Hammersmith in Berroco - Downloadable PDF

Hammersmith Knit Top by Berroco Design Team

What is Being Made

Hammersmith is a knitted top designed by the Berroco Design Team, featured in Book #417. This intermediate-level garment is available in eight sizes, ranging from a finished bust measurement of 32 inches up to 60¼ inches, with corresponding length measurements from 21 inches to 25 inches. The pattern is shown in size 32" and is designed with 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Hammersmith is constructed using circular knitting techniques, which creates seamless fabric and allows for efficient working in the round. The pattern employs two different circular needle sizes—a 29-inch needle for the body and a 16-inch needle for smaller circumference areas—both in size 11 (8.00 mm). This construction method is typical for modern top designs that prioritize minimal seaming and smooth, continuous fabric.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used in Hammersmith is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured fabric characteristic of knitted garments. The gauge for this project is established at 11 stitches and 15 rounds measured over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project to ensure proper finished measurements.

Yarn and Materials

Hammersmith is designed to be worked in Berroco Gingham, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern requires 2 to 4 balls of yarn depending on the size being knitted, with the sample shown using color #3157 Pepper. Berroco Gingham is classified as a chunky to super chunky weight yarn, which allows the project to work up quickly on larger needles.

In addition to yarn and needles, the pattern calls for 2 stitch markers in different colors to help track pattern repeats and construction points, and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction. These notions are standard tools that support accurate shaping and seamless assembly of circular knit garments.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated at intermediate difficulty, indicating that knitters should be comfortable with fundamental techniques including working in the round on circular needles, reading pattern instructions, managing multiple stitches, and executing increases and decreases for shaping.