Novi Sweater in Berroco Arno - Downloadable PDF

Novi Sweater by Amy Christoffers in Berroco Arno — Pattern Summary

The Novi Sweater is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. It is worked in Berroco Arno yarn at a DK weight, producing a relaxed, cozy pullover sweater with a generous silhouette and a distinctive ribbed collar. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible for knitters ready to cast on.

What Is Being Made

The Novi is a classic pullover sweater designed with a comfortable, oversized fit. The pattern recommends 6–8 inches (15–20.5 cm) of positive ease, giving the finished garment a relaxed, modern drape. It is offered in a wide range of sizes, with finished bust measurements spanning from 39¼ inches (99.5 cm) up to 71¼ inches (181 cm), making it genuinely size-inclusive. The sample shown in the pattern photography is knitted in size 43½ inches (110.5 cm). Finished lengths range from approximately 23¼ inches to 32 inches (59–81.5 cm), not including the collar, depending on the size chosen.

Construction Techniques

The Novi is constructed using a seamless, bottom-up, worked-in-the-round method — a highly popular approach among knitters who prefer to avoid sewing seams and who enjoy seeing the garment take shape continuously as they work. Beginning at the lower hem, the body is cast on and joined to work in the round, progressing upward through the ribbed hem, the main body, and eventually the yoke. Working in the round means the knitter primarily sees the right side of the fabric at all times, which simplifies stitch pattern reading and produces a smooth, even stockinette fabric without the need for purl rows on the return.

The bottom-up construction means the sweater begins at the cast-on edge of the hem and travels upward toward the shoulders and collar — the reverse of top-down construction. This approach gives knitters excellent control over body length before joining for the yoke, and it is a well-established technique suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with circular needles and in-the-round shaping.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The primary stitch used for the body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric. The gauge for the main body is 20 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needle.
• K2, P2 ribbing: Used for structural and decorative elements. The gauge for the ribbing is 22 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) on the larger needle.
• K1, P2, K1 ribbing: Used specifically for the hem, worked for approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the cast-on edge to create a neat, stretchy lower border.

The combination of ribbing at the hem and collar with smooth stockinette throughout the body gives the Novi a clean, timeless aesthetic that works well in a wide range of yarn colorways.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Arno, a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The sample is knitted in colorway #5098 Salt & Pepper. Depending on size, the pattern requires between 8 and 19 balls of Berroco Arno — smaller sizes use fewer balls, while the largest sizes require up to 19 balls, making yardage planning straightforward.

Needles and Notions Required

• 32-inch (80 cm) circular needles in sizes 4 / 3.5 mm and 6 / 4 mm — for the main body
• 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles in sizes 4 / 3.5 mm and 6 / 4 mm — for working the collar and smaller circumferences
• Double