Learn to Knit a Men’s Sweater
Finally, something for the guys in a pattern + video tutorial! While my original sketches for this included cables, a shawl collar, buttons, stripes, (and more); masculine feedback on the design helped me to edit it down to something that even the most conservative dresser will want to wear. (And just enough going on to keep it interesting for the knitter.)
Skill level – I have listed this pattern as “intermediate”. If you are comfortable with knitting, purling, and keeping track of rows – you have the skills you need to knit this with the help of the video tutorial.
This pattern includes links to eight instructional videos to walk you through the tricky parts of working the pattern. You can view the videos for free at the bottom of this post.
The details:
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, XXLarge [to fit actual chest measurements of 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)”]
Needles: Size 6 US circular or straight needles, size 7 US 24 or 32” circulars, size 7 US double pointed needles. Also, size 7 US 16” circular needles are optional, but very nice to have for the sleeves.
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed in Farmhouse Heather, 12 (12, 14, 16, 17) skeins. Or this many yards of any worsted yarn: 1300 (1400, 1550, 1700, 1850).
Additional Materials: clippie marker, 4 ring stitch markers, 12” zipper, bias tape (optional), knit picker tool (also called a snag fixer) for installing the zipper
Gauge: 5 stitches per inch in stockinette
This pattern is available two ways – either in traditional PDF (printable) format, or in eBook format.
Pattern + links to 8 instructional videos in PDF format $8.00 US via PayPal 
Amazon eBook digital download (suitable for devices that use Kindle or another eReader; including iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and your computer): $7.00 US. 
I’m excited about trying this! I just hope I have the patience to finish it! LOL
Comment by Lauren — November 2, 2011 @ 12:16 pm
WOW, will go out tomorrow to buy wool! gotta get started!
Comment by Marcelo — November 2, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
I totally want to make one of these now. It looks like that’s raglan shaping for the shoulders, right? And thanks for showing that zipper technique!
Will I look as handsome as the model when it’s finished?
Comment by Steven — November 2, 2011 @ 1:35 pm
I like cables and shawl collars too, but I think your masculine feedback was spot on – I do believe Tom would wear this…if I could convince him that it would be cold enough here in the winter to actually need it. May make it anyway. Really nice wearable design, S t a c i.
Comment by Julia — November 2, 2011 @ 1:49 pm
Love It! My big problem is who I’m I going to make this for….one of my three sons or the hubbie!
Comment by Belinda — November 2, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
FINALLY!!!!!!!!! I need to find the right kind of yarn… and get the pattern downloaded!!!! Thanks Staci!!!
Comment by Buzz — November 3, 2011 @ 12:25 am
A big thank you. Got the pattern and watchted the videos. Just need to finish my cardigan…… Really wanting to start this 1 Dec, so will get yarn all sorted for then. I like to do one thing at a time! Patterns great, thanks Staci for the videos.
Ginny
ps for my hubbie he wants a dark one and a light one!!
Comment by Ginny — November 3, 2011 @ 4:30 am
Great Jumper..
Who is the foxy model?
Comment by Michelle — November 3, 2011 @ 7:41 am
Michelle – the model for the men’s sweater is my friend Parker. He’s usually behind the camera, not in front of it, since he’s the guy who shoots and produces my videos.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — November 3, 2011 @ 8:29 am
Staci,
my husband will be glad to see something for him on the needles soon….just have to get over my need for a quick – fix. 
Thanks again!!
Just wanted to stop and say thank you for all the effort, time, and care you put into these videos. My “One Year Anniversary” for knitting is coming up in December and I have come to your site many times over the course of my learning.
Comment by Kelli — November 3, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
the technique u demonstrated 2 join the front of the sweater looks like the three needle bind-off.
Comment by Michelle W. — November 3, 2011 @ 7:40 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Staci! You are the absolute best!
Comment by David M. — November 3, 2011 @ 9:26 pm
What a great sweater, and just love your instructions for placing the zipper into the neckline.
Comment by Barbara — November 4, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
Your friend is handsome!
Thanks for the video!
>3
Comment by Cintia Santos — November 4, 2011 @ 6:49 pm
Thanks Staci (& Parker). Great job by both of you, as usual.
Comment by Kim — November 5, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
Getting ready to get yarn for this but since we live in MS I was thinking cottom instead of wool. Would something like knitpicks comfy cotton work? Hate to put in alot of work for something that isnt going to hang right.
Comment by Anna — November 8, 2011 @ 1:16 pm
i just ordered and highlighted the kindle version! can’t wait for the yarn to come in so i can start knitting. goal: finish before the holidays so my beau can model my work
Comment by colleen — November 13, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
Thanks so much for providing this tutorial, Staci. I think my husband will like this pattern. I plan to get started on this very soon! I’m excited to work on placing a zipper!! LOL.
