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Sweaters are such a fun and rewarding knitting project. They’re not only super practical, but a classic, hand-knit sweater can be one of your favorite wardrobe items for years to come. If you’re looking for your next sweater pattern, keep reading for a list of 25 easy and free sweater knitting patterns.
Many beginners shy away from knitting sweaters because they seem like such a large and daunting project. And I totally get it – sweaters are a big time- and yarn-commitment!
But the truth is, there are so many great sweater knitting patterns out there that are perfect for beginners. With the right pattern and some helpful tips, knitting a sweater can be a great beginner knitting project. And once you finish that first sweater, you’ll be hooked!
If you’re looking for an easy sweater knitting pattern, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 25 free and easy knit sweater patterns. Each of these sweater patterns uses basic knitting stitches and straightforward construction techniques, so they’re perfect for beginners. And best of all, they’re all free! So grab your yarn and needles and get ready to knit up one of these easy sweaters.
Easy Knit Sweater Patterns
A collection of our favorite free sweater knitting patterns for beginner and intermediate knitters.
1
Simple Knit Sweater
Photo Credit:www.sewrella.com
This easy sweater knitting pattern is perfect for beginners. It’s worked in five pieces with simple seaming. To make this sweater, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and knit two stitches together. It’s made with super bulky yarn which allows it to knit up quickly.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
2
Basic V-Neck Pullover
Photo Credit:www.knitpicks.com
This classic v-neck is knit in the round from the bottom up. It’s made primarily using the stockinette stitch. It can easily be dressed up for an event or worn casually.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Wool of the Andes
3
Kenwood Sweater
Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com
This slouchy, oversized knitted sweater pattern may just become your new favorite! This basic pattern is suitable for beginners and is available in eight different sizes, from XS to 4X.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Theory
4
Mondrian Pullover
Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com
Show off your favorite color scheme with this modern knitted sweater pattern. This short sweater will pair perfectly with your favorite pair of high-waisted jeans.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Hue + Me
5
Easton Striped Pullover
Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com
Stripe-lovers, this one’s for you! Featuring drop sleeves and a casual look, this pattern is worked in separate pieces and then seamed together.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Hue + Me
6
Cobble Hill Pullover
Photo Credit:www.lionbrand.com
This lightweight sweater is knit in four pieces. It features a longer waist length but can easily be adjusted according to your preference.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Mandala
7
Flax Light
Photo Credit:tincanknits.com
This sweater is knit from the top down with fingering weight yarn. It’s light weight makes it perfect for fall days when sweater weather is just starting to settle in. This pattern is available in 19 different sizes - from infant to 6XL.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Sweet Fiber Yarns Cashmerino 20
8
Flax
Photo Credit:tincanknits.com
With the range of sizes available for this pattern, you can make one of these cropped knit sweaters for each member of the family! If you prefer, there’s also a regular-length version of this pullover.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: De Rerum Natura Gilliatt
9
The Classic
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
Be sure to grab some high-quality yarn for this one, because this classic turtleneck knit pullover is about to become a staple in your closet for years to come. This pattern is made by holding two strands together - a fingering weight yarn and a sport weight yarn - to equal a DK weight sweater. This pattern is best for intermediate knitters.
Yarn weight: Fingering and sport
Suggested yarn: Isager Silk Mohair (fingering) and Isager Alpaca 2 (sport)
10
Metropolis
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
You’ll be glad you have this chunky turtleneck to reach for on the coldest winter days. This bulky sweater knits up quickly. It’s knit in one piece from the top down.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Tanis Fiber Arts PureWash Chunky
11
Autumn League Pullover
Photo Credit:www.twoofwands.com
This raglan knit sweater creates a classic fall look that’s perfect for a day on the town or an afternoon at the pumpkin patch. Its detailed neckband and side slits give it character, though it’s still a fairly simple pattern to make.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Jeans
12
Gracious
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
To make this casual sweater, you’ll want to have some experience with color blocking and basic shaping. This slouchy, loose sweater features a wide neck and is so very comfy!
Yarn weight: Light fingering
Suggested yarn: Espace Tricot Grace
13
Real Easy Raglan
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
As the name implies, this one is really easy! There are also plenty of helpful tips for beginners included in this pattern. If you’re looking to knit your first sweater, this just may be the perfect pattern for you.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Woolly Yarn Co Woolly 8ply
14
Sweatshirt Sweater
Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com
Looking for a knitted version of your favorite comfy sweatshirt? This is it. With its front pocket, overall softness, and casual fit, you’ll be reaching for this sweater just as often as your favorite hoodie.
Yarn weight: Light worsted
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Morning
15
L'Express
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This comfortable sweater is great for either dressing up or relaxing. It’s knit seamlessly in the round and requires minimal shaping.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: LAMANA Como
16
Calliope
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
Featuring a wide, ribbed neckline, this vintage raglan knit sweater is both stunning and classic. It’s made by holding a lace and fingering yarn together.
Yarn weight: Lace and fingering
Suggested yarn: Emilia & Philomene Leona (lace) and Emilia & Philomene Josephine (fingering)
17
My First Holiday Knit Sweater
Photo Credit:www.sewrella.com
If you love Christmas, you’ll love this festive sweater! If you’re looking to try out colorwork techniques, this is a great pattern for getting started. Plus, it uses bulky yarn which knits up quickly.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
18
Bramble Jumper
Photo Credit:www.twoofwands.com
This oversized sweater uses the trinity stitch (or bramble stitch) to form its cozy bobble clusters. It features a drop sleeve and classic crewneck for maximum comfort.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta
19
Parnell
Photo Credit:www.berroco.com
This sweater creates a modern look with its striped body and sleeves paired with solid shoulders. For this pattern, you’ll need to know how to work the garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and do basic shaping.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light
20
Hokkaido Sweater
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This loose sweater features wide ribbing and is worked from the top down. It’s available in six different sizes.
