Bressummer Pullover Knitting Pattern

Bressummer Pullover in Berroco Merino 401

What is Being Made

The Bressummer Pullover is a classic crew-neck pullover sweater designed by Åsa Buchta. This intermediate-level knitting project is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down, featuring a coordinated two-color colorwork design. The pullover is available in nine sizes ranging from 37½ inches to 71¼ inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length options from 20 inches to 24 inches measured from the back neck below the ribbing. The finished garment provides approximately 4–8 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This pullover employs several intermediate knitting techniques that make it an excellent project for developing skills beyond basic stockinette stitch. The primary construction method is top-down raglan shaping, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length before binding off. The yoke features short-row shaping to create a properly fitted neckline with depth and contour. The pattern uses in-the-round knitting on circular needles and double-pointed needles to create a seamless construction with minimal finishing required. Increases are strategically placed along raglan lines to shape the yoke, and the pattern incorporates two-color colorwork using a main color and contrasting color in designated sections.

Stitches Used

The Bressummer Pullover is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch (knit stitches on right-side rounds, purl stitches on wrong-side rounds when working flat sections). The ribbing at the neck, cuffs, and hem is worked in knit-purl ribbing to provide elasticity and structure. The short-row shaping incorporates Make One Right (M1R) and Make One Left (M1L) increases, as well as Make One Purl Right (M1pR) and Make One Purl Left (M1pL) increases when working on the wrong side. These increases are distributed symmetrically across raglan markers to create balanced yoke shaping.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

This pattern calls for Berroco Merino 401, a premium merino wool yarn. The main color is #11235 Navy, with #11280 Bronze used as a contrasting color accent. Yarn requirements vary by size: smaller sizes require 10–12 balls of the main color Navy and 2 balls of the Bronze contrast, while larger sizes need up to 19 balls of Navy and 3 balls of Bronze. Each ball weighs 50 grams.

Needles required include:

• 16-inch circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm)
• 32-inch circular needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm)
• One set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 6 (4 mm) and 8 (5 mm) for working small circumferences such as sleeves

Additional notions include four stitch markers (with one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger size 8 (5 mm) needles after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished measurements match the intended sizes.