Fisherman Sweater Knitting Pattern

This Aran sweater knitting pattern will work up into the perfect cable-knit sweater you need to stay cozy by the sea, on winter walks, or curled up at home.

Inspired by traditional Irish fisherman sweaters, this design features a bold Celtic cable panel on the front and back, rope cables, and moss stitch panels for beautiful texture and warmth.

The sweater is a classic raglan shape with a relaxed fit, ribbed cuffs, hem, and crew neck.

While it’s shown here as a men’s fisherman sweater, the pattern is completely unisex and sized for adults of all genders.

Before You Get Started

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern.

You’ll enjoy this project if you are comfortable with:

Working from charts or written instructions for cables
Knitting flat and seaming pieces
Moss stitch and simple ribbing
Using a cable needle
Basic shaping (increases and decreases) for sleeves and raglan yokes

Take a moment to decide how you’d like your fisherman sweater to fit.

The design has a comfortable, slightly roomy fit that echoes traditional Irish fisherman sweaters, with enough ease to layer a shirt underneath.

Please note: This post is an overview of the design. The full Fisherman’s Sweater pattern is available as a printable PDF in my shop.

Tools / Materials Needed

Yarn

Drops Nepal – color 0100
- 16 (17, 17, 18, 18, 19) balls
- Approx. 1,200 (1,275, 1,275, 1,350, 1,350, 1,425) meters required
- Approx. 1,312 (1,394, 1,394, 1,476, 1,476, 1,558) yards required
Weight: Worsted – 50g / 75 m / 82 yds
Fiber: 65% Wool / 35% Alpaca – perfect for warmth and softness, ideal for cozy Aran sweaters.
I recommend purchasing one extra ball of yarn, just in case.
Suggested substitute: Lion Brand Wool-Ease (or a similar worsted-weight wool blend).

Needles

4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles
5 mm (US 8) knitting needles
Cable needle

I used a set of interchangeable circular needles to accommodate the large number of stitches, working back and forth in rows.

Spare cables with end caps were very handy for holding stitches when needed.

Notions

Scissors
Yarn needle
Tape measure
Stitch holders x 4 and/or spare cables with end caps

Size Information

This adult raglan sweater is designed to fit a range of bust/chest sizes and works well as a men’s fisherman sweater or a cozy women’s pullover.

To Fit Bust/Chest

34 in / 86 cm
36 in / 91 cm
38 in / 97 cm
40 in / 102 cm
42 in / 107 cm
44 in / 112 cm

Actual Garment Measurements

Bust
- 38.5 in / 98 cm
- 40 in / 102 cm
- 43.75 in / 111 cm
- 45.25 in / 115 cm
- 47.25 in / 120 cm
- 48.75 in / 124 cm
Full Length
- 27.25 in / 69 cm
- 27.25 in / 69 cm
- 28.25 in / 72 cm
- 28.25 in / 72 cm
- 29.25 in / 74 cm
- 29.25 in / 74 cm
Sleeve Length*
- 17.25 in / 44 cm
- 17.75 in / 45 cm
- 18 in / 46 cm
- 19 in / 48 cm
- 19 in / 48 cm
- 19 in / 48 cm

*Sleeve length is easily adjustable if you prefer a longer or shorter sleeve.

In the photographs, the model is wearing the 42 in / 107 cm size.

The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the smallest size, with changes for each size shown in brackets like this: 34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44).

To keep things clear, circle or highlight the numbers for your chosen size before you begin knitting.

Gauge

17 sts x 22 rows = 4 x 4 in / 10 x 10 cm over moss stitch
Worked using 5 mm (US 8) needles

Take the time to knit and block a gauge swatch in moss stitch.

Getting the correct gauge will ensure that your fisherman sweater fits as expected and that you have enough yarn for the project.

Pattern Notes

The sweater is worked in 4 separate pieces: Back, Front, and 2 Sleeves.
Each piece is worked flat from the lower edge upwards, starting with a ribbed hem.
The design features:
- A central Celtic cable on the front and back
- Rope cables running alongside
- Moss stitch panels for rich texture
- Ribbed lower bands, cuffs, and crew neck collar
The sleeves are also worked flat, featuring cables and moss stitch to echo the body, then shaped for the raglan seams.
Circular needles are used to comfortably hold a large number of stitches, but you will work back and forth in rows as if using straight needles.

After knitting all pieces, the sweater is seamed, the raglan seams are joined, and the ribbed collar is picked up and worked flat and seamed.

This construction gives you a classic, rugged sweater that feels wonderfully substantial—just the thing for chilly days on the coast or long walks in the countryside.

The full printed PDF pattern includes detailed row-by-row instructions for each size, plus clear notes to help you keep track of the cable panels and moss stitch.

Where To Get The Pattern

This is not a free pattern.

You can purchase the Fisherman Sweater Knitting Pattern (PDF) in my shop.

The downloadable pattern includes:

Fully written row-by-row instructions for each size
Cable charts for the central Celtic cable and rope cables
A schematic with measurements
Helpful notes on sizing and finishing
Tips for adjusting sleeve length and overall fit

👉 Get the Fisherman Sweater Pattern

Once purchased, you can print the PDF at home or view it on your tablet while you knit.

FAQ

Why do they call it a fisherman sweater?

Fisherman sweaters (often called Aran sweaters) originated in coastal communities, particularly the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.

They were traditionally knitted from sturdy wool to keep fishermen warm and dry at sea.

The thick cables and textured stitches helped to trap heat and add durability, making them perfect workwear in harsh weather.

What is special about Aran sweaters?

Aran sweaters are famous for their intricate cables and textured stitches, many of which are said to carry symbolic meanings—such as good luck, safety at sea, and prosperity.

They’re usually knit in natural wool, which offers wonderful warmth and resilience.

This pattern pays tribute to that heritage with its Celtic cable center panel and rope cables, echoing traditional Irish fisherman sweaters while giving you a modern raglan fit.

Are fisherman sweaters in style?

Absolutely.

A classic men’s fisherman sweater never really goes out of style.

It’s a timeless piece that works with jeans, chinos, or even tailored trousers.

The neutral color and traditional cables make it a wardrobe staple you’ll reach for year after year, whether you’re in the city or out in the wilds of Ireland.

How do you style a fisherman sweater?

Here are a few easy styling ideas:

Pair with jeans and boots for a casual, coastal-inspired look.
Layer over a checked shirt or chambray shirt so the collar peeks out.
Wear with dark denim and leather boots for a smart-casual outfit.
For a unisex look, style it slightly oversized with leggings or straight-leg jeans and chunky boots.

In a solid, neutral shade, this sweater pairs easily with almost anything in your wardrobe.

How should a fisherman sweater fit?

Traditional fisherman sweaters often have a relaxed, comfortable fit with positive ease—usually around 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) bigger than your actual chest measurement.

This pattern is designed with that in mind:

It should feel roomy enough for easy movement and layering.
The cuffs should sit at your wrists without pulling when you bend your arms.
The hem should hit around the hip, giving good coverage without feeling too long.

If you prefer a closer or looser fit, you can size down or up, or adjust the length of the body and sleeves to suit your style.

More Patterns To Try

If you enjoy knitting this fisherman sweater, you might also like:

You can find all of these in my pattern collection—perfect companions to your new favorite fisherman sweater.