There’s a couple of landmark projects in every crocheter’s creative journey, and tackling your first crochet sweater pattern is definitely one of them.
While crochet sweater patterns can be relatively simple, getting the sizing right and following a pattern for such a large project takes commitment.
You’re also dedicating a large portion of your precious crochet time to make something for yourself (unless you’re really brave and making it as a gift). That’s why you need to choose a project you love!
There’s an incredible number of crochet sweater patterns available online, including some amazing free patterns. But it’s not all about the money – it’s important to pick a pattern you love the style of, as well as picking one that uses stitches you’re comfortable with.
Ready to get stuck in? Jump straight to our pick of the best free crochet sweater patterns, or read on to see some amazing paid-for patterns first.
Best crochet sweater patterns 2024
1. Confetti adult pullover crochet pattern
Best for seamless stitches and stash-busting
This fabulous design by Sandra Gutierrez a.k.a. Nomad Stitches is a brilliant example of how effective a simple stitch can be. Sandra has worked hers in four different colourful DK yarns to create a fading colour effect, but of course you can use as many or as little colours as you like. It’s a great pattern for using up leftover DK yarns from your stash.
- Buy this Confetti adult pullover crochet pattern from Lovecrafts
2. Alpaca Ripple jumper crochet pattern
Best for stitch show-offs
This incredible crochet sweater by Cara Medus is almost the opposite of our last pick, as this one is all about showing off a range of different stitches.
Wavy chevrons meet open lace stitches, all hooked up in colourful and sumptuous UK Alpaca yarn. It can also be made in sizes S - 3XL, so everyone can enjoy those stunning stitches.
- Find this pattern in Issue 125 of Simply Crochet available to buy on Ravelry or by downloading our digital editions app
3. Rift crochet sweater pattern
Best for fans of texture
We’ve got a bit of a soft spot for the designs by Lena Fedotova – they just look so effortlessly natural! Her Rift sweater is a great example.
Although it only uses the simplest of stitches, it has a cosy and relaxed shaping and a fabulous ribbed texture that spirals seamlessly around the design.
- Buy the Rift crochet sweater pattern from Lovecrafts
4. Caveat crop sweater crochet pattern
Best for all body shapes and sizes
If you struggle to find crochet patterns that fit (and flatter) your body shape, then the Caveat Crop Sweater by Lydia Morrow is for you. Rather than following conventional sizes, this pattern comes as a ‘3 sizes fit most’. This gives you the options to choose how the design fits with the different sizes and by using different yarns or hook sizes.
We think the designer Lydia describes it best – “I’ve tried size 2 on my teenage siblings of many genders, my mum, my dad, my assistant, and myself (a size range of UK 6-26 with boobs ranging from none to a K cup) and it looked good on everyone!”
- Check out the Caveat crop sweater pattern on Ravelry
Feeling the chill?
Need to hook up some extra layers for the colder weather? Then check out our pick of the best Autumn/Winter crochet top patterns. It includes more sweaters as well as cardigans and poncho patterns.
5. Berry Dipped Raglan Sweater crochet pattern
Best for bobbles
At a distance you could be forgiven for thinking this is just a plain crochet sweater, but take a closer look at those sleeves and be prepared to be amazed! This design features flowing bishop sleeves, adorned with brilliant bobbles. It’s a design that’ll wow your friends and family.
- Buy the Berry Dipped Raglan Sweater crochet pattern from Lovecrafts
6. Mosaic Pullover Crochet Pattern
Best for mosaic crochet fans
Mosaic crochet can be a little bit Marmite and can seem quite tricky to start off with, but once you get the hang of it it’s surprisingly addictive. This fabulous sweater crochet pattern by Simone Francis takes a plain raglan sweater and gives it a stylish twist thanks to its panels of colourful mosaic crochet stripes.
