Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern {Half Fisherman’s Rib}

This chunky knit sweater pattern will allow you to create a comfy, cosy sweater.

I wanted to share with you another free knitting pattern that has been somewhat inspired by the TV show Outlander.

This pattern is part of my Outlander collection, you can see the other Outlander patterns here.

*Scroll down for the free pattern and don’t forget to pin and share!*

Inspired By The Outlander Knits

If you have been watching the Outlander TV series, through all of the seasons, Claire and the other characters have been seen wearing an amazing selection of knits.

From Claire and Brianna’s cowls, wraps, shawls, mittens to Roger and Brianna’s sweaters in seasons three and four.

You can see them wearing carefully curated pieces in mainly neutral tones, like brown, beige, navy, and grey.

A Chunky Knit Sweater Perfect For The Cold

This sweater is meant to be a thick and cosy knit, perfect for cold days, walking the dog or running errands.

With a turtleneck, it will make you feel wrapped up and protected from the cold.

There are a few sizes to make too – from small to large.

You can also make it in a size up if you want it to be more oversized.

How To Knit The Half Fisherman’s Rib Stitch

This stitch pattern is similar to the 1 x 1 or 2 x 2  rib stitch but has a more defined texture.

This is a simple stitch to work, as you knit a one-row repeat stitch with a setup row.

This stitch definitely gives the sweater that extra warm and cosy look!

It is knit like this:

Cast on stitches in a multiple of 2 + 1.

1. Row 1: (RS) Knit to the end of the row.
2. Row 2: (WS) K1, *P1, K1B, rep from * to last 2 sts, P1, K1.
3. Rep Rows 1 and 2 for the pattern.

Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:

This pattern is great for any intermediate knitters.

• You should be comfortable casting on and casting off, as well as knitting in garter stitch.
• You should be comfortable working the purl stitch.
• You should be comfortable knitting the Fisherman’s rib stitch (and K1b – see video for help).
• You should also be comfortable reading knitting patterns.
• And understanding knitting abbreviations and terms.

Visit the Outlander Pattern Collection Ebooks in my shop below:

• Outlander Pattern Collection – featuring 20 patterns
• Outlander Gloves and Arm Warmers Collection – featuring 10 patterns
• Outlander Shawls, Wraps and Scarves Collection – featuring 10 patterns

Sweater Pattern

Get the ad-free, printable PDF pattern HERE.

Notes

The sweater knits up quickly and the fisherman rib design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.

• Please do not copy, sell, redistribute or republish this pattern. 
• If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
• You may sell items produced using this pattern.
• Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
• For the copyright T&C’s please read my Terms of Use.

Skill Level – Intermediate

Gauge

5 sts to 5 cm (approx 2 inches) measured over pattern.

Measurements

To fit bust –

• cm – 86, 91, 97, 102, 107, 112
• in – 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44

Garment measurement –

• cm – 95, 103, 108, 112, 116, 123
• in – 37.5, 40.5, 42.5, 44, 48.5

Length from shoulder –

• cm – 56, 58, 58, 60, 61, 61
• in – 22, 23, 23, 23.5, 24, 24

Sleeve seam –

• cm – 41, 42, 42, 42, 43, 43
• in – 16, 16.5, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17

The Supplies You Need…

Yarn

• Drops Eskimo Mix – 100% wool, 50g (1.8oz) / 50m (54 yards) colour brown 23.
• Amount of yarn required (balls/skeins) – 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
• Yarn weight – Bulky 05

Needles

• 6.5mm (US 10.5) knitting needles
• 8mm (US 11) knitting needles

Notions

• Tape measure
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Stitch markers

Sweater Pattern

Abbreviations / Knitting Abbreviations List

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitches
• st, st – stockinette stitch
• patt – pattern
• rep – repeat
• beg – beginning
• inc – increase
• dec – decrease
• K1B – knit one below worked like this – insert right-hand needle into the stitch below stitch on left-hand needle and knit it in the usual way, letting the stitch drop off the left-hand needle. (see video in this post).
• mm – millimetres
• cm – centimetres
• in – inch(es)
• RS – right side

Notes

Instructions for the larger sizes are given in () brackets, where only one figure is given this applies to all sizes.