Comment by Brigette — November 18, 2011 @ 4:57 pm
thanks
i don’t know how i thank you for this video i searching in the internet to found some like it i am try to knit a sweater for my boyfriend and you help me allot in it
i am sorry for my bad English because i am Egyptian
Comment by marwa kamal — December 8, 2011 @ 4:51 am
Some of us guys like “cables, a shawl collar, buttons, stripes, (and more)”
In fact, prefer them!
Comment by Mark — January 25, 2012 @ 10:41 am
I like that, too, Mark! Maybe my next men’s sweater pattern will have more of this stuff!
Comment by s t a c i — January 25, 2012 @ 11:20 am
[...] week, so I’m pacing myself. I found a great video tutorial plus pattern for this sweater at verypink.com. As a novice, I really appreciate the clear video instructions that are to be used in conjunction [...]
Pingback by Valentine’s Day Approaches – Are You Ready? | contadinak — January 31, 2012 @ 11:08 am
Hi Staci ! I first found your site when I was wanting to learn how to make socks! Well I am making and socks and so much more. It has been invaluable to me in learning so much I can’t even tell you! I had not knitted for many years and really never got beyond scarfs and there is so much to learn and you demonstrate and teach beautifully! Thanks again sweet sister you are doing a great thing.
Comment by julie — March 3, 2012 @ 7:29 pm
[...] cute men’s sweater pattern that I have purchased from verypink.com. I love this pattern so far! Staci’s patterns come with videos, and I find this to be a [...]
Pingback by Catching Up :) | Light Pink Sugar — March 4, 2012 @ 10:24 am
Great series Staci. I am making one right now for hubby. It strikes me that, in a superwash merino, this a great standard for a ski sweater. I’m talking really skiing, where you get hot and need to open the neck or where its really cold and you need to be zipped up. Haven’t found a pattern for my skiing 5 year old granddaughter and wonder if this can be converted for her. How about that sample you are using? Do you have any advice for me in converting it – I have been knitting about a year and it will be uncharted waters for me.
Comment by Nancy — June 4, 2012 @ 11:00 am
I purchased the pattern for the men’s sweater and tried to use the YouTube links. I received back a message from You Tube that these videos were no longer available. Your suggestion please. Carol Forister
Comment by Carol Forister — June 4, 2012 @ 11:09 am
My keying error — found them. Thank you. Carol
Comment by Carol — June 4, 2012 @ 11:21 am
Hi Nancy – thanks for the note. Sorry – resizing a pattern necessitates starting from scratch to rewrite the pattern. From my FAQ page -
Q: Staci, I’ve knit your (pattern), and I’d like to modify it to fit other sizes. Can you help me?
A: Most of my patterns and tutorials are designed to teach the skills and techniques you need to knit that item (socks, sweaters, etc.). Once you’ve finished a tutorial, you have what you need to know to move on to all kinds of similar patterns, available in all sizes. I’m sorry – resizing a pattern is not a quick or simple thing.
Hopefully you can find a pattern that is similar, and already sized to fit your granddaughter.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — June 4, 2012 @ 11:54 am
Hello Staci
You talk about worsted weight yarns in your patterns .. I’m in England and I have looked for worsted weight but carnt find it. I have also looked in my knitting books to see if it has a conversion or explanation and I carnt find anything . Can you explain what it is and what I need to buy .. Especially for this sweater pattern .. Thanks
Comment by Chris — July 2, 2012 @ 3:29 pm
Hi Chris – yes, I address this on my FAQ page. A US/UK yarn weight conversion chart can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_weight
Hope that helps!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — July 2, 2012 @ 5:40 pm
I can’t wait to get this started! Thanks Staci! You’re the best!
Comment by MattyP — September 5, 2012 @ 12:56 pm
Just bought this through Knit Picks — I have the yarn, a nice barn yarn red, and will be able to get started tonight! I’ve looked for a long time for a sweater pattern for my hubby — one that combined simple lines (nothing to fussy for him) but with some detail (nothing too boring for me). The written directions and video are a really useful combination for creating a unique knitting experience. What fun!
Comment by Sharilyn — September 7, 2012 @ 1:28 pm
Hi. I live in Scotland and I was wondering if I could buy some of your sweater patterns but sent by mail?
Comment by Anne — September 12, 2012 @ 2:47 am
Hi Ann – here is an excerpt from my Frequently Asked Questions page:
Q: I don’t have a PayPal account. Can I buy patterns with a money order or check in the mail?
A: Sorry, I’m not set up to take payments that way. You don’t have to have a PayPal account to purchase patterns. You can use PayPal with your credit card without opening an account.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — September 12, 2012 @ 8:42 am
Hi Staci. What I was wondering was do you do printed patterns that are sent out by mail? Sorry I didn’t make myself clear. I love all your video’s your such a great knitter!!!
