fit with 2–4” positive ease. Sample shown in size 40”
Chest – (36, 40, 44) [48½, 52¼, 56, 60] {64½, 68½, 72}"
Length – 30” (all sizes)
Sleeve length – 18" (all sizes)
Yarn Requirements: (9, 10, 11) [12, 12, 13, 14] {15, 16, 16} balls Berroco Renew (35% Viscose/ 30% Wool/ 30% Nylon/ 5% Cashmere; 50g/164yds), shown in #1352 Peafowl
Needles:
US 5 (3.75mm) 16” and 32” circular and DPNs
US 7 (4.50mm) 16” and 32” circular and DPNs
Gauge:
19 sts and 28 rnds = 4” in stockinette stitch with US 7 (4.50mm) needles, blocked
20 sts and 29 rnds = 4” in pattern stitch with US 5 (3.75mm) needles, blocked
Berroco Zira Knit Sweater
What Is Being Made
The Berroco Zira is an intermediate-level knit sweater designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from 36" to 72" bust circumference, with a finished length of 30" across all sizes. The sweater is designed with approximately 2–4" of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.
Construction and Techniques
The Zira employs a hybrid construction method combining circular and flat knitting techniques. The body is worked in the round from the bottom edge up to the underarms using circular needles, then divided and worked flat in rows for the back and front sections. This bottom-up approach allows for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction on the body. Sleeves are worked separately in the round from the bottom up and then seamed to the body, a classic technique that provides clean, professional finishing.
The pattern incorporates lace stitch work throughout the design, adding visual interest and texture. The lace pattern requires careful attention to stitch counts and decreases, making this an appropriate project for knitters with intermediate skills.
Stitches and Stitch Patterns
The sweater features two primary stitch patterns with different gauges:
- Stockinette Stitch (St st): Used for the main body sections, worked at a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rounds over 4" / 10 cm using the larger needles
- Pattern Stitch (Lace): The decorative lace pattern is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rounds over 4" / 10 cm using the smaller needles
Both gauges are measured after blocking. The pattern includes strategic decreases such as k3tog and k2tog to shape the lace design and achieve proper fit at key points like the underarm.
Materials and Tools
Yarn: The Zira is designed to be knit with Berroco Renew, a sustainable yarn choice. Yardage requirements range from 9 to 16 balls of 50-gram weight depending on the finished size, with the colorway shown in #1352 Peafowl.
Needles: The pattern requires both 16" / 40 cm and 32" / 80 cm circular needles in sizes 5 / 3.75 mm and 7 / 4.5 mm, along with one set of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in size 7 / 4.5 mm for working the sleeve caps and other tight areas.
Notions: Additional materials include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.
Skill Considerations
Designed for intermediate knitters, the Zira requires competency with circular knitting, gauge swatching, lace pattern reading, and seaming techniques. Knitters should be comfortable checking gauge before beginning, as accurate gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern PDF is regularly updated to correct any errors, so downloading the most recent version is recommended before starting.
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