The Simple Sweater PDF Pattern

Go minimalist with this relaxed fit, drop-shoulder sweater. This sweater enjoys a loose silhouette with a wide neckline and subtle shaping along the neck edge and sleeves. Great for marle, variegated or speckle yarns.

Opt for either two lightweight strands (we used 4 ply and laceweight together) held double for a marle fabric, or just go for a straight 8 ply / DK weight yarn. Knit in the round from the bottom up before separating at the underarms to work flat.

Suitable for Intermediate level knitters and above.

Knit in the round from the bottom up. Sleeves and neckline are picked up and knit once the shoulders are seamed.

Fit & Yarn Details

When it comes to fibres, anything goes for this sweater as long as you can meet the gauge with a soft, stable fabric. We recommend 8 ply/DK weight yarn or, for a marled effect, two strands in complementary colours of 4 ply/fingering held double. The simple stockinette knit is a great canvas for texture and speckles.

Both models are wearing size B. The blonde model wears the sweater with approx 13.5 cm / 5.5” positive ease. Designed to be worn with 4-6” / 10-15 cm ease. Sizes read as A (B, C, D) (E, F, G, H). The dark haired model wears the same size, but with a lot more ease.

Finished bust measurements: cm = 92 (100, 104, 111.5) (115, 123, 127, 132) / inches = 37 (40, 41.5, 44.75) (46, 49.25, 50.75, 53). 

Yarn Quantity: metres = 1,230 (1,230, 1353, 1353) (1,476, 1,476, 1,476, 1,599) / yards = 1,340 (1,340, 1,474, 1,474) (1,608, 1,608, 1,608, 1,742).

The sample was made by holding together two strands of fingering/4ply yarn, resulting in a marled effect. For this for double-strand 4ply version, you'll need the quantity above in EACH yarn colour.

Needles: 3.5 mm/US 4 circular needle for ribbing and 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.

The sleeves are worked in the round using the magic loop method, but you could just opt for a shorter cord with your circulars or use DPNs.

Gauge: 21 stitches and 28 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch.

For our sample, we used: Touch Yarns 4ply merino held double with Katia Air Lux in silver.

Techniques Used