Bergen Peak Pullover

Bergen Peak Pullover by Irina Anikeeva

What Is Being Made

The Bergen Peak Pullover is a men's pullover sweater designed by Irina Anikeeva. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in five sizes to fit chest measurements from 34/36 inches (86/91 cm) up to 50/52 inches (127/132 cm). The finished garment offers a range of circumferences from 36 inches (90 cm) to 51½ inches (129 cm), providing options for various body types and fit preferences. The pullover shown in the pattern measures 44½ inches (111 cm) and is modeled with 4½ inches (11 cm) of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bergen Peak Pullover employs a modern seamless construction method. The body and sleeves are worked in the round from the bottom up to the yoke, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, tubular fabric. Once the body and sleeves reach the yoke, the separate pieces are joined together for working the circular yoke in the round, combining all stitches into a single, unified section.

The pattern incorporates the stranded colorwork method for Chart A, a traditional Fair Isle technique where multiple colors are carried across the row and floated behind the working stitches. This method creates intricate, multi-colored patterns while maintaining fabric integrity and elasticity.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bergen Peak Pullover utilizes three distinct stitch patterns, each with specific gauge requirements:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout much of the sweater, worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needle.
• Colorwork Pattern: Worked using the stranded method at a gauge of 20 stitches and 23 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needle. The difference in row gauge compared to stockinette reflects the density created by carrying multiple yarn colors.
• Cable Pattern: An additional textured element worked at a gauge of 24 stitches and 28 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needle, adding visual interest and dimension to the design.

Yarn and Materials

The Bergen Peak Pullover is knitted using Cascade Yarns Longwood, a premium yarn composed of 100% superwash extrafine merino wool. This yarn weight is classified as aran, a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating garments with good drape and structure. Each skein contains 191 yards (175 meters) and weighs 100 grams.

The main color specified is Cascade Yarns Longwood #40 Midnight, a dark neutral shade. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 7 skeins for the smallest size (S) to 10 skeins for the largest size (2XL), providing sufficient yardage to complete the entire pullover with appropriate color consistency.

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to accommodate the different gauges required for stockinette, colorwork, and cable sections. The larger needle is used for most stitch patterns, while a smaller needle would be used where a tighter gauge is needed, though specific needle sizes are referenced in the complete pattern documentation.

Difficulty Level

This pullover is rated as an intermediate project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods and stitch patterns. The combination of seamless in-the-round knitting, multiple stitch patterns, and colorwork techniques requires experience with circular needles, gauge management, and reading charts, but remains accessible to dedicated intermediate-level crafters.