Hurray! You’re ready to knit your first sweater! I’ve compiled a FANTASTIC list of sweater knitting patterns for beginners that I know you’ll just love.
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How to Knit a Sweater
When you knit a sweater, the sweater pattern is usually divided into 2 parts: the body and the sleeves. The body of the sweater is typically knit first, followed by the sleeves.
There are exceptions to this rule of course, but we will discuss those later in the post.
A sweater is typically divided into 3 parts: the neckline and shoulders, the main body, and the hem (or bottom).
You can knit it from the shoulders (top) down, or from the hem (bottom) up. Either way can be suitable for someone knitting their first sweater.
Ribbing
The hem (bottom) of a sweater and the neckline of a sweater usually include a pattern of knit and purl stitches that create a stretchy fabric called ribbing. You create this ribbing to protect your sweater from being stretched out or ripped when it’s pulled over your head and fit to your body.
There are usually a few inches of ribbing on the cuff of each sleeve as well. This is to ensure that the cuff will stretch over your hand, but still fit snuggly on your wrist.
Here are some examples of ribbing you may see on your store bought or hand knit sweaters at home:
Simple Sweater Knitting Patterns
Choosing your first sweater pattern can be a bit intimidating. I encourage you to choose a pattern that you LOVE that can be knit in a slightly thicker yarn (worsted weight or thicker).
When you knit with a thicker yarn, you begin to see your progress sooner. This will inspire you to keep going when the task of knitting something that measures the ENTIRE length of your torso becomes overwhelming (ask me how I know!)
Each of these patterns is perfect for someone new to sweater knitting and they are all knit in worsted weight yarn or thicker.
Basic V-Neck Pullover
by Knit Picks Design Team
Grab this FREE Basic V-Neck Pullover by Knit Picks Design Team! The Basic V-Neck Pullover is a classic sweater that you knit in the round from the bottom (hem) up. It features a hemmed neckline and cuffs and is knit in worsted weight yarn.
The pattern recommends Wool of the Andes Worsted yarn, but if you prefer something softer, try the Swish Worsted instead.
The Book Keeper Pattern
by Alicia Plum
The breathtaking Book Keeper Sweater Pattern by Alicia Plum is a beautiful sweater knitting pattern for beginners. Knit this stunning pullover from the top (shoulders) down completely seamlessly. “Seamless” means that you will not have to sew any part of the sweater together (a massive bonus for a beginner!)
You will knit the Book Keeper Sweater in a worsted weight yarn. For a lovely shade of blue similar to this one, check out Cascade 220 in Summer Sky Heather.
Can’t get enough of this pattern? Alicia Plum is an exquisite designer with dozens of patterns on LoveCrafts. Here are two more of Alicia’s sweater designs, suitable for a beginner knitter:
Oversized Sweater Knitting Patterns for Beginners
The oversized sweater has come back with a vengeance. Apart from being incredibly stylish, the oversized sweater pattern can be a good place to start for someone knitting their first sweater.
On one hand, you do have a larger sweater (and therefore MORE stitches to knit), but on the other hand you don’t need to worry about fit as much as you would a tighter sweater.
Knit each of these patterns in a worsted weight yarn or thicker to ensure quicker progress:
The Keiko Sweater
The Keiko Sweater by Sari Nordlund is a gorgeous example of a “Boyfriend Fit” oversized sweater. It is a raglan style sweater which means that the sleeves extend from the neckline rather than from the shoulder (read more about Raglan Sweaters in the next section).
The Keiko Sweater is knit with 2 strands of sport weight yarn held together, but it could easily be knit from one strand of worsted weight yarn. Sari Nordlund is the designer of several other breathtaking patterns. Visit her store HERE for even more inspiration!
The Ouray Pullover Knitting Pattern
by Interweave
The Ouray Pullover by Interweave is a deliciously chunky, oversized sweater design. It has a generous turtleneck collar and extra-thick fabric to ensure that you will be warm and cozy all winter long.
The Ouray Pullover Knitting Pattern by Interweave is knit from super bulky yarn. Check out these fabulous super bulky options from Knit Picks:
The Sugar Striped Jumper
Are you excited at the prospect of knitting in color but don’t know where to start? This Sugar Striped Jumper by Paintbox Yarns is a great option on our list of Sweater Knitting Patterns for Beginners!
The Sugar Striped Jumper is knit from Paintbox Simply Chunky yarn. There are dozens of colors to choose from but if you prefer to knit it in just one color, purchase the Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky 10 Ball Value Pack, and save!
Prefer to knit in a natural fiber? Try Knit Picks Simply Wool Bulky or Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky:
Simple Raglan Sweater Knitting Patterns
When you knit a raglan sweater pattern, the sleeves of the sweater begin at the neckline rather than the shoulder. If you choose to knit a raglan sweater as your first sweater pattern, you won’t need to sew the sleeves into the arm hole, which can oftentimes make the process smoother and the final project appear more polished.
Le Basik Raglan
The Le BasiK raglan by Petit Bout de Laine is a fantastic (and FREE!) Raglan Sweater Pattern just perfect for a beginner! Le BasiK raglan is knit in a DK weight yarn (which is slightly thinner than a worsted) but it is such a delightful pattern that I couldn’t resist including it.
To achieve the look in the photograph, designer Petit Bout de Laine combines a fingering weight yarn with a strand of Kid Silk Haze to create a DK weight yarn. But if the idea of holding 2 strands at once is daunting for a first sweater project, consider these DK weight options:
Knit Your First (Raglan) Sweater Course
Wouldn’t it be amazing to have someone guide you through every step of knitting your first sweater pattern?
Chandi, of Expression Fiber Arts has created a fabulous Knit Your First Sweater Course where you are given a written pattern and a series of videos that do just that!
The sweater you’ll be knitting is the Creery Pullover by Emily Watson. The Creery Pulllover is a fantastic first sweater pattern and it’s knit in bulky weight yarn. It includes simple increases to shape the yoke and sleeves and there’s no neck or waist shaping to worry about!
Grab your Knit Your First Sweater Course today! Preview the first video HERE and purchase both the pattern AND the course for less than $10 on the Expression Fiber Arts Website.
On the hunt for some exquisite Bulky Weight Yarn? Check out these beautiful skeins from Expression Fiber Arts:
Men’s Sweater Knitting Patterns for Beginners
The first sweater I ever knit just happened to be for my husband. So if you’re like me and want to knit the gentleman in your life (even if that gentleman is YOU) a sweater, I’ve got a couple of GREAT options for you!
Classic Roundneck Sweaters
In search of a beginner’s sweater pattern for men? Look no further! These Classic Roundneck Sweaters are both sexy and stylish. They’re knit in aran weight wool (aka heavy worsted weight) making your progress quicker!
Both sweaters are knit in Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran Weight Yarn and feature Irish Moss Stitch (a simple combination of knit and purl stitches).
Justin’s Flannel
by Alicia Plum
I just couldn’t resist featuring ANOTHER Alicia Plum pattern. Justin’s Flannel is a fantastic first sweater pattern featuring a simple rib pattern on a classic, tailored pullover.
Knit Justin’s Flannel using worsted weight yarn. Check out these fantastic yarn options from Love Crafts:
This post was all about Sweater Knitting Patterns for Beginners. Leave a comment below letting us know whether you’ve completed one of the patterns above and what your experience was. Do you have another beginner sweater knitting pattern that you’d recommend? Mention it (or link it below) and we will be sure to check it out!
Here are even MORE Knitting Articles for your crafting inspiration: