Long time since I’ve finally knitted this sweater and grabbed all my willpower to sit and write this pattern. This sweater can be called basic as it doesn’t require any special knitting skills and no fancy patterns are used but as I’ve discovered it is extremely difficult to find such a pattern especially a FREE PATTERN. Probably knitters think that if a pattern doesn’t use any cables or arans it’s not worth being posted. But just imagine a beginner who haven’t ever knitted anything but a scarf and has a desire to fill her wardrobe with a nice cosy piece of clothing. Actually such sweaters are difficult to find at readymade stores either or if you do find it it will be 100% made of acryllic. Congrats if you can wear it but I’m aweating like hell after the first 500 metres and have a feeling that I’m wearing a garbage parcel.
So I decided not to spend 50 dollars on such a synthetic thing in h&m or something like that and spend the same sum and knit a perfect sweater with silk and cashemere, the one that will look great oversize and the pleasure of process creating it is worth a million.
This sweater is truely for a beginner’s level but looks just great. I used lana Grossa Cashsilk and it took me some time to get used to it. The yarn is rather tricky and it was slipping off metal needles, then it was better with wooden and finally I changed to bamboo needles and it was a pleasure as they are really lightweighted. But that’s just my opinion so keep in mind if you decide using this yarn.
This pattern is made for one size and it is suitable from XS to M. I’ve given the actual size of the sweater below so if you need bigger size just increase the number of stitches and the length proportionally to the desired size. If you decide using another yarn please make sure that it fits the gauge.
Oversize Sweater Knitting Pattern
SIZE:
- Width 52 cm
- Length 55 cm
- Sleeves 42 cm
YARN:
- 12 skeins — 900 m /600 gr — Lana Grossa Cashsilk. I used 036 color
NEEDLES:
- 9 mm circular needles
- sewing needle
GAUGE:
10х10 cm 12 stiches and 18 rows
PATTERN:
Body back and front
Cast on 64 stiches.
Row 1: slip 1 stich knitwise, knit 1, purl 1 till the last stich, purl 1.
Repeat Row 1 — 9 times.
Row 2: slip 1 stich knitwise, knit all the stiches, purl the last stich.
Repeat till the length is 55 cm. Bind off the stiches.
Knit 2 pieces.
Sleeves
Cast on 34 stiches.
Row 1: slip 1 stich knitwise, knit 1, purl 1 till the last stich, purl 1.
Repeat Row 1 — 9 times.
Row 2: slip 1 stich knitwise, knit all the stiches, purl the last stich.
Continue to knit Row 2 — 7 times.
Increase Row. Slip one stich knitwise, knit one into front of the row below (inc 1), knit till one stich lest, knit one into one below (inc 1), purl the last stich. Repeat increasing row 4 more time every 10 rows, so that in the end you have 44 stiches. Knit till the needed lenght and bind off the stiches.
Sewing
Place the pasrts of sweater wrong side up in frot of yourself. Start sewing the shoulders leaving the neckhole, then follow with the sides of the sleeves, then the sleeves themselves and finish with the sides of sweater. Try to sew accurately.
Neck
Cast on stiches around the hole of the neck. Place the marker to indicate the beginning of the round. Knit 1, purl 1 till the end of the row. Continue for 6 rows. Bind off stiches.
Thank you for this. I wanted an easy first sweater to try, and this looks like it’ll give me the idea of how parts work without the struggle of complex patterns.
I really want to knit this sweater. Need to replenish my ink jets.
Thanks or the pattern.
Hugs,
Helen
I’m a plus sized gal, l need to figure out the math to make this work for me. Thanks for the idea.
SPASIBA BOLSHOI! (I can’t read or write it,, but I can sound it out) I used to have an amazing sweater like this that I was lucky enooug to buy in cotton. I, too, sweat like crazy in acrylic and even wool or cashmere! For all it’s bragging rights, cashmere feels too hot and itchy! I’m an experienced knitter and I’ve been searching high and low for a simple boat neck sweater like my beloved college friend that was lost!!! I can’t wait to cuddle up this winter and start this project. I already have the perfect yarn in my stash.
Great, Amy)) I know how you feel about patterns like this as I also failed at finding them))
Hope you like this sweater . What yarn are you planning t use?
Fabulous! Hope I can finish for my fashionista daughter! Thanks
Glad you liked it Dina) hope it turns out great)
I noticed that the bottom finishes with a ribbed borther, but it is not explained in the pattern
How many cm or rows you you made at the bottom?
Hi, Mayra. It is explained as this sweater is knitted from the bottom. So you start knitting front or back with the bottom rib — 9 rows then continue with garter stich. The neck rib is knitted when all the pieces of the sweater are sewn together.
I’m new to knitting, I’m trying to understand patterns. Must I do row 1 x9 times then X1 row 2? After this I alternate r1 and r2 until it’s long enough right? I’m also in need of bigger than a M size (I’m a UK 16-18/ Eu 44/46) and 5ft 9″ so I’ll leave my own measurement for others when I’m done in case anyone else needs it. Love your blog, thanks for it.
No no. You start with Row 1. Knit it for 9 rows . Then you simply knit Row 2 till the end of the piece (either front or back or sleeves). It is easy. You simply repeat knitting stiches all the way)) If you have any further questiions go along and ask )) Hope you’ll find it easy and fun to knit.
Thank you so much for posting this! You were so right, beginners will appreciate this! I mostly crochet, so I’ll need to brush up on my knitting, but I’m excited to try to make this!
Glad you like it, Amber. I’ve just posted a pattern for the fisherman’s rib scarf that is also a great fall project. Enjoy!
Trying to figure out if the body is alernate row 1 and 2 9 times
No, you knit row 1 — 9 times. Then you switch to toe 2 and knit it till the end of the piece.
Thank you so much for the pattern. I want to knit one for myself and one for mt daughter. Searched everywhere for a pattern like this.
What are the instructions for a size large or x-large? How many stitches to cast on for front, back, sleeves…length and width…etc, etc,
Thank you
Thank you! If I send a photo of a pullover I knitted a few years ago, would you perhaps be able to figure the pattern out? Also super easy…straight needles starting with sleeve cuff.
Looks fabulous and just what I need for some chunky wool I’ve bought. Can I knit it on straight needles? I was intending to use huge ones but maybe I’ll stick to the 9. Thank you.
Susan
Of coarse you can. It’s just the matter of convenience ))
You can send the knitted pattern on straight needles. Maybe I can figure it out.
Please give instructions for a larger sweater for THIS SWEATER PATTERN ASAP.
Thank you.
Linda
This is really beautiful! I’m a total beginner though so I would like to try this with a cheaper yarn. Do you have any recommendations?
Hi Rachel.
Unfortunatelly I don’t know which cheaper yarn to use. You should pick up a skein of yarn that you intend to use and try to knit a sample. If it fits the gauge then it’s possible to substitute.
Good luck.
I can’t wait to try this amazing pattern! Just one question- Can I make it so the one side doesn’t fall off the shoulder? and how would I do that?
Thanks, v
Hi, Vicki. Actually it doesn’t fall that much. it’s just the way i wore it for the picture.
But you can regulate the neck hole by sewing it more or less on the shoulders))
Wow this looks so easy even I’m going to make it x
Your blog is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! From the font, layout and color scheme to the content — all of it is perfect! I really love the sweater pattern too! Thanks so much for sharing!!! ?
Thank you Jennifer for your kind note. It’s a pleasure to hear that))
If my gauge is 14 st 20r how will that affect this pattern?
This way you have to count the number of stitches and rows depending on the gauge of your yarn.
