Bristlefront in Berroco Iris - Downloadable PDF

Bristlefront Pullover in Berroco Iris – Crochet Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

Bristlefront is a crochet pullover sweater designed by Mel Kennelly and published by Berroco. It is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated Intermediate in skill level. The pattern is worked in 12 sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 31½" (80 cm) up to 71" (180.5 cm), making it a highly inclusive design with a wide range of fit options. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knit in Size 4, with a finished bust of 42½" (108 cm) and approximately 5" (12 cm) of positive ease. The designer recommends 4–6" (10–15 cm) of positive ease for the intended relaxed, comfortable fit.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a sideways-constructed pullover sweater — a distinctive and clever approach in which the garment is worked from side to side rather than from the bottom hem upward. Construction begins with the Right Sleeve, and the sweater is worked as a single continuous piece before being folded and seamed at the sides and underarms. This sideways method creates a unique fabric orientation and can produce a flattering, horizontal stitch flow across the body. Finished lengths range from 16" (40.5 cm) for the smallest size up to 22" (56 cm) for the largest sizes.

Techniques Used

• Sideways construction: The entire sweater, including sleeves and body, is worked in one piece from right sleeve to left sleeve, eliminating many seams and creating a seamless flow of fabric across the chest and back.
• Flat crochet worked in rows: The sweater is worked back and forth in rows, with right-side and wrong-side rows clearly designated throughout the pattern.
• Folding and seaming: Once the main piece is complete, it is folded and seamed at the sides and underarms using a tapestry needle, a standard finishing technique in crochet garment construction.
• Gauge swatching and blocking: The pattern explicitly instructs makers to check gauge after blocking, which is essential for achieving accurate finished measurements in crochet garments.
• Stitch marker use: Removable stitch markers are listed as required notions, indicating their use for tracking construction points such as sleeve shaping or body divisions.
• Foundation chain setup: The pattern begins with a foundation chain, with the first row establishing the full sleeve width directly from the chain.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern. The gauge is measured in double crochet, confirming it as the dominant stitch structure of the fabric.
• Beginning chain-3: Used at the start of right-side rows and counts as a double crochet, a classic technique in flat crochet construction.
• Foundation chain: Used to cast on the initial sleeve stitches, with the first dc worked into the 4th chain from the hook.

The double crochet stitch creates a light, open, and relatively quick-to-work fabric that is well-suited to a relaxed-fit pullover. It produces a fabric with good drape and a subtle horizontal texture, which is enhanced by the sideways construction of this design.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Berroco Iris, a worsted weight yarn, sold in 100 g hanks. The colorway shown in the pattern is #11621 Beachside. Yardage requirements range from 4 hanks for the smallest size up to 11 hanks for the largest size.
• Hook: A crochet hook, size 7 / 4.5 mm, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and removable stitch markers for