- Find this pattern in Issue 95 of Simply Crochet which is available to buy on Ravelry or by downloading our digital editions app
7. Crochet Hoodie Pattern
Best for relaxed style
We all have that one item of clothing that we love to relax in… and this crochet hoodie is bound to become your new favourite. With its comfy loose fit, simple stitches and the classic style of a regular fabric hoodie, this is a project you’ll treasure for years (and get many compliments on too).
- Buy the Crochet Hoodie Pattern from Etsy
8. Encore Sweater Crochet Pattern
Best for trendy crocheters
Here’s a crochet sweater pattern that really captures that festival style with its stylish drop-shoulder sleeves and eyelet stripes made from simple stitches. The Encore sweater pattern from Sirdar is a great project for beginners who are taking on their first garment. You can order it as a kit with all the yarn too – all you need to do is get hooking!
- Buy this Encore Sweater crochet pattern from Sirdar
9. Men’s striped jumper crochet pattern
Best for Men
There’s no reason why most crochet sweater patterns can’t work equally as well for men as they do for women. You may need to be clever with the sizing (normally going up a size or two), but as long as it’s not particularly tight fitting or involving any darts/bust shaping it should be fine. However, if you’re looking for a pattern that has been specifically designed for men (although of course it can be worn by anyone really), then this fab striped jumper by Fran Morgan is a must-make project.
- You can find this pattern in Issue 110 of Simply Crochet available to buy on Ravelry or by downloading our digital editions app
Looking for more makes for men?
It’s sometimes hard to know what to crochet for chaps, but we’ve got plenty of inspiring projects in our pick of the best crochet patterns for men.
10. Sensit Sweater crochet pattern
Best for experienced crocheters
Every now and then we come across a design that makes our jaws drop – and this is certainly one of them. It features some fantastic stitch details, but it’s the asymmetrical layout that’s particularly unique. It’s certainly one for more experienced crocheters, but also a design that will blow the socks off your hooky friends.
- Purchase this Sensit sweater crochet pattern from Etsy
Best free crochet sweater patterns
Maybe you want to try making at least one jumper first before paying for a pattern? We understand, so here’s 10 fabulous free patterns you can make straightaway.
1. Granny Square jumper upcycling project
Best for thrifty makers
Still a bit wary of starting on your first crochet sweater? We think this upcycling project is the perfect way to get started and it’s great for beginners. Rather than crocheting a whole sweater from scratch, this upcycling project takes an old worn-out jumper and uses some funky granny squares to give it a makeover. You don’t have to worry about fit or sizing, as you’ll use your old jumper as a guide and use the existing sleeves too. Go on – give it a try!
- Check out the Granny Square jumper upcycling project
2. Geometric Tiles Jumper Crochet Pattern
Best for fans of funky patterns
This super-stylish sweater design by Cassie Ward is just perfect for fans of Intarsia crochet colourwork. Using a chart, you’ll create glorious geometric front and back panels and sleeves, all topped off with some contrasting ribbed cuffs and edges.
- Find the Geometric Tiles Jumper Crochet Pattern on Lovecrafts
3. Caron Boxy Checks Crochet Sweater Pattern
Best for colour-lovers
Multiple colours of yarn – check! Comfy Aran weight ribbed texture – check! Cool checked design – oh that’s definitely checked! This brilliant free sweater pattern from Yarnspirations features an interesting sideways construction which reminds us of patchwork blankets (as well as all those jumpers and cardis that trendy celebrities seem to be wearing).
- Get the Caron Boxy Checks Crochet Sweater Pattern from Yarnspirations
Totally on-trend
If you’re crazy for checks, you’ll probably love this free Harry Styles Cardigan pattern… even if you're not a fan of his music!
4. Alix crochet sweater pattern
Best for stunning stripes
Devine Debris has loads of free patterns on her blog, including quite a few pullover patterns, but we particularly love her Alix free sweater pattern. Her choice of colours for the stripes are gorgeous, and it also uses a unique stitch pattern.