14/12=1.16
You multiply the number of stitches in the pattern on the coefficient 1.16
62*1.16=72 stitches (for front and back)
34*1.16=40 stitches (for the sleeves )
Good luck))
Thanks so much! I thought mine looked too small! Good to know haha, will undo and restart 🙂
Thank you so much for this lovely pattern! I started working on it yesterday and cannot wait to see the end project! Also followed you on social media (instagram & facebook). So happy to have discovered your blog!
Thank you, I want to try this sweater for my daughters they will love it! ….sandy
I’ve yet to make a grown up sweater & can’t wait to start on this one. So pretty. Thanks for sharing.
Do you think any super bulky weight yarn would work, or do you have a suggestion for an alternative? I can’t find it in the US. I want to make this so bad!
Yes, I think you can use any chunky yarn that is available and the one that fits the gauge )) really glad you liked the pattern .
For the sleeeves…does «increase Row. Slip one stich knitwise, knit one into front of the row below (inc 1), knit till one stich lest, knit one into one below (inc 1), purl the last stich. Repeat increasing row 4 more time every 10 rows, so that in the end you have 44 stiches. Knit till the needed lenght and bind off the stitches»
Begin after you have done the rows one and 2? I am unclear about how to do the sleeves..repeat the increase row 4 more times every ten rows? What stitch is being done in between the increase row stitch? Sorry if that’s a silly question
Hello
I am confused at this point also. did you get a reply?
Same question here!
Each RS garter row for (*10 RS & WS) 5 RS rows has 2 inc stitches. You increase by making one st below at the beginning after the slip and at the end vefore the purl. 2 x 5 =10 added to 34 CO for 44 sts
Sorry. See above. It appears there are 2 increases per 10 rows and thus far a row is rs and ws. Very confusing.
How do you know how long to make the sleeves? Approximately how many cms should they be when I bind off?
At the beginning of the pattern there are maesurements for the sweater.
Sleeves are 42 cm long.
THIS is a great sweater. And exactly what I was looking for. You knit it in a cotton but if I can get the guage properly I could probably knit it in wool, no? Do you, by any chance have a picture of the way the neck looks when it’s not pulled down the shoulder. I know it’s a «boat neck» but I want to see it NOT pulled down one shoulder or the other — to get a better idea of how it looks regularly.
When you say repeat till the lenght is 55cm. Is it with the rib or not?
What is an alternative yarn to use for this pattern? I tried to order the yarn used, but it is in euro’s and I am not sure it ships to the United States. Can’t wait to Knit this pattern.
Thank you for sharing your pattern with us — looking forward to trying it out for my daughter who will love lounging around in it on chilly days/nights 🙂
My yarn says 18st = 10cm on 5mm needles. Does that mean I should use bigger needles for this pattern?
THANK YOU FOR THIS PATTERN ….. I just finished making this sweater. It took me 4 days to complete and I love it. I made it using ‘ Red Heart with Love’ yarn 6 ounce boysenberry color from Walmart. Total cost around $9.00.
I’m curious did you knit this singled stranded using the Red Heart With Love yarn? Did you use different size needles? or did you follow the pattern exactly as written with the red heart with love yarn? I only ask because the original yarn used in the pattern is a super bulky weight and the red heart with love yarn is a (4) worsted weight. Curious to know how it turned out. Could you post pics of yours? Would love to see it::-) I too was considering using a (4) worsted weight yarn, but I was going to knit double stranded to get close to the super bulky weight yarn as in the pattern.
Does cast on around the hole of the neck same as pick up stitches around the neck? Thanks!
silly question…. and I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but before I get started on this fantastic pattern need to ask. Under the sleeves portion of the pattern the instructions are for just one sleeve correct? We repeat this sleeves part of the pattern twice, correct? I’m super excited to get started on this. I have a couple smaller projects to finish up but then I am diving right into this bad boy! Love the color too. I may end up using an acrylic worsted yarn held double stranded….hmmmm, decision decisions…..