It is a good idea to go through the pattern once you have selected your size and highlight all of the numbers given for that size.

This will make the pattern easier to follow in the size that you are making.

Back

Using 6.5mm (US 10.5) needles cast on 47, (51, 53, 55, 57, 61) sts

Rib row 1: P1, *K1, P1 rep from * to end.

Rib row 2: K1, *P1, K1 rep from * to end.

Rep these 2 rows for 3 inches, ending with rib row 2.

Change to 8mm (US  11) needles.

Work in fisherman’s rib as follows:

Row 1: (RS) Knit

Row 2: K1, *P1, K1B, rep from * to last 2 sts, P1, K1.

These last two rows form the pattern.

Continue in the pattern until the back piece measures: 13.5″, (14″, 14″, 14″, 14″, 14″) from the co edge, ending on a WS row.

The length can be adjusted here if you want to make the sweater shorter or longer.

Shape The Armholes

Cast off in pattern, 4 sts at beg of next 2 rows: 39, (43, 45, 47, 49, 53) sts.

Work straight to 8.5″, (9″, 9″, 9.5″, 10″, 10″) from beg of armhole shaping and ending on a WS row.

Shape The Shoulders

Cast off 6, (7, 7, 8, 8, 9) sts at beg of next 2 rows and 7, (8, 8, 8, 8, 9) sts at beg of foll 2 rows.

Cut yarn and leave rem 13, (13, 15, 15, 17, 17) sts on a stitch holder.

Front

Work as given for the back up to the completion of the armhole shaping; 39, (43, 45, 47, 49, 53) sts.

Work straight to 6.5″, (7″, 7″, 7″, 7.5″, 7.5″) from beg of armhole shaping, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neck

Next row: Pattern 16, (18, 18, 19, 19, 21) sts, turn and leave rem sts on a stitch holder.

Work on the first set of sts as follows:

* dec 1 st at neck edge on every row until 13, (15, 15, 16, 16, 18) sts remain.

Work straight until front measures same as back up to beg of shoulder shaping, ending at armhole edge.

Shape Shoulder

Cast off 6, (7, 7, 8, 8, 9) sts at beg of next row.

Work 1 row.

Cast off *.

Return to sts on the stitch holder.

With RS facing, slip first 7, (7, 9, 9, 11, 11) sts onto a holder, join yarn to next st and pattern to the end of the row. 

Now work as given for the first side of the neck from * to *.

Sleeves

Using 6.5mm (US 10.5) needles cast on 23, (25, 25, 27, 29, 29) sts.

Work the 2 rib rows of the back for 3 inches ending with rib row 2.

Change to 8mm (US 11) needles.

Proceed in pattern as given for the back (Fishermans rib) but inc 1 st at each end of the 3rd and every foll 4th row until there are 43, (45, 45, 47, 51, 51) sts.

Work straight to 16, (16.5, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Place a marker at each end of the last row.

Pattern a further 1.5 inches ending with a WS row.

Cast off in rib.

Neckband

Join right shoulder seam.

With right side facing, join yarn to neck at left front shoulder and using 6.5 mm (US 10.5) needles, pick up and knit 8, (8, 8, 10, 10, 10, 10) sts down left side of front neck. 

Knit the front neck sts from holder.

Pick up and knit 8, (8, 8, 10, 10, 10) sts up the right side of front neck, then K the back neck sts from holder (36, 36, 40, 44, 48, 48) sts.

1st, 2nd, 3rd sizes only – work 4.5″ – P1, K1 rib.

4th, 5th, 6th sizes only – work 4.5″ – K1, P1 rib.

All sizes – cast-off loosely in rib (use a larger needle size if needed / or do a stretchy bind off).

Making Up

Do not press and check the yarn label for washing instructions.

Join left shoulder and neckband seam.

Set in sleeves placing the straight side edges above markers to cast off sts at armholes.

Join side and sleeve seams.

Leave neckband or you can fold over and secure by slip stitching into position if you want it to be turned over.

I love seeing your finished projects!

If you enjoyed making the pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook page and share a photo!  I’d love to see your work!