Men’s Sweater Pattern (Easy Knit In Garter Stitch)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a men’s sweater pattern that is an easy knit in garter stitch.
This raglan sweater is knit in garter stitch and the simple design means this pattern is very beginner-friendly.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the inexpensive printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
Men’s Sweater Pattern
Grab your inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Notes
Skill Level – Easy (advanced beginners)
The sweater knits quickly, and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
- You may also enjoy Free Men’s Sweater Knitting Pattern (Roger’s Sweater).
- You can view all of the other Outlander Men’s Knits here.
- And…if you have any leftover yarn from this project, you can make cable knit pumpkins. – Cable Knit Pumpkin Pattern
- Or this Roger’s ribbed beanie from Outlander {easy knit} (seen in the photo below) or this ribbed beanie knitting pattern {unisex mariner’s hat}
Copyright Info
- 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, please read my Terms of Use.
Size Information
- Adult Sizes/Man
- S (M, L, XL)
To Fit Chest Size
- Small – 34 inches/86.36 cm
- Medium – 37 inches/93.98 cm
- Large – 40 inches/101.6 cm
- XL – 43.5 inches/110.49 cm
- XXL – 47.5 / 120.65 cm
Length (Straight – Shoulder to hem)
- S – 31.5 inches/ 80.1 cm
- M – 32 inches/ 81.28 cm
- L – 32.5 inches/ 82.55 cm
- XL – 33 inches/ 83.82 cm
- XXL – 33.5 inches / 85.09 cm
Sleeve Length (Underarm to cuff)
- S – 19.5 inches/ 49.53 cm
- M – 20 inches/ 50.8 cm
- L – 20.5 inches/ 52.07 cm
- XL – 21 inches/ 53.34 cm
- XXL – 21.5 inches/ 54.61 cm
Cuff (Around)
- S – 12 inches/ 30.48 cm
- M – 12 inches/ 30.48 cm
- L – 13 inches/ 33.2 cm
- XL – 13 inches/ 33.2 cm
- XXL – 14 inches/ 35.56 cm
In the photographs, the model is wearing a medium size.
The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the small size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.
To follow the pattern more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.
Gauge – 12 sts x 20 rows = 4×4 inches /10×10 cm of garter stitch – with the 8mm (US 11) needles.
Pattern Notes
- The sweater is worked in 4 pieces: Back, Front, and 2 Raglan Sleeves.
- Each piece is worked in garter stitch from the lower edge upwards, beginning with a ribbed lower band.
- Circular needles are used to accommodate the number of stitches.
- Work back and forth on the circular needle as if working on straight needles.
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- Any bulky weight yarn/chunky/12-ply yarn that can be used with the needle size given below.
- We Are Knitters The Petite Wool (100g/153yds/140m) in Taupe x 7, (8, 9, 10, 11) balls.
- Yarn Weight Guide (+ Conversion Chart)
Needles
- Pair of 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles.
- 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.
- I used my set of interchangeable circular needles as there were many stitches to cast on, and it was easier to use the cables.
- I also used spare cables with end caps to hold spare stitches when needed.
- This is the needle set I use for most projects – Interchangeable Circular Needle Set
Notions
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Stitch holders x 3 or spare cables with end caps
Abbreviations
- Beg = Beginning
- CO = Cast on
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- Dec = Decrease (Cast off)
- Foll = Following
- K = Knit
- KFB = Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
- P = Purl
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right side
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- WS = Wrong side
Stitch Pattern Notes
1 x 1 ribbing = K1, P1 (It is obtained by alternating knit and purl stitches in one row and “knitting by pattern” in every next row. This means that we make a knit stitch when the previous row stitch looks like V and make a purl stitch when the previous looks like a bump.)
Cast On: even number of stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.
Repeat these two rows.
Men’s Raglan Sweater Pattern
Back
With 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles CO 70 (74, 82, 86, 94) sts.
- Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge.
Change to 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit to the end of the row.
Cont to knit every row (working in garter stitch) until the piece measures 15.5 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
Cast off 2, (2, 2, 4, 6) sts at beg of the next 2 rows. 66 (70, 78, 78, 82)sts.
Dec 1st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 36 (38, 40, 40, 42) sts remain.
Leave these sts on a spare needle/stitch holder or cable with end caps.
Front
With 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles CO 70 (74, 82, 86, 94) sts.
- Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge.
Change to 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit to the end of the row.
Cont to knit every row (working in garter stitch) until the piece measures 15.5 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
- Cast off 2, (2, 2, 4, 6) sts at beg of the next 2 rows. 66 (70, 78, 78, 82)sts.
- Dec 1st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 36 (38, 40, 40, 42) sts remain.
- On the next RS row, K 11 sts, then place the central 14 (16, 18, 18, 20) sts for the neck onto a stitch holder, then place the remaining 11 sts onto another stitch holder.
- There will be 11 sts on either side of the neck.
- Each side of the neck will now be worked separately.
Shape Neck
Keeping the raglan shaping correct, cast off 2 sts at neck edge of foll RS row, 1 st at neck edge of next RS row, then cast off the rem 8 sts at neck edge of foll RS row.
With RS of work facing you – place the 11 sts from the st holder onto the needles and rejoin the yarn for the other side of the neck.
Reverse the shaping as follows:
- Cast off 2 sts and K to the end of the row.
- K to the end of the row.
- Cast off 1st, K to the end of the row.
- K to the end of the row.
- Cast off 8 sts.
Left Sleeve
With 6 mm (US 10) knitting needles CO 34 (34, 38, 38, 42) sts.
- Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge.
Change to 8 mm (US 11) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): Knit to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): Knit to the end of the row.
