Daraja Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Daraja Pullover in Berroco Quechua

What is Being Made

The Daraja Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Amy Christoffers from Berroco Booklet #389. This pullover features a classic crew neck construction with set-in sleeves and is available in seven sizes ranging from 36" to 60" bust measurement, with finished lengths between 23" and 26" depending on size. The garment is designed with approximately 4–6" of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method

The Daraja Pullover employs an efficient one-piece construction technique. The body is worked in the round from the cast-on edge up to the underarm, eliminating the need for seaming the body panels together. At the underarm, the piece is divided to create separate front and back sections. The sleeve caps are integrated as part of the back and front panels during this division. After the main body and sleeve caps are completed, sleeves are picked up along the edges of the sleeve caps and worked downward in the round to the cuff, creating a seamless integration between the body and sleeves.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

This pattern utilizes several fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Ribbing: A 1x1 rib pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) is used for the set-up ribbing at the cast-on edge, providing elasticity and structure
• Cable Stitches: Two cable variations are featured in the stitch glossary:
  • C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the back, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle, creating a cable that twists toward the back of the work
  • C6F (Cable 6 Front): Slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the front, knit 3 stitches from the left needle, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle, creating a cable that twists toward the front of the work

These cable stitches add textural interest and visual dimension to the pullover design.

Materials Required

Yarn: Berroco Quechua in colorway #1314 Harmony. This yarn is supplied in 50-gram hanks, with yardage requirements varying by size: 7 hanks for the smallest size (36" bust) up to 13 hanks for the largest size (60" bust).

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires a selection of needles to accommodate the different gauges and construction methods:

• 29" circular needles in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm) for working the body in the round
• One set of four double-pointed needles (dpns) in sizes 4 (3.50 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm) for working the sleeves in the round
• A cable needle for executing the cable stitches
• Two stitch holders for temporarily holding stitches during construction
• Two stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points
• A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when working Stockinette Stitch using the larger needles (size 6/4.00 mm). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements, and the pattern instructions emphasize taking time to check gauge before beginning the project.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and construction techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping, cable work, and seamless construction methods.