Riasa Pullover Jumper Knitting Pattern

Riasa Pullover in Berroco Catena

What is Being Made

The Riasa Pullover is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Alison Green, featured in Berroco Booklet #391. This pullover is a classic crew-neck style garment available in seven sizes, ranging from 36" to 60" finished bust measurements. The sweater is designed with approximately 2–4" of ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Finished length varies by size from 24¼" to 27¼", making it suitable for various body proportions and style preferences.

Techniques Used

The Riasa Pullover employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The garment construction begins with flat knitting for the ribbed cuffs on both the back and front panels, with the back ribbing worked 1" longer than the front. The body is then joined for working in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction and improves efficiency. The pattern incorporates stitch markers to track pattern repeats and side "seams." A charted stitch pattern is established across the body, with the chart worked over multiple repeats depending on the size selected. The front and back are divided at the underarms and worked separately after the body shaping is complete, a common technique for fitted sweater construction. Double-pointed needles are used for smaller circumference areas such as sleeves and neckline ribbing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch foundation for the Riasa Pullover is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. Ribbing is used for the cuffs, waistband, and neckline, providing elasticity and structure. The pattern includes make-one increases (M1) worked in a regular sequence—specifically [M1, k3] repeats—to create shaping and establish the charted stitch pattern. The body features a charted stitch pattern that is worked in the round, adding visual interest and texture to the sweater. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and construction landmarks throughout the project.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Riasa Pullover is designed to be knitted with Berroco Catena, a yarn that comes in 50-gram balls. The yardage required varies by size, ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size (36" bust) to 16 balls for the largest size (60" bust). The sample shown was knitted in Citrine, colorway #5444.

Needle requirements include a 29" circular needle in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 11 (8.00 mm) for the main body work, a 16" circular needle in size 10 (6.00 mm) for smaller circumferences, and one set of four double-pointed needles in sizes 10 (6.00 mm) and 11 (8.00 mm) for finishing details. The pattern specifies that knitters should select the needle size that achieves the correct gauge.

Additional notions required include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn to hold stitches during construction, particularly when dividing front and back sections at the underarms.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows/rounds equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle (size 11, 8.00 mm). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and the pattern includes the reminder: "To save time, take time to check gauge." This gauge measurement ensures that the finished measurements will match the intended sizes.