Stormbraid Sweater – Irish Cable Knitting Pattern

The Stormbraid Sweater takes its inspiration from tradition and myth, turning windswept coasts and ancient Celtic knots into a bold Irish cable knitting pattern for men.

Two braided Celtic cable panels anchor the front, flanked by classic rope cables and Irish moss stitch that echo the rugged coastline of Ireland’s west.

If you’ve been looking for an Aran sweater knitting pattern with real presence – something that feels both timeless and modern – Stormbraid might be the one you’ll want to cast on next.

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

Stormbraid Sweater – Irish Cable Sweater Pattern For Men

Before You Get Started – About The Stormbraid Sweater

The Stormbraid Sweater features a masculine, comfortable fit with plenty of texture:

Two bold Celtic cable panels run vertically up the front, framed by rope cables and panels of Irish moss stitch.
Together, these elements create a structured, striking look that still feels wearable and timeless.

It’s the kind of sweater that looks at home:

On coastal walks,
Layered over a shirt in the city,
Or thrown on with jeans by the fire.

Construction at a Glance

Worked flat in 4 pieces: Back, Front, and 2 Sleeves.
Each piece is knit bottom-up.
You’ll begin with a ribbed lower band, then move into moss stitch and cable panels.
Pieces are seamed for a sturdy, tailored finish.
The neckband is picked up and worked in the round on a short circular needle.

Skill Level

I’d describe this as intermediate:

You should be comfortable reading your knitting and working cables.
Moss stitch and simple ribbing add texture without being too difficult.
The cable panels require some attention, but they’re very rhythmic once established.

If you’ve knit a few sweaters before and are ready to level up with a more textured Irish-inspired Aran sweater, this is a satisfying project.

Yarn & Materials You’ll Need

Yarn

The pattern is designed for Aran / Worsted / 10-ply yarn.

Suggested yarn: Drops Nepal (alternative: Lion Brand Wool Ease)
Fiber: 65% Wool / 35% Alpaca
Ball size: 50 g / 75 m / 82 yds
Colour used: 7238

You will need approximately:

Size S: 18 balls – approx. 1,476 yds / 1,350 m
Size M: 19 balls – approx. 1,558 yds / 1,425 m
Size L: 20 balls – approx. 1,640 yds / 1,500 m
Size XL: 21 balls – approx. 1,722 yds / 1,575 m
Size 2XL: 22 balls – approx. 1,804 yds / 1,650 m
Size 3XL: 23 balls – approx. 1,886 yds / 1,725m

Any Aran/worsted yarn that meets the gauge and has good stitch definition for cables (wool or wool blend) will work beautifully.

Needles

You’ll need the following needles:

4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles – for the ribbing.
5 mm (US 8) knitting needles – for the main body and sleeves.
4.5 mm (US 7) 16″ circular needle – for the neckband.

Because the sweater has a large stitch count, I recommend using:

Interchangeable circular needles for working flat (back and forth), and
Spare cables with end caps to hold stitches when needed.

You’ll be working back and forth on circulars as if they were straight needles – simply for comfort and to accommodate all the stitches.

Notions

Have these handy before you cast on:

Scissors
Yarn needle or tapestry needle
Tape measure
Stitch markers
Stitch holders (or spare cables with end caps)

Size Information

The Stormbraid Sweater is written for Adult/Man sizes:

Sizes:
S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)

Finished Measurements (approx after blocking)

Cuff circumference (approx): 14.25 (15.25, 15.25, 16.25, 16.25, 17.25) inches / 36 (39, 39, 41, 41, 44) cm
Finished chest (approx): 43 (44, 46, 48, 51, 53) inches/ 110 (112, 117, 122, 129, 134) cm
Length: 26 (27, 28.5, 30, 31, 32) inches / 66 (69, 72, 76, 79, 81) cm
Upper arm circumference: 18 (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) inches / 46 (51, 53, 56, 58, 61) cm
Sleeve length (cuff to underarm): 20.5 (20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5) inches / 52 (52, 53, 55, 56, 57) cm

The sweater is intended to have a comfortable, masculine fit, ideal for layering over a t-shirt or shirt.

Always compare the finished measurements with a favourite sweater to choose your best size.

Gauge

Getting the right gauge is essential for this sweater so that the cables and moss stitch look crisp and the sizing comes out correctly.

Gauge: 17 sts x 22 rows = 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm)
Stitch pattern: Moss stitch
Needles: 5 mm (US 8)

Make sure to swatch in moss stitch, block the swatch, and measure it before you start.

Adjust needle size if needed to match the gauge.

Celtic cable aran sweater knitting pattern

Pattern Notes (How It’s Worked)

Here’s a quick overview of how the sweater is constructed:

The Back, Front, and Sleeves are all worked flat from the lower edge upwards.
Each piece begins with a ribbed band, then continues in moss stitch with the front featuring the Celtic and rope cable panels.
The shoulders are seamed, then the sleeves are sewn in and side/sleeve seams are worked.
Finally, stitches are picked up around the neckline, and the neckband is worked in the round on a 16″ circular needle.

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 Stormbraid Sweater Pattern

The complete Stormbraid Sweater pattern is available as a paid PDF in my shop.

In the PDF you’ll find:

Sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Row-by-row written instructions for all pieces
Cable panel instructions
Pattern notes and construction tips
Measurements to help with choosing your size and blocking

👉 Get the Stormbraid Sweater Pattern

You can download the PDF, print it, or use it on your tablet/phone while you knit.

FAQ

What skill level is this pattern?

I recommend this for intermediate knitters:

You should be comfortable with:
- Working from written instructions,
- Cables (using a cable needle),
- Moss stitch,
- Seaming sweater pieces.

Adventurous advanced beginners who are confident with basic sweaters and ready to learn cables may also enjoy it, especially if they take it slowly.

Can I substitute the yarn?

Yes. Choose a Worsted/Aran/10-ply yarn that:

Gets you to the pattern gauge (17 sts x 22 rows over 4″ in moss stitch on 5 mm needles), and
Has good stitch definition, so the cables pop (wool or wool blend is ideal).

For best results, always buy a little extra yarn to be safe, especially if you plan to lengthen the body or sleeves.

Is this sweater unisex?

The Stormbraid Sweater is written with a masculine fit, but cables and Aran textures are wonderfully versatile.

Many knitters may choose to wear it as a relaxed, unisex sweater.

You can:

Adjust the length and sleeve length to suit your height.
Choose a size based on your chest measurement and preferred ease.

Can I make the sweater longer or shorter?

Yes:

The body length can be easily adjusted by working more or fewer rows in the moss-stitch and cable sections before you shape the armholes.
The sleeve length can be adjusted in the same way before shaping the sleeve cap.

Just remember that any length changes will affect your yardage.

Is the pattern written or charted?

The pattern uses written instructions for all sizes.

The cable panels are given as written instructions only.

Is this similar to a fisherman sweater?

Yes – the Stormbraid Sweater has the same cozy, textured feel as a classic Irish fisherman sweater, with bold Celtic cables and moss stitch giving it a modern twist.

More Patterns To Try

Additionally, if you enjoy knitting men’s Aran and textured sweaters, you might also like: