Looking for easy sweater knitting patterns? Here are my pattern recommendations for kitting your very first sweater! 
Knitting your very first sweater can feel like a huge undertaking! But as someone who has knit many sweaters, I’m here to tell you there’s nothing to fear. As long as you know basic knitting techniques, it should be a piece of cake! So here are some of the easiest sweater knitting patterns out there:
If you’re planning on knitting your first sweater, you might be worried about getting the correct gauge and whether your finished product will actually fit! I say, don’t get too caught up in that. It’s better to understand the nuts and bolts of sweater construction first (i.e., ribbing, yoke/raglan increases, separating the body and sleeves, etc.) so you’ll know what to expect when knitting your next sweater and the next! The more sweaters you knit, the more familiar you’ll become with these “landmarks,” and you’ll feel more confident moving on to more advanced patterns.
These sweater patterns are easy for first-time sweater knitters because they:
- use basic techniques like knitting, purling, increases, and decreases.
- have positive ease, so you don’t have to worry too much about fit.
- are knit top-down, making them easy to try on as you go!
Last but not least, they were created by ace designers, so you’ll be in good hands!
Note: Some of these patterns will include instructions for short-row shaping. Don’t worry! It’s optional. If you’re not ready to tackle this technique, you can skip it.
And now, without further ado, I give you seven easy sweater knitting patterns!
1. Any Sweater Pattern by Elizabeth Zimmerman
I would be remiss not to kick off this listicle with the Queen of Knitting herself, Elizabeth Zimmerman. I knit my very first sweater from her book Knitting Without Tears. She has a witty, no-fuss, to-the-point approach, and unlike standard knitting patterns, I love that hers read more like a conversation — a grandmother sharing her secret cookie recipe! You’ll also learn about her “sweater percentage system,” where you knit a swatch, do some simple math, and … off you go! You’ll never have to refer to another pattern again to knit a basic sweater. If you’re a sock knitter, it’s like having a go-to recipe. Brilliant!
If you have any reservations about knitting your first sweater, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Knitting Without Tears. And then get all of her other books. They are truly worth their weight in gold. In Elizabeth Zimmerman we trust!
However, keep reading if you prefer to learn to knit your first sweater from a standard knitting pattern!
2. Basic Raglan Pullover by Joji Locatelli
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a selfish knitter, occasionally knitting a hat or a pair of socks for a knit-worthy person in my life. (I know I’m not alone!) So when my husband asked me to knit him a sweater, it was a tall order. But since I love him, I agreed to knit him one. I took to Ravelry and searched for the easiest pattern to ensure I made good on my promise — something simple and quick! And the Basic Raglan Pullover by Joji Locatelli ticked all the boxes.
As the name suggests, this pattern has a basic shape comprised of raglan increases and miles of stockinette stitch, making it perfect for a newbie sweater knitter! I’m a huge fan of Joji’s patterns because of their breezy, effortless style and her clear and well-written instructions. She’ll be holding your hand every step of the way! It’s also worth noting the pattern’s unisex style and inclusive sizing. Basic raglans for everyone!
BUY THE PATTERN VIA: RAVELRY
2. No Frills by Petiteknit
No Frills by Petiteknit is very similar to the previous pattern. The only difference is that it has a more feminine silhouette, is slightly oversized, and offers instructions for (optional) neckline shaping with short rows. The great thing about this pattern is that it’s easy to adjust the lengths of the sleeves and body to your liking. Easy-peasy!
I’m currently knitting this pattern, and let me tell you, I’m in stockinette heaven! Holding fingering weight yarn together with lace mohair gives an otherwise basic pullover a luxurious quality. Of course, you can always substitute the mohair with another kind of lace or just go with DK-weight yarn.
GET THE PATTERN: WEBSITE | RAVELRY
3. Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers
If you’re looking for an easy sweater pattern with a little more interest, consider the Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers. It incorporates an elegant eyelet detail along the raglan shaping made with simple yarnovers! The pattern also calls for bulky yarn, making it a quick knit! I knit my version using Sublime Yarns in a base that’s sadly been discontinued. I wear my Felix so much I plan to knit another one soon!
Psst! There’s a Felix cardigan pattern available, as well. I have yet to knit one but it looks like it would be just as easy! Instead of knitting in the round, it’s knit flat (except for the sleeves).
GET THE PATTERN: RAVELRY
4. Love Note by Tincanknits
If you’ve never knit lace before and are down for a small challenge, I can’t recommend the Love Note by TinCanKnits enough! This sweater pattern has a very easy top-down, round-yoke construction, and because it’s knit on large needles, you’ll be able to finish this project in no time. As for the lace, with a bit of patience, it’s pretty dang easy! Tincanknits are known for their fun, easy-to-follow patterns, and the Love Note is no exception! Confession: I accidentally felted mine in the wash and desperately want to knit another.
BUY THE PATTERN VIA: RAVELRY | TINCANKNITS.COM
5. STRIPES! By Andrea Mowry
STRIPES! by Andrea Mowry is another insanely easy round-yoke pullover that encourages you to use those leftover scraps, bust through your stash, or showcase a favorite color palette. If stockinette stitch bores you easily, this is the pattern for you! Each color change will keep you wanting to knit “just one more row.”
BUY THE PATTERN VIA: RAVELRY | DREARENEEKNITS.COM
6 & 7. Turtle Dove and Turtle Dove II by Espace Tricot
Two wonderful, easy (and FREE!) sweater patterns from Espace Tricot yarn shop in Quebec. Turtle Dove and Turtle Dove II are the same sweaters with a cozy turtle neck and raglan sleeves. The only difference is that the original Turtle Dove pattern is knit with bulky yarn, while the second version is knit with aran yarn, so pick your poison! I’m currently knitting the Turtle Dove II, which couldn’t be easier. Although pay attention to the raglan increase rounds since each has a different number of stitch increases you’ll need to make. Other than that, it’s smooth sailing!
GET THE ORIGINAL TURTLE DOVE PATTERN: RAVELRY | ESPACETRICOT.COM
GET THE TURTLE DOVE II PATTERN: RAVELRY | ESPACETRICOT.COM
And there you have it! 7 easy sweater knitting patterns to kick-start your sweater-knitting journey. There are many other patterns out there worth mentioning, but these are ones I have personal experience knitting and know will take your knitting to the next level. Have fun and good luck!
