Menorca in Berroco - Downloadable PDF

Menorca Crochet Sweater by Amy Christoffers – Pattern Summary

Menorca is an intermediate-level crochet sweater pattern designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. This beautifully constructed pullover is worked bottom-up, seamlessly in the round, making it an excellent project for crocheters who are comfortable with construction techniques beyond the basics but are not yet at an advanced skill level. The design is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for crocheters eager to cast on right away.

What Is Being Made

Menorca is a crocheted pullover sweater featuring a distinctive motif-based construction. The garment is built from a series of individual squares that are joined together to form the body of the sweater, creating an elegant geometric aesthetic with a lacy, open feel. This construction method gives Menorca a relaxed, artisanal character that is both stylish and wearable across seasons.

The pattern is offered in five sizes, with finished bust measurements of 36, 45, 54, 63, and 72 inches (91.5, 114.5, 137, 160, and 183 cm). Finished lengths range from 18 to 22½ inches (45.5 to 57 cm) depending on the size chosen. The pattern is shown in the 36-inch size, and a recommended positive ease of 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) is suggested, meaning the sweater is intended to fit with a relaxed, comfortable drape rather than a close, fitted silhouette.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is worked from the lower edge upward, a familiar and logical approach that allows crocheters to try on the piece as they go and make length adjustments with ease.
• Seamless construction worked in the round: By working in the round, the pattern eliminates the need for sewing side seams, resulting in a cleaner finish and a more enjoyable making experience.
• Lace techniques: Lace crochet is incorporated into the design, lending Menorca its airy, open texture. Lace crochet typically involves strategic use of chain spaces, yarn-overs, and open stitch arrangements to create decorative negative space within the fabric.
• Motif-based / square construction: The sweater is built from individual crocheted squares, each measuring 3¼ x 3¼ inches (8.5 x 8.5 cm), or 4½ inches (11.5 cm) measured diagonally from corner to corner. This join-as-you-go or assembled square technique is a hallmark of motif crochet and creates a striking, structured visual pattern across the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While the PDF does not enumerate every individual stitch by name, the combination of lace crochet and square motif construction strongly indicates the use of foundational and decorative crochet stitches. These typically include:

• Chain stitches – used to create the open, lacy framework within each motif square
• Slip stitches – commonly used to join rounds and motifs together seamlessly
• Single, half-double, or double crochet stitches – the structural backbone of most motif squares
• Open mesh or chain-space lace patterns – creating the decorative, airy quality characteristic of lace crochet construction

Gauge is measured after blocking, which is an important step in lace and motif crochet. Blocking opens up the lace stitches, evens out the fabric, and ensures each square reaches its correct dimensions. Crocheters are strongly encouraged to check gauge carefully before beginning, as the square-based construction means that even small deviations in gauge will compound across multiple motifs and significantly affect the finished size of the sweater.

Materials – Yarn, Hook, and Notions

Yarn

The pattern calls for Berroco Splash, a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram hanks. The colorway shown in the sample is