Comment by Anne — September 12, 2012 @ 1:05 pm
Hi Staci. Can you do the whole sweater on circular needles? If you can what lengths would I need for the bits thats worked in double pointed and also the bit that can be done on straight needles or circular needles? I can’t wait to get started!
Comment by Anne — September 14, 2012 @ 4:17 am
Hi Anne – yes, the whole sweater can be done on circular needles. Here is what I list:
Needles: Size 6 US circular or straight needles, size 7 US 24 or 32” circulars, size 7 US double pointed needles. Also, size 7 US 16” circular needles are optional, but very nice to have for the sleeves.
The size 6 circulars or straights can be 24″ or 32″ circulars. The double-pointed needles for the sleeves can be knit in any length of circular needle, provided you use the magic loop method to do it. (I demonstrate this in some tutorials, and I have a technique video on this coming out soon.)
Hope that helps!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — September 14, 2012 @ 7:02 am
Dear, Staci.
Lol, I knew you were good and now I know you are brilliant. Thanks. I am stressed no longer.
Comment by Tanya — November 6, 2012 @ 10:32 pm
my daddy loves sweaters, but i’m only ten years old! how do i knit this much?
Comment by dban — November 17, 2012 @ 10:11 am
thank you….
i love all your work
i did not speek english very well i hope you will understend me
i whant to lern how to knit neckband from up to doun of sweete
thank you…have a good day
fler
Comment by fler — November 20, 2012 @ 7:16 pm
Dear Staci
I’ve purchased this pattern via Amazon as a Kindle. Is there any way I can convert it to pdf so I can print it?…
Or is there any other way to print it?..
Please help me!!!
Comment by Fotini — November 23, 2012 @ 6:27 pm
Hi Fotini – the eBook files are for reading on a computer or mobile device, and cannot be converted to PDFs or printed. Purchasing the PDF version of the pattern allows you to watch it on your computer/mobile device and print it.
Hope that helps!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — November 23, 2012 @ 8:20 pm
I was ready to start on my sweater, but was wondering if the gauge of 5 stiches per inch is for the size 6 or size 7 needle. This may sound silly but I am a pretty novice knitter.
Comment by Edwina — November 25, 2012 @ 4:53 pm
Hi Edwina – the gauge is for the needle you use on the body of the sweater, so it’s for the size 7.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — November 25, 2012 @ 7:30 pm
Thanks for the quick answer. I made a swatch with a #6 and got 5 stitches to the inch so I guess I will use size 5 and size 6 needles instead.
Comment by Edwina — November 25, 2012 @ 9:04 pm
Hi Staci,
I can’t wait to try the sweater for my husband! I have been enjoying the whole process of knitting and it is due to your helping me with your videos. And your friend,Parker, should model more often!
Comment by Wendy — December 7, 2012 @ 2:00 pm
Hi Staci
I just purchased your pattern and watched the tutorial before I get started. My question is about the sizing. I’m doing this for my son. He measures a 36″ chest but he is very slight build with a 28″ waist and only about 5’5″. I’m afraid if I make him the 38″ chest with the 2″ of positive ease he will be swimming but I’m taking your warning about the 34″ being the actual chest size. I did my gauge swatch and I am right on at size 7 needles. Can you give me some advice on how I should proceed so this will fit? Larger needles and a size 34? smaller needles and a size 38? I’m still new to sweater making and I appreciate the help. Your videos are great.
Comment by Pam — December 30, 2012 @ 8:59 am
Hi Pam – if you’re using a wool or wool/blend yarn, the answer is pretty easy.
You can knit the smaller size, and then when you go to wash and block it, you can easily work in an extra inch or so of ease. Wool is awesome that way!
Hope that helps!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — December 30, 2012 @ 9:15 am
Hi stack thank you I LIKE your pattern s easy to follow,can I use 70% merino wool and 30% baby alpaca on this PATTERN I’m WANT to make it for my son.Thanks
Comment by Elizabeth — January 12, 2013 @ 3:36 pm
Elizabeth – yes, that fiber blend will work very nice for this sweater. Really any animal fiber blend will work perfectly.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — January 13, 2013 @ 9:40 am
Are these video instructions ( shown here on your website) complete,or should you purchase the pattern for this man’s sweater ? I would love to make this sweater for my husband.
I have learned a great deal from your videos, thanks so much Staci. Your videos are much clearer and easy to understand than any I have found online.
