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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 – Most of my patterns/video tutorials are for beginners and advanced beginners, this one is not. I have listed this pattern as “intermediate”. This pattern includes a video tutorial, but it is not appropriate for beginning knitters. Before taking on this project, I suggest that you have previous sweater knitting experience (or at least lots of shaped knitting experience), and plenty of experience with reading patterns. If you are unsure, watch some of the video to see if this project is appropriate for your skill level. Additionally, while I provide as much pattern support as I can, I cannot help with pattern modifications.

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 in three different formats, each includes links to 8-part video tutorial:

1. PDF Pattern, traditional and printable. $8.00 via PayPal

2. Amazon Kindle digital download (suitable for Kindle devices and devices that use the Kindle app): $7.00 US

3. eReader (For non-Kindle eReaders, like Sony eReader and Barnes & Noble Nook, or any device using the Google Play Books app) $7.20 US

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171 comments on “Learn to Knit a Men’s Sweater”

  1. Denise – it’s a tight squeeze, but you can do it! It’s best to sit at a table, where the weight of the sweater is supported. The needles will be very close together while you do this, but you’ll get it!

    S t a c i

  2. Hi Staci. Can I modify the bottom and cuffs of this sweater to a 2 inch rib, keeping in mind the overall total lengths of both? Thanks.

  4. Kate – I haven’t test knit the sweater with those modifications, and I can’t really help you with pattern mods. Should be a simple enough change, however. Good luck!

    S t a c i

  5. Hi Staci, thanks so much for this great pattern and video. Do I block the sweater before I sew the bias tape on the neck or after? I am almost done and very pleased with how this sweater turned out. It’s for my husband and he loves it! Thanks.

  6. Denise – block the sweater before you put the bias tape in! You want the neckline to be its actual blocked size before you “cement” it down with bias tape.

    S t a c i

  7. Stacy, you are THE BEST! I just finished the Toddler Cardigan..my first sweater, it was easy and so so cute! Everyone loves it! So deep breath…I’m going to make an attempt at the Big Time! Your videos are so helpful, especially for all of us Visual Learners….. Here I go……

  9. Marcia – you can, but you’d have to rewrite much of the pattern to accommodate the new gauge. Stockinette stitch is a different gauge than the rib used in this sweater. If it’s important for you to use stockinette, you might find it easier to search Ravelry for a mens’ sweater that is written in stockinette (rather than rewriting this one).

    S t a c i

  10. Hi Staci,
    Thanks for your quick responses. The sweater is going along fine! I’m nearly done with the body and am very excited. I’m wondering what is the best way to block? Did you use the steam or wet method? The ribbing on the neck seems a little tight, how much can I stretch it in the blocking process? Sorry for all the questions. This is my first big project! Thanks for the great videos and email help….

  11. Marica – follow the washing instructions on your yarn label, and set out flat to dry to match pattern measurements.

    S t a c i

  12. My hubby doesn’t get overly enthusiastic about much, but his grin this morning, after seeing his new sweater, pleased me so much.
    This is an absolutely fabulous pattern. This the second one I’ve made from this patten. The first was for my youngest son, I made in 2013. Now, my oldest son has requested one as well.
    Thank you Staci for teaching me to knit!

  13. Hi Staci, I can only find acyrilic+wool blends where i live so I chose a %50 wool-acyrilic blend. Knitted the gauge and there are 4 stiches rather than 5 in one inch. Can I use size 6 needles for all of the sweather, if I do that i can match the gauge ? Also my yarn label says to use #7-8 size needles, would the result be too dense if I use #6 regardless of the label what is your opinion ?

    Thanks a lot by the way, great sweather, I am very eager to start knitting 🙂

  14. Hi Staci, I can only find acyrilic+wool blends where i live so I chose a %50 wool-acyrilic blend. Knitted the gauge and there are 4 stiches rather than 5 in one inch. Can I use size 6 needles for all of the sweather, if I do that i can match the gauge ?

    Thanks a lot by the way, great sweather, I am very eager to start knitting 🙂

  15. Hi Staci, I can only find acyrilic+wool blends where i live so I chose a %50 wool-acyrilic blend. Knitted the gauge and there are 4 stiches rather than 5 in one inch. Can I use size 6 needles for all of the sweather ? Also my yarn label says to use #7-8 size needles, would the result be too dense if I use #6 regardless of the label what is your opinion ?

    Thanks a lot by the way, great sweather, I am very eager to start knitting 🙂

  16. Vera – yes, you must alter your needle size until you get the correct gauge. Sometimes that means going up or down even more than one needle size.

    S t a c i

  17. Hey Staci I am damn impressed with this crochet sweater video of yours. I m bit new to knitting and hands-on old type of knitting. I’m planning to knit a sweater for my husband who will be travelling out of country soon. Will you be able to share a detailed video or how to choose or decide on sizes and how to knit with your style. My husband has loved this design and I wanna make sure I am ready to gift him before his flight.

    Thanks in advance

    Warm regards,
    Ashlesha Desai

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