Opa Pullover in Berroco Indigo - Downloadable PDF

Opa Pullover by Amy Christoffers – Knitting Pattern Summary (Berroco Indigo)

The Opa Pullover is a relaxed, comfortable knitted pullover sweater designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco as part of Booklet #371. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a generously sized, easygoing top with a beautiful textural charted stitch pattern. The design is intentionally worked with approximately 6 to 10 inches of positive ease, giving it a relaxed, lived-in silhouette that drapes comfortably on the body.

Garment Overview

The Opa Pullover is a seamless-friendly, drop-shoulder-style sweater worked in separate back and front pieces. It features a ribbed lower band that transitions into a striking charted stitch pattern for the body. The finished garment is available in a wide range of sizes, making it accessible to a broad range of knitters and body types.

• Finished Bust Measurements: 40½, 45, 49½, 54, 58½, 63, and 67½ inches
• Finished Length: 20½ to 25½ inches depending on size
• Ease: Designed with approximately 6–10 inches of positive ease for a relaxed, oversized fit
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Indigo, a worsted weight yarn sold in 100-gram hanks. The sample shown uses colorway #6410 Relaxed Straight. The quantity required ranges from 5 to 10 hanks depending on the size being knitted, making this a moderately yarn-intensive project.

• Yarn: Berroco Indigo, 100g hanks, worsted weight
• Colorway shown: #6410 Relaxed Straight
• Yardage required: 5(6-7-7-8-9-10) hanks
• Straight knitting needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) and US Size 7 (4.50 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
• Circular knitting needle: 16-inch length, US Size 5 (3.75 mm) – used for finishing details such as the neckband
• Additional notions: 2 stitch markers and a stitch holder

Gauge

Gauge is critical to achieving the correct finished measurements in this pattern. Two separate gauges are specified because the pattern uses two different needle sizes and stitch patterns across the garment:

• Garter Rib Pattern on smaller needles (US 5): 20 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
• Charted Pattern on larger needles (US 7): 23 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches

Knitters are strongly encouraged to swatch carefully and check both gauges before beginning, as the pattern transitions between needle sizes and stitch patterns throughout construction.

Techniques and Construction

The Opa Pullover is constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques, with the back and front worked separately as individual panels. Construction begins at the lower edge with a ribbed band, transitions through a garter stitch section, and then moves into a charted lace or textural stitch pattern for the main body. Armhole shaping is created by placing markers rather than binding off, which is characteristic of a drop-shoulder or modified drop-shoulder construction.

• Flat knitting on straight needles for the body panels
• Circular needle used for neckband finishing
• Garter Rib stitch for the lower band (approximately 4 inches): alternating rows of ribbing and knit rows create a subtle, stretchy texture
• Garter Stitch transition rows between the ribbed band and the charted body
• Make One (M1