How are you supposed to co stitches for the neck. I’m so anxious to knit this I love the look just a little confusion
I too am unsure how to cast on for the neck? Love this pattern and as you say a perfect pattern for someone’s first attempt at knitting a sweater.
Hi Aleksandra,
Could you please advise how wide the neck hole opening is?
Thank you
Leslie
Thank you, thank you, thank you, and what a gorgeous colour. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Hannukah, Thanksgiving, Midwinter, Shortest Day, whatever lights your fire. Oh, and thank you. Poshepoche
Is this just a knitting front and back across every ten rows? I’m written instructions dysfunctional.
I love this and totally want to make it! I just have a few questions about it though:
1. What size cable should my 9mm circulars have? 24″? 32″?
2. Should I also have a second set of 9mm circulars for the sleeve creation, like a 16″ set?
3. At the end when you need to cast on stitches for the neck, how many stitches should be cast on? I suck at creating necks and don’t want it to be too loose or too gappy!
Thanks. 😀
Although a beautiful sweater the instructions were not. Finished product did not come out right. A schematic was needed to know how big each piece should be. Have to rip out. Size instruction looks to be very small or even preteen. Hope you can fix for future requests to make.
Wow thanks for this!
I just decided to start knitting again — I haven’t in a loooong time, and I just used to knit simple scarves. I was looking for something more interesting / challenging, but not too challenging. This is perfect. Thanks for the inspiration and the sharing!
Why is there a need for a circular needle, could it not be done on two needles for those unfamiliar with a circular.
Hi Norma,
You can knit flat with circular needles, especially when using a bulky yarn as in this sweater. There would be too much bulk for straight needles. Here is a link to show you how. I never use straight needles anymore. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzZIkBHtQXM
Hey, can you explain me increase row better? I’m not very good at english so it’s hard for me to understand..
I’m confused about how the neck is knitting and attached to the sweater, please help.
Hello,
Could you reply on instructions about neck? How many stitches do you cast on?
hello I would like to make this in a 4x how many stiches would I need to cast on?
Thanks for the great pattern! I’m teaching me friend to knit and this is the perfect project for her.
Can you please tell us readers how many stitches do we need to pick up and knit for the neck edging? Thank you!
I am having a lot of trouble finding a super bulky natural fiber yarn in the US. I can find a bulky fiber yarn. I’m a very new knitter. Do you think that you could help me rewrite this pattern for a bulky yarn? I’m also going to need to knit it in medium to large. I love the pattern!
Here’s a link for some super bulky yarn in the U.S.
http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Super_Bulky_Weight_Yarn__L30010108.html
Can’t wait to try this. This pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for, thank you.
What stitch do you recommend to sew this sweater together. I’m making my second one and wasn’t happy with my sewing of the first one. Was going to try mattress stitch this time. Your recomendation?
Hi!
The sweater looks really nice and as I am not such an experienced knitter,I was looking for something like this.
I want to ask you : a) I like knitting on circular needles, Is it the same if I cast on 128 stiches? and b) I can’t understand the following:»Row 1: slip 1 stich knitwise, knit 1, purl 1 till the last stich, purl 1.» So after knitting one I will purl until the end?
Thank you very much!
I am looking forward to beginning the sweater!!!!!
Hi, I was so excited when i saw this pattern!! But when i got to the bottom and read the neck bit, i got very confused, is it okay if you explain it in a bit of a simpler way? Thankyouu!!
Hi,
Love this sweater and I am sure I can make it but I’m an XXL and don’t know how to do the math to get it to fit me.
Any simple way to do this or is there a size converter/calculator that you or any of the other commenters know about?
Sorry if this is a repeat question.
Rikki 🙂
i like this thank you , i will try because it looks fairly easy
Hi, I was curious what the length of the cable for the circular needles is that I’d be using? Thanks so much!
