Scoop Neck Sweater in Bergere de France Sonora - 17 - Downloadable PDF

Scoop Neck Sweater in Bergere de France Sonora – Pattern Summary

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Bergere de France produces a classic scoop neck sweater worked entirely in garter stitch. Rated as beginner difficulty, it is an ideal project for newer knitters who want to build confidence while creating a wearable, stylish garment. The pattern is available in five sizes — S, M, L, XL, and XXL — making it accessible to a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a pullover sweater with a scoop neckline, constructed from separate pieces that are seamed together. The design is clean and unfussy, relying on the natural texture of garter stitch to provide visual interest without complex stitch patterns. The generous scoop neck opening is created by leaving a defined number of stitches free at the centre when joining the shoulders, giving the sweater its characteristic neckline shape.

Construction and Making Up

The sweater is knitted flat in individual pieces — a back, a front, and sleeves — which are then sewn together. The making-up process involves the following steps:

• Joining the shoulders, leaving the central 34 (35-36-37-38) stitches free to form the scoop neckline
• Sewing the sleeves to the armhole edges
• Sewing the sleeve and side seams to complete the body of the sweater

The sleeves are shaped with gradual increases worked two stitches in from the edge, beginning after the first 6 cm (approximately 2½ inches) of work. The shaping schedule varies by size, for example:

• Size S: increase once on each side, twice every 12 rows, then three times every 14 rows
• Size M: increase twice every 10 rows, then four times every 12 rows
• Size L: increase three times every 8 rows, then four times every 10 rows
• Sizes XL and XXL: increase six times every 8 rows, then twice every 10 rows

This graduated shaping ensures a well-fitted sleeve cap across all sizes. The back begins by casting on 52 (57-62-69-76) stitches depending on size, and the sleeve is worked to a final stitch count of 39 (42-45-48-50) stitches before cast-off at a length of 47 (48-48-48-48) cm.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting — all pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Seaming — shoulder seams, sleeve-to-armhole attachment, and side and sleeve seams are all sewn together during finishing
• Paired increases — worked symmetrically two stitches in from each edge to shape the sleeves
• Stitch counting and row counting — essential for following the size-specific shaping instructions accurately

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (G-ST) — the only stitch pattern used throughout the entire sweater. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every single row, producing a fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. It lies flat without curling, making it particularly beginner-friendly and forgiving. The resulting fabric has a pleasant elasticity and a cosy, textured appearance.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is important for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 16 rows to a 10 cm (4 inch) square in garter stitch using 7.0 mm needles. Knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and to consult the basic knitting instruction pages included at the beginning of the pattern book.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Bergere de France Sonora in the colourway Nuit