- Cont to knit every row (working in garter stitch) until the piece measures 4.5 inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Sleeves
Row 1 (RS): (still working in garter stitch) KFB into the first and last stitch of the row. (2 sts increased)
Rep row 1 (increasing 2 sts) on every foll 10th (8th, 8th, 6th, 6th) row, 6 (8, 8, 10, 10) more times. 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) sts.
Cont to work in patt until sleeve measures 19 (19.5, 20, 20.5, 21) inches from the CO edge.
*At this point, check that you are happy with the length of the sleeves – they should start just below the underarm. If you need to make them longer, work more rows, but if you prefer a shorter sleeve you may need to pull out (frog) a few rows.
Shape Raglan
- Rows 1 and 2: Cast off 2 (2, 3, 4, 6) sts at the beg of the next 2 rows.
- Row 3: K to the end of the row.
- Row 4: Dec row (RS): Cast off 1 st, K to last 2 sts, cast off 1 st. (2 sts decreased)
- Row 5: (WS): K to the end of the row.
- Rep rows 4 and 5 until you have 12 sts.
- Cast off 6 sts – K to the end of the row.
- K to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 6 sts.
Right Sleeve
Work as for the left sleeve until you have to shape the raglan.
Shape Raglan
- Rows 1 and 2: Cast off 2 (2, 3, 4, 6) sts at the beg of the next 2 rows.
- Row 3: K to the end of the row.
- Row 4: Dec row (RS): Cast off 1st, K to last 2 sts, cast off 1st. (2 sts decreased)
- Row 5: (WS): K to the end of the row.
- Rep rows 4 and 5 until you have 12 sts.
- K 6 sts, cast off the rem 6 sts, break yarn, and secure.
- Rejoin the yarn to the first stitch and K to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 6 sts.
Making Up
View the step-by-step photo tutorial to help you make up this sweater below…
How To Make Up A Raglan Sweater
- Seam The Back Right Raglan Sleeve
Seam the back right raglan sleeve seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you.
- Join The Right Sleeve Seam
Join the right sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you. - Join The Left Raglan Seam To The Front Raglan Seam
Join the left raglan sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you. - Working The Neck Step 1
Leave the left-back raglan seam open for now.
With the RS of work facing you, use the 6mm (US 10) knitting needles and do the following:
Pick up and knit 14 (16, 18, 20, 24) sts from the side front neck edge and top of the sleeve.
Then K across the 14 (16, 18, 20, 24) sts from the stitch holder at center front.
Then pick up and K 14 (16, 18, 20, 24) sts from the side front neck edge and top of the sleeve.
Finally K across the 32 (34, 36, 36, 38) sts from spare stitch holder at the back. - Working The Neck Step 2
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing (K1, P1) for 3 inches, ending with a WS row.
Cast off in rib.
- Join The Back Raglan Seam
Join rem back raglan seam and cont up the neck ribbing.
(Reversing the seam for the rem half, so it looks neat when turned over). - The Neck Ribbing Step 1
Fold neck ribbing in half to WS and catch down loosely on the WS.
- The Neck Ribbing Step 2
Once you have completed catching the neck down, you will see a chunky collar with a neat edge.
- Join Side And Sleeve Seams
Join side and sleeve seams using the mattress stitch.
- Finishing Up
After you have completed the sleeve and side seams, you can weave in any leftover loose ends.
I also like to use a lint roller to clean the garment afterward in case of any fluff, pet hair, etc!
Grab The Men’s Pattern Bundle Here With 10 x Patterns
A Cozy Knit Sweater For Fall
This taupe-colored sweater is a timeless design that can be worn repeatedly during the autumn.
Wear it with jeans, your favorite pair of boots, and a beanie or cap while going for a brisk walk with your dog.
Oversized and comfy, this sweater will feel extra cozy when there is a chill in the air.
The yarn I used
I made the sweater using The Petite Wool (from We Are Knitters) in the color taupe.
This yarn is very warm to wear as it is 100% Peruvian wool.
The yarn weight is bulky/chunky/12 ply.
The perfect yarn to make a sweater.
You May Also Like The Women’s Verison Of This Sweater
There is a women’s version of this sweater that you can see here – Pumpkin Sweater Knitting Pattern (Free + Easy)
This sweater looks the same but has been adjusted for women’s sizes.
There are 4 sizes to make – S (M, L, XL).
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern
This pattern is great for advanced beginner knitters who are looking to move on to making their first garment.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- KFB knitting – How to make an increase
- How to knit two stitches together (K2tog)
More Free Knitting Patterns
Check out pullovers, cardigans, scarves, hats, men’s sweaters, and more inspiration here – Free Knitting Patterns.
Free Men’s Knitting Patterns
- 30 Free Men’s Sweater Knitting Patterns
- Free Men’s Sweater Knitting Pattern (Roger’s Sweater)
- Free Men’s Hat Knitting Pattern
- Knit Fingerless Gloves For Men With A Cable Design
- Men’s Hat Pattern | The Hektor
- Leopard Print Hat Pattern | The Leonidas
- Men’s Chunky Knit Jumper Pattern {Staghorn Cable}
- Men’s Aran Sweater Knitting Pattern
- Men’s Fingerless Mittens + Hat Pattern
- Men’s Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
- Men’s Fingerless Gloves Knitting Pattern
- Fraser Tartan Scarf Knitting Pattern
- Roger’s Ribbed Beanie From Outlander {Easy Knit}
Knitting Lessons
If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
Including how to cast on, knit the knit stitch, the stockinette stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, short rows, a list of knitting abbreviations, and more.
Also, you can learn more about the different yarn weights (worsted weight yarn, lace weight yarn, etc) here. – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here. – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
Join The Handy Facebook group to connect with more makers.
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the sweater, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo!
I’d love to see your work.
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