Catskill Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Catskill Top in Berroco Farro

What is Being Made

The Catskill Top is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is a classic pullover-style top available in eight sizes, ranging from 38" to 66" bust measurements, with finished lengths between 22½" and 25½" depending on size. The sweater is worked in pieces and features set-in sleeves with shaped armholes, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Catskill Top employs several fundamental knitting construction methods. The garment is worked in separate pieces rather than in the round, allowing for a traditional flat knitting approach. Shoulders are joined using the 3-needle bind off technique, which creates a strong, professional seam by binding off two sets of live stitches together simultaneously. The sleeves are picked up along the armholes after the body is complete, a common method for set-in sleeve construction. Short-row shaping is used to shape the sleeves, creating a fitted cap that conforms naturally to the shoulder.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This design features Garter Stitch as the primary stitch pattern throughout the entire garment. Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row on both sides of the fabric, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is ideal for beginners to intermediate knitters because it requires no complex stitch manipulation and produces a fabric with excellent drape and durability. The consistent texture of Garter Stitch creates a classic, timeless appearance suitable for a foundational wardrobe piece.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Catskill Top is designed to be worked with Berroco Farro yarn, a premium yarn choice from Berroco, Inc. The pattern calls for 6 to 12 balls of Berroco Farro (depending on size), with each ball weighing 50 grams. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in color #6427 Apricot, a warm, neutral tone. Berroco Farro is the recommended yarn for this pattern to ensure proper gauge and finished measurements.

Needles and Notions Required

• 29" circular needle, size 6 (4.00 mm) for main garment construction
• Spare needle, size 6 (4.00 mm) for the 3-needle bind off technique used to join shoulders
• 4 stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, particularly for shoulder sections and neckline shaping
• 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining accurate finished measurements and proper fit. The pattern recommends checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing discrepancies. The sweater is designed with 6–10 inches of positive ease, meaning the finished bust measurement will be 6–10 inches larger than your actual bust measurement, creating a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Overview

The Catskill Top follows a traditional garment construction sequence. The back panel is worked first in Garter Stitch, beginning with a cast-on row and continuing straight until the armhole depth is reached. The front is worked identically to the back until a slightly shallower armhole depth, allowing for neck shaping. After both body pieces are complete, the shoulders are joined using the 3-needle bind off method, which simultaneously binds off and seams the shoulder seams in one step. Finally, sleeves are picked up from the armhole edges and shaped using short rows to create a fitted sleeve cap, completing the garment.