- Get the Alix free crochet sweater pattern from Divine Debris
5. Sideways Crochet Jumper Pattern
Best for stylish simplicity
Not everyone loves colourful stripes. If you prefer your stitches to be the star of the show, this design by Veronica Cromwell a.k.a. Blue Star Crochet is the one for you. The single colour really helps to show off that sideways construction and ribbed stitch, which gives this pullover a fabulous knit-style effect.
- Find the Sideways Crochet Jumper Pattern on bluestarcrochet.com
6. Stone Fence Sweater Crochet pattern
Best for simple style
This fab raglan sweater may look very simple, but it’s packed full of features you’ll love. It’s made using 2 strands of different yarns held together, one being a sumptuous mohair yarn to give you that extra level of softness.
Loops cables are also used to really show off the raglan sleeves, providing a nice touch of extra detail. The layout of the pattern and two types of yarns used may be a little confusing for some, but if you’re up for the challenge we think it’s a great free pattern.
- You can get the Stone Fence Sweater Crochet pattern from Drops Design
7. Red Heart Party People Free Crochet Sweater Pattern
Best for first sweater projects
Here’s a free crochet sweater pattern we think is great for those wanting to tackle their first sweater project. It uses clusters of half treble crochet stitches (it’s a US pattern so they’re calling them hdc stitches) which you’ll enjoy getting repetitive with, plus it can also be made in sizes XS to 5XL… and you’ve just gotta love those colours!
Crochet‘s not all winter warmers
There’s loads of fun crochet garments to make for those balmy summer months. Check out our pick of the best Spring/Summer crochet top patterns and plan your next summer outfit.
8. Rainbow Granny Square Sweater Crochet Pattern
Best for Granny Square fans
A free crochet sweater pattern made up entirely from Granny Squares… Yes please! This fantastic design by Hannah Cross amazingly uses just four large granny squares to make this sweater, with the hem and cuffs being added afterwards. It’s also made using DK yarn in various colours, making it an excellent stash-buster project.
- Check out the Rainbow Granny Square Sweater Crochet Pattern at HanJanCrochet.com
9. Make it Last Forever Hoodie crochet pattern
Best for cropped style
We love the unique and innovative designs of Michelle a.k.a. 2BossayKnits. Her Make it Last Forever hoodie is a great example of her fab style, featuring a cropped waist and elbow-length sleeves. It’s the perfect extra layer to throw on during autumn.
- Download the Make it Last Forever Hoodie crochet pattern on Ravelry
10. V-neck Sweater Crochet Pattern
Best for a basic sweater
Finally, we thought we’d end with another simple sweater that will definitely make it into your everyday rotation. It’s another sideways-constructed sweater, but this one features a relaxed V-neck and a Herringbone half double crochet stitch (it’s another pattern that uses US terms so make sure to read the stitch instructions). It’s one of those tops that many people won’t even realise you’ve made yourself – a definite sign of success.
- Check out the V-neck Sweater Crochet Pattern on makeanddocrew.com
Can’t get the right yarn?
If you’ve found the perfect pattern, but can’t get hold of the recommended yarn, fear not! Just check out our guide on how to substitute yarns.
Now stock up on supplies for your crochet sweater
It’s all too easy to get excited and start straightaway on that perfect crochet sweater pattern you’ve found, but with such a large project it’s essential to plan ahead.
We can tell you from experience there’s nothing worse than getting stuck into making a garment, only to discover you don’t have enough yarn to finish the sleeves – and low and behold that yarn has since been discontinued.
Making a crochet sweater can require a surprising amount of yarn, so you should always check the quantities required before starting. Remember, you don’t have to use the exact yarn specified in a pattern, but you do need to ensure you have the correct amount so keep an eye on the weight and meterage of any substitutions.
Fill up your stash with a yarn pack
One of the best ways to get enough yarn for a big project (as well as saving a bit of money) is by buying in bulk. Check out our pick of the best yarn packs and yarn bundles for some inspiring selections.
