Berroco Varya PDF

Berroco Varya: A Lace-Panel Pullover Sweater Knitting Pattern by Alison Green

The Berroco Varya is a beautifully constructed pullover sweater pattern designed by Alison Green and published by Berroco. Rated as an intermediate skill level project, Varya combines classic construction with elegant lace detailing to create a wearable, flattering garment suited to a wide range of body sizes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for knitters ready to cast on.

What Is Being Made

Varya is a seamed pullover sweater worked primarily in stockinette stitch with decorative lace panels incorporated into the body. It is designed with generous positive ease of approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), giving it a relaxed, comfortable fit. The sweater is offered in a wide range of sizes, with a finished bust measurement spanning from 38 to 70 inches (96.5 to 178 cm), making it an inclusive pattern suitable for many body types. Finished lengths range from approximately 21½ to 25 inches (54.5 to 63.5 cm) depending on the size chosen. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in size 42 inches (106.5 cm).

Construction and Techniques

Varya uses a thoughtful combination of knitting techniques that intermediate knitters will find both engaging and instructive:

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater begins at the hem and is worked upward toward the shoulders, a traditional approach that gives knitters excellent control over length adjustments.
• Worked flat and in the round: The back and front hems are each cast on separately and worked flat initially. Once both pieces are complete, they are joined together and the body continues in the round up to the underarms — a clever hybrid construction that reduces seaming while still producing a polished, structured result.
• Seamed finishing: Despite the circular body section, the pattern is classified as a seamed construction, meaning some assembly is required, which contributes to the garment's clean, tailored silhouette.
• Lace panels: A repeating Panel Chart of 19 stitches is worked at regular intervals across both the back and front of the body, adding visual interest and texture without overwhelming the overall design. These lace panels are placed symmetrically, flanking a central stockinette section, and are set off with stitch markers for easy tracking.
• Divided body: After the body is worked in the round to the underarms, the piece is divided and the back and front are worked separately and flat, a standard technique for shaping armholes and shoulders.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric. Gauge is measured in stockinette stitch.
• Lace stitches: Worked from the Panel Chart, these stitches typically involve yarn-overs and decreases to form an open, decorative pattern. The lace panels are 19 stitches wide and are repeated on both the back and front sections of the body.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 21 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Blocking is an important finishing step for this pattern, as it opens up the lace panels and allows the fabric to settle into its final dimensions. Knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch and check gauge carefully before beginning, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished measurements across such a wide size range.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn

The pattern specifies Berroco Meraki as the recommended yarn, used in colorway #6009 Adore. Berroco Meraki is a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 6 and 12 balls — smaller sizes use as few as 6 balls, while the