Brooke

Brooke Knitted Sweater by Regina Moessmer

What is Being Made

Brooke is a downloadable knitting pattern for a pullover sweater designed by Regina Moessmer. This intermediate-level garment is constructed using 4 ply yarn and is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to XXXL, making it accessible for a wide range of body measurements and fit preferences.

Yarn and Materials

The Brooke pattern is worked with John Arbon Harvest Hues 4 Ply, a premium yarn blend composed of 65% Merino and 35% Zwartbles fibers. The sample shown uses colorway Bracken. This yarn provides 400 meters per 100 grams, offering excellent stitch definition and drape suitable for sweater construction. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 1200 yards (1100 m), S requires 1290 yards (1180 m), M requires 1445 yards (1320 m), L requires 1585 yards (1450 m), XL requires 1750 yards (1600 m), XXL requires 1860 yards (1700 m), and XXXL requires 2040 yards (1860 m).

Needles and Tools

Construction requires circular needles and double-pointed needles (or magic loop method) in two sizes: US5 (3.75 mm) for the main fabric and US4 (3.5 mm) for ribbed sections. Additional tools needed include stitch markers, a cable needle, a tapestry needle for finishing, and waste yarn or a stitch holder for securing stitches during construction.

Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Brooke is reverse stockinette stitch, which creates a textured, purl-bumped fabric surface that adds visual interest to the finished garment. The pattern incorporates cable patterns as a design element, adding structural interest and dimension to the sweater.

Key techniques required for this project include:

• Pfsb (Purl from stitch below): An increase method worked by purling a stitch without transferring it to the right needle, then inserting the right needle into the back leg of the stitch below and transferring it directly to the right needle without knitting. This creates a decorative, paired increase ideal for shaping and pattern work.
• Cable patterns: Twisted stitch techniques that create rope-like textures by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches by 36 rows in stockinette stitch over 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) when measured on the larger needles after washing. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and is particularly important when working with 4 ply yarn, as even small variations can affect the final garment dimensions across multiple sizes.

Difficulty Level

Brooke is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in basic shaping techniques, cable work, and the ability to read pattern instructions. The combination of reverse stockinette stitch, increases, and cable patterns requires solid foundational skills and attention to stitch accuracy.