Retro Pullover in Berroco Ultra Wool DK - Downloadable PDF

Retro Pullover in Berroco Ultra Wool DK – Pattern Summary

The Retro Pullover is a classic, vintage-inspired knitted pullover sweater designed by Norah Gaughan and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level pattern offers a timeless silhouette with a modern, polished finish. The design is worked in two contrasting colors and features a combination of lace detailing and stripes, giving it that signature retro aesthetic that makes it both eye-catching and wearable.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a pullover sweater sized to fit a range of bust measurements: 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches. Finished lengths range from 18½ to 24½ inches depending on the size chosen. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size 36 inches with no ease, giving a close, fitted look. The retro styling is achieved through the interplay of lace patterns and stripe sequences worked in two carefully chosen contrast colors.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked from the bottom hem upward, a traditional approach that allows knitters to try on the piece as they go and make length adjustments with ease.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted flat (back and forth in rows) rather than in the round, meaning knitters will work both knit and purl rows and seam the finished pieces together. This method is well-suited to achieving clean, structured stripe and lace patterning.
• Lace: Lace sections are incorporated into the design, adding delicate openwork texture that contributes to the retro character of the pullover. Lace knitting typically involves yarn-over increases paired with corresponding decreases to create decorative eyelets and motifs within the fabric.
• Stripes: Two-color striping is a defining feature of this pullover. Alternating between Sunflower (MC) and Frost (CC) creates bold visual rhythm and reinforces the vintage aesthetic.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch, consisting of alternating knit and purl rows when worked flat. Gauge is measured in stockinette: 22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches.
• Lace stitches: Yarn-overs and paired decreases form the openwork lace sections integrated into the design.

Materials – Yarn

The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a DK weight yarn sold in 100-gram balls. Two colors are used:

• #83122 Sunflower – the Main Color (MC)
• #83108 Frost – the Contrast Color (CC)

Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires 2 to 3 balls of each color. Smaller sizes (32–44 inches) use 2 balls each of MC and CC, while larger sizes (48–52 inches) require 3 balls each. Berroco Ultra Wool DK is known for its smooth, round construction and excellent stitch definition, making it particularly well-suited to showcasing both stripe sequences and lace detail.

Materials – Needles and Notions

• Knitting needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 5 (3.75 mm), or the size needed to achieve the stated gauge. Two needle sizes are used to create ribbing or edging at a tighter tension versus the main body fabric.
• A 16-inch circular needle in size 3 (3.25 mm) is also required, likely for finishing neckline or collar edging worked in the round.
• 2 stitch markers to help track pattern repeats or shaping points.

Difficulty and Who This Pattern Is For

Rated intermediate, the Retro Pullover is