Comment by Jacqueline — January 15, 2013 @ 6:09 am
Hi Jacqueline – the video is complete instruction, from start to finish, for the sweater. However, the pattern is necessary for the specifics of the pattern…like the cast-on numbers, repeats, etc for each size.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — January 15, 2013 @ 7:32 am
Hi Staci, thanks for the effort to demo the pattern. Couple questions. I need to take this up to a 54, maybe a 56. Your best reco on how to do this? Also, I overheat so need easy off & on with sweater. You see any reason not to work sweater as cardigan and just work icord edge bottom and use full length zipper? Thanks for your advice.
Comment by KevinC — January 24, 2013 @ 9:30 am
Hi Kevin – one of the beautiful things about top-down raglan sweaters is that you can continue with the raglan increases to get to whatever size you need. If you do this, you will no longer be able to use the specific instructions I give for maintaining the rib pattern, but it’s not that difficult to figure out.
If you choose to make a cardigan instead of a pullover, you might want to watch how I work the icord edge down the front of the Women’s Zippered Letterman’s Jacket video.
I can’t provide you with much support on modifications (I really need to write a new pattern and test knit it myself to confidently give you answers), but I hope these guidelines are enough to get you going.
Good luck!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — January 24, 2013 @ 9:52 am
Hi Staci-
Are the decreases at the bottom of the body specific to the rib pattern? Should we still do them if we’re knitting the pattern in plain stockinette?
Thanks.
Comment by Robyn — February 13, 2013 @ 7:59 pm
Robyn – The decreases at the very bottom of the sweater are there just to prepare for the icord bind-off. Nothing to do with the ribbing.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — February 13, 2013 @ 10:14 pm
Staci, I’m a brand new knitter and have loved your videos – watch them over and over! I saw the Andes tweed and loved it, then found your tutorial, so I’m fired up to give this a try. I’m wondering how much ease this pattern has? My husband’s actual chest measurement is 48.5″ at the fullest part – not snug up under the arm, and I don’t want it to look baggy on him I were to make the XXL. Also, have you tried machine washing this?
Thanks.
Comment by Tami — February 14, 2013 @ 11:49 pm
Hi Tami – thanks for the note. The sweater has 2 inches of ease – you can see how it fits on the model. It is a casual fit.
The yarn I used in the sweater is not machine washable! Hand wash only.
You say that you are a brand new knitter – welcome to the club! This sweater may be too advanced for you, but it’s up to you to decide. Watch the videos, and see how comfortable you are with the techniques I demonstrate. If you feel you need more practice before you tackle this one, most my other sweater patterns are more easily handled by a newer knitter.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — February 15, 2013 @ 12:03 am
oh MY! You are the best teacher I’ve ever seen in action.
I consider myself as an intermediate, and always try to learn more, but never met no-one, or read no book, here in italy – where craftsmanship is a business (and people try to keep their secrets) – that seems so confident and put things in a clear, straight and “simple” way, as you do with this tutorial.
Also as a non-english-speaking I find your speech really easy to follow and ejoyable.
Do you also provide in the pdf a metric conversion chart (like inches to centimeters)?
gabri
Comment by gabriella — March 5, 2013 @ 6:04 am
Hi Staci, I bought this sweater pattern and tutorial last week and I just got my yarn. I’m looking at the sizes and there is no 40″ chest size. My husband is 40″ and if I made the 38 it will be too small, and if I made the 42 it will be way to big. Why is there no 40? Is it a misprint. Help not sure which size to make. Thank you for your help. P.S. I love your videos. Becki
Comment by Becki — April 4, 2013 @ 12:56 pm
Hi Becki – don’t get caught up too much on the exact chest measurements. The model in the photo is a chest size 40″, and he wanted “ease” in the sweater, so I knit him the 42. The exact number of increases to work serves most people well, but when it comes down to it, you really need to slip the sweater on to scrap yarn to determine exactly when to separate for the sleeves. With a top-down raglan sweater, the wearer’s shoulder width comes in to play, too – so trying on is the best way to know you have a good fit.
You have a choice here – to knit the 38″ or the 42″. I would decide based on your husbands neck – does he have a thinner or thicker neck? Because beyond the collar (cast-on), the exact size can be determined by you.
Hope that helps!
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — April 4, 2013 @ 4:42 pm
It’s 2 weeks before my husbands birthday and he’s just declared that he only has 3 sweaters and they are all wearing thin. I would describe my skill level as intermediate and my speed as moderate. (I knit a pair of DK socks in 24 hours). Do you think I stand a chance of getting this knit up for him in time for his birthday?!
Comment by Claire — April 6, 2013 @ 9:01 am
Hi Claire – I can’t really answer that…it depends on how much time you have to devote to the sweater, and how big of a sweater you’ll need to knit to fit your husband. For most people, an adult sweater is going to be more than 40 hours of knitting.
S t a c i
Comment by s t a c i — April 6, 2013 @ 9:15 am