Whether you’re a novice knitter or have years of experience with your needles, creating your very own hand-knit sweater is a source of great pride.
There’s an incredible number of sweater knitting patterns available, though, including many free projects. So how do you go about finding the pattern that’s perfect for you?
Think about the shape you want – such as crewneck or rollneck, raglan or drop-shoulder – and then the type of fabric you fancy, whether it be simple stripes or plain fabric, colourful Fair Isle or intarsia, or intricate lace or cables.
Whatever you go for, it’s important to pick a project that you love the style of and uses stitch patterns you’re comfortable with. Then not only will you enjoy the process of knitting your sweater, but you can be sure you’ll want to wear your finished creation again and again!
To help you get started, we’ve picked 10 of our favourite sweater knitting patterns for the whole family.
The best sweater knitting patterns 2024
1. Seamless sweater for all the family
Best for beginners
Novice knitters who want to make their very first sweater should check out the fantastic Flax Worsted pattern from Tin Can Knits. The instructions are brilliantly clear and easy to follow, with helpful drawings to explain the techniques you’ll be using.
The jumper is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down so no need for any sewing up at the end! The panels of garter stitch down the sleeves add interest to this classic raglan design.
What’s especially brilliant about the jumper pattern is that it’s designed for every age – from birth right up to adult 6XL – and looks great on everyone!
2. Chunky crewneck sweater pattern
Best for quick knitting
Want some (almost) instant warmth? Then whip up this chic and cosy jumper from Paintbox Yarns – knitted in a super chunky yarn on 9mm needles, it’s sure to fly off your needles!
It’s an easy-to-knit crewneck design which is knitted flat and then sewn up, and will be perfect for beginner knitters.
3. Cable roll-neck sweater pattern
Best for creative cables
Super-cosy and beautifully patterned, this sweater is one you’ll want to wear for years to come! Those spectacular panels of cables on the centre front and back are paired with rippling textured waves, and the overall effect is breathtaking.
This design is guaranteed to keep out the winter chills, thanks to its generous ribbed roll-neck collar, longer length, and cosy alpaca-wool fabric.
You can find this pattern in Issue 250 of Simply Knitting, which is available to buy on Ravelry or by downloading our digital editions app.
4. Unicorn sweater for children
Best for playful kids
Everyone loves a unicorn, don’t they? Children will adore this irresistible little sweater designed by Jane Burns, which has an intarsia unicorn head decorated with a knitted horn and simple embroidery.
For extra magic, one sleeve is decorated with a rainbow-striped fringe representing the unicorn’s mane.
5. Roll-neck ribbed sweater pattern
Best for trendy knitters
This sweater knitting pattern, ‘Lourdes’, looks modern and sophisticated, yet will be surprisingly simple to knit! It’s a project that will be suitable for adventurous beginners, and it has a luxurious deep collar, a high/lo front and back, and a smart rib fabric.
The pattern is from British design icon Debbie Bliss and uses her cosy, chunky Saphia yarn, which is a blend of alpaca, merino wool and linen.
6. Textured henley sweater pattern
Best for classic style
This handsome henley is the kind of sweater we want to wear every day. Easy to layer over shirts and tops, with a smart V-neck and subtle yet stylish textures.
Inspired by traditional ganseys, this modern design has an array of chevron, stripe and checked textures, and is sized for both men and women.
It was designed by Joan Horton for the US yarn brand Cascade and uses a machine-washable merino wool blend.
7. Colourwork sweater pattern for men
Best for fans of modern style
This jumper for men has a classic shape and a contemporary look thanks to its two-tone colourwork.
That patterning is created using slip stitch knitting – a brilliantly simple yet effective way to produce stunning effects on your knitted fabric. If you’ve found Fair Isle or Intarsia to be a bit fiddly, you’ll love how easy it is to work slip-stitch patterns!
Pat Menchini’s ‘Midnight Blue’ design is sized to fit chests of 35in to 53in, and should get the thumbs-up from men of all ages!
Find this free men's jumper knitting pattern on Gathered!
8. Mohair raglan sweater pattern
Best for everyday comfort
This easy-to-knit sweater pattern is aptly called ‘Cloud’ – it’s knitted in a mix of mohair and cotton for an indulgently fluffy, soft fabric!
The design from Quail Studio has a boxy, cropped shape, with raglan sleeves and a flattering neckline. Slip it on for effortless summer glamour!
9. Classic Guernsey sweater
Best for British heritage
Celebrate Britain’s traditional knitting heritage with this handsome jumper for men and women, which is inspired by classic Guernsey sweaters. Fans of cable knitting will enjoy the panels of twisted stitches, which are complemented by horizontal purl stripes on a plain background.
The ‘Sandsend’ pattern is knitted in a traditional yarn, too: Skipper 5ply, a pure British wool spun in Yorkshire.
10. Christmas baby sweater pattern
Best for baby gift knitting
It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas gift knitting! This charming little jumper will make a lovely gift for a special baby – and how cute they’ll look on Christmas morning wearing their new pullover!
This pattern has been designed by Ruth Maddock to fit little ones aged from birth to three years. She has included two different colourwork charts for you to knit on the front of the jumper – a colourful Christmas tree, and a friendly snowman.
The pattern also makes the perfect template for your own colourwork creations – or use it to knit plain versions for everyday wear.
Download this kid's Christmas jumper knitting pattern for free from Gathered!
Find the best sweater knitting pattern for you
Sweater knitting patterns are the perfect project to work on this autumn/winter. Whether you knit one up for a friend or cosy up in one yourself, give your wardrobe a refresh with these beautiful, seasonal patterns.
Discover great knitting patterns with Gathered
Now your sweater knitting pattern is ready to wear, why not make a matching hat? Head over to our collection of the best hat knitting patterns and stay warm this winter.