Yarn weight: Aran
Suggested yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash
21
Lightweight Raglan Pullover
Photo Credit:www.purlsoho.com
Here’s a raglan sweater that includes basic shaping. Its special details present learning opportunities for beginners and add interest for intermediate and advanced knitters. It offers a drapey, lightweight design to keep you fashionably warm on breezy days.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Linen Quill
22
Trescao
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This crop top sweater is perfect for pairing with skirts or high-waisted jeans. Its shorter front and slightly longer back are designed to look flattering on any body type. This sweater is created with lace and fingering held together to create a DK weight yarn.
Yarn weight: Lace and fingering
Suggested yarn: Along Avec Anna Silk Mohair (lace) and Along Avec Anna Merino (fingering)
23
Brick
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
Everyone needs this classic knit sweater in their closet! This simple pullover is available in seven different sizes, from XS to 3X.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter
24
On The Beach
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
Here’s a lightweight sweater made of sport-weight yarn that’s perfect for breezy days on the beach. It features a v-neck and raw edges and is an excellent first sweater project for beginners.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Brava Sport
25
Night Blooms Sweater
Photo Credit:www.ravelry.com
This night blooms design features gorgeous colorwork on a classic sweater. It can be made with a silk and mohair yarn held double or with one DK strand.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Isager Yarn Isager Silk Mohair
How to Choose A Beginner Sweater Pattern
Even beginner knitters can knit a simple sweater. If you can cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, you’re well on your way to knitting your first sweater!
Here are some tips for choosing a beginner-friendly knit sweater pattern:
- Look for patterns that use only basic stitch patterns, like stockinette or garter stitch.
- Choose a pattern with detailed instructions and lots of pictures (video tutorials are great, too!).
- Look for a pattern that uses bulky yarn if you want a project that works up more quickly.
- Choose a pattern with simple, rectangular shapes that will be seamed together.
- Avoid colorwork if you are unfamiliar with this technique – stick with solid colors to start.
And, if you’d rather make a knit cardigan instead, check out our favorite free cardigan knitting patterns here.
Favorite Yarn for Knit Sweaters
For your convenience, I’ve added recommended yarns for each sweater right here within the post. However, feel free to swap them out for your favorite yarns of the same weight. As always, don’t forget to check your gauge before getting started!
Want more yarn ideas? Here are some of my favorite choices for knitting sweaters:
- Brava Sport (sport)
- Lion Brand Coboo (DK)
- Wool of the Andes (worsted)
- Hue + Me (bulky)
- Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky)
How to Knit a Sweater: The Basics
Though there are a variety of different methods for knitting sweaters, most sweaters are worked in one of two basic methods: knit in the roundseamlessly, or knit in pieces andseamed.
Knit in the Round:Sweaters that are knit in the round can be worked from the bottom up or from the top down. Many knitters prefer this type of sweater construction because there’s little to no sewing to do at the end. And, if you’re working on a top-down style sweater, you can try it on as you go to check the fit.
Knit in Pieces:Sweaters that are knit in pieces are usually worked from the bottom up. The sweater’s front, back, and sleeves are knit separately and then seamed together at the end. This type of sweater construction can be more approachable, since you’re working on smaller pieces, one at a time.
Knitting Techniques to Know
No matter which type of sweater you decide to knit, there are a few basics that you’ll need to know before you get started.
Knitting Basics:Click here for complete tutorials on How to Cast On, How to Knit, How to Purl, and How to Bind Off.
Knitting in the round:If you’re working on a seamless sweater, you’ll need to know how to knit in the round. This means you’ll use circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) rather than straight needles.
Increasing and Decreasing:You’ll also need to know how to increase and decrease stitches. Some common knitting decreases are K2Tog and SSK, and some common knitting increases are M1L and M1R.
Seaming and Finishing:If you’re working on a seamed sweater, you’ll need to know how to sew it together at the end. This is called seaming, and there are a few different ways to do it. The most common seaming method is the mattress stitch.
Tips for Knitting Sweaters
Here are some tips and tricks for your next knit sweater pattern.
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Knitting should be fun! To avoid frustration, start with a sweater that matches your skill level. Sweaters take some time to make, so you don’t want to get burnt out in the process.
Don’t forget to read through your pattern thoroughly before getting started and practice any techniques you don’t know.
Make a gauge swatch to test your tension and yarn choice.
Gauge definitely matters when you’re knitting a sweater. Even if you use the recommended yarn for your pattern, it’s still important to knit a gauge swatch before getting started. Take the time to knit your swatch and adjust your needle size accordingly.
Check the fit as you go.
One major bonus of knitting your own sweater is that you can adjust it as needed to fit you perfectly. Try on your sweater a few times throughout the process so that you can make any necessary changes. Don’t wait until it’s done to see if it fits!
Block the sweater for the best results
Blocking your sweater allows it to take on the best shape. This process includes wetting your finished sweater, pinning it in shape, and then letting it dry. It will also help your fabric to look smoother and more professional.
Looking for knit cardigans instead?
For a collection of free and easy knit cardigans, check out these 25 easy cardigan knitting patterns.
More Knitting Patterns
Here are a few more knitting patterns you may be interested in.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 25 Free Scarf Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 21 Free Mitten Knitting Patterns
- 30 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns
- 25 Free Baby Sweater Knitting Patterns
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Sarah Stearns Founder and Editor
Sarah Stearns has helped millions of makers find their next craft project with free patterns and step-by-step tutorials on her blog, sarahmaker.com. Read more.
With over a decade of experience in knitting and crochet, she has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, Scientific American, Good Housekeeping, Vox, Apartment Therapy, and Lifehacker.
