Round Neck Sweater in Bergere de France Unic - Downloadable PDF

Round Neck Sweater in Bergere de France Unic – Knitting Pattern Summary

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Bergere de France provides instructions for a classic round neck sweater worked in the brand's own Unic yarn, a DK weight yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is offered free of charge. It is sized to fit S, M, L, and XL, making it a versatile project suitable for a range of knitters who already have some experience with shaping and construction techniques.

Design Overview

The finished garment is a classic round neck pullover sweater featuring a neat garter stitch border and a smooth stockinette stitch body. The silhouette is clean and timeless, making it a wardrobe staple that can be worn across seasons. The colourway specified in the pattern is Orange/Rouge, shade 10107, giving the finished sweater a bold, warm tone.

Construction Method

One of the more distinctive features of this pattern is its construction sequence. Rather than beginning with the back or front body panel as many traditional sweater patterns do, this design instructs the knitter to:

• Begin by knitting the first sleeve
• Then proceed to knit the back of the sweater

This approach integrates the sleeves into the construction process in a particular order, which can affect how seaming and joining are handled later. Knitters should read through the full pattern before casting on to understand the overall assembly sequence. The use of marker rings (referenced as accessory réf. 68395, lot de 48) is specified to mark armhole positions and other key shaping points, which is an important organisational tool for keeping track of increases, decreases, and transitions between sections.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of two fundamental knitting stitches, both of which are well within reach of an intermediate knitter:

• Garter Stitch (Point Mousse) – worked on 3.5mm needles, this stitch is used for the border sections, including approximately 5 cm (14 rows) at the cuffs and lower body edges. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a ridged, slightly elastic fabric that lies flat and resists curling — ideal for neat, tidy borders.
• Stockinette Stitch / Jersey Endroit – worked on 4mm needles, this is the primary stitch used for the body and sleeves. Stockinette stitch is formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows (or knitting every round when worked in the round), creating the smooth, classic V-shaped knit fabric surface most associated with knitwear.

Sizing and Cast-On Details

The pattern provides specific cast-on numbers for each size, allowing knitters to follow the instructions precisely for their chosen fit:

• Sleeve cast-on: 50 sts (S), 52 sts (M), 54 sts (L), 56 sts (XL) on 3.5mm needles
• Back cast-on: 108 sts (S), 116 sts (M), 126 sts (L), 136 sts (XL) on 3.5mm needles

Each section begins with the 5 cm garter stitch border before transitioning to stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. Armhole shaping begins at a total height of approximately 38 cm (S), 39 cm (M/L), or 40 cm (XL), corresponding to 104–108 rows depending on size, at which point a marker ring is slipped onto the needle to clearly indicate the armhole position.

Shaping Techniques

The pattern incorporates increases worked at the first and last stitch of the sleeve to shape the sleeve cap as it grows toward the body width. This is a standard sleeve-shaping technique that creates a gradual, tapered silhouette from cuff to underarm. Knitters are advised to use marker rings at key transition points to keep