Beautiful job and just agree with you on n cheap yarns. Do u have mire patterns
Luv the seater an I am enjoying making it any more patterns
Your sweater is great anymore pattetns
Can I use other wool for the oversized sweater as long as it is soft ? I am from South Africa. Many thanks
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this pattern! I am now ready to knit my first sweater 🙂
Thank you for posting it may be basic but classics like this should b a staple of all wardrobes in my opinion. Looking forward to knitting this pattern
Cheers from Downunder
I was wondering if there are any sleeve increases on the body of the piece? It doesn’t say so in the pattern, but in the picture it looks as if there are…wondering if this has been left up to the knitters interpretation or if I just knit a box?
I related to EVERYTHING in your first paragraph, it felt like you were writing specifically to me!! hahaha, thank you for being so generous and disciplined to work this out and then write it down to share. Bless you and thank you!! xoxo
I love this!! Can you make the neck tighter? I’m a 55 year old and would welcomed me closing the neck a little.
Love it!!
Hi!
I was wondering if you used 900 meters of yarn for this sweater or 12 skeins of 900m ?
What a charming post….thank you for the free pattern….
Super cute and something I can do I am sure 🙂 Thank you for writing up a beginner sweater. I always find patterns for sweaters that I love but they are so intimidating. I think this is going to be Christmas presents for my daughter and daughter in laws.
Such a great sweater! Thanks for sharing this amazing pattern. I’m in the process of knitting it right now with an alpaca blend and it’s so squishy and snuggly! First sweater I’ve knit. Can’t wait to take it with me on my trip to Berlin in September ❤️
I’m reading the instructions for the neck and I feel like it should be pick up and knit not cast on for the neck. If you cast on stitches for the neck how would they be attached to the sweater?
Do you knit the sleeves in the round or in two pieces?
I’m a beginner knitter and was wondering if you have any pictures or videos on sewing the this together
I just love this sweater . . .but I would make it in extra large . . and directions as to the change in stitches for an extra large?
I love this sweater I have the yarn arrived yesterday. PROBLEM. I didn’t look enough and assumed when I saw 9mm it was US 9. WRONG. Started knitting on US 9 and seemed really small!!! THEN saw 9 mm which equals SZ 13 US !!! I will know next time. Thanks Denise
Thank you SO much for sharing! I’m a beginner knitter eager to learn how to master new projects and I’m SO excited to try this one!
Is this a Chunky yarn used for this sweater?
I’m confused, you stated that you «decided not to spend $50.00 on such a thing» but when I look up the yarn it’s $17.09 a ball plus taxes and shipping, your pattern requires 12 which means this basic sweater will cost around $240 or so dollars to make. for most knitter’s I know, the cost of this would be prohibitive, any suggestions on a reasonably priced substitute yarn?
This yarn is much cheaper here in Ukraine. So I decided not to spend 50$ on synthetic but rather to knit myself a high quality sweater)
Like to knit small babies patterns
Can’t wait to try this!! : )
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Thank you, I am going to give this a try! ?
Hello,
I love this pattern. I am fairly new to knitting and love how simple it is. I do have a question….. should I block this sweater? If so should I block in pieces or after it is sewn together?
Can you make a short video of the sweater making in process? I think would be helpful with all the questions. Thanks
Thank you
1. What size cable should my 9mm circulars have? 24″? 32″?
2. Should I also have a second set of 9mm circulars for the sleeve creation, like a 16″ set?
would you have a cotton yarn that you recommend that would work for this sweater?
this pattern never said repeat row 2 till 55 cm, so i repeated row 1 and row 2 so its messed up. thanks for letting me waste a bunch of yarn.
If I wanted to make this with 5mm needles and 4 weight yarn, how many stitches would I need to cast on for the body and sleeves?
Thank you for posting your pattern! All I seem to come across are complex looking patterns and as a beginner already felt defeated!
Do you have a crotchet pattern for this beautiful sweater?