Men’s Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see a men’s turtleneck sweater knitting pattern.
This raglan sweater is knit in two main stitch patterns with ribbed lower bands, neck, and cuffs.
Scroll down to view the free knitting pattern, or grab the inexpensive, printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
A Cozy Knit Turtleneck Sweater
This sweater is a timeless design that can be worn again and again during the autumn or winter months.
Wear it with jeans, your favorite 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 a chill is in the air.
The yarn I used
I made the sweater using The Petite Wool (from We Are Knitters) in the color Ivory.
The yarn weight is bulky/chunky/12 ply.
You can match any yarn to be used with the needle sizes given in the pattern (6 mm/US 10 and 8 mm/US 11).
Can I use straight needles to knit this sweater?
The short answer is – Yes, you can.
All the pieces are knit flat – back and forth on straight needles and then seamed together.
I use circular needles to knit everything, and for a project like this one, because there are many stitches, it makes it a bit easier on your hands and wrists.
How do you make a sweater for beginners?
If you want to make a simple sweater that is more beginner-friendly, then I suggest you take a look at this Men’s Sweater Pattern (Easy Knit In Garter Stitch)
This project is knit in garter stitch, with ribbed lower bands, cuffs, and the collar.
It is very similar in the shaping to this sweater but knit in a really basic stitch pattern, making it perfect for beginners who want to make their first garment.
The Design Inspiration For This Sweater
This roll-neck sweater design was inspired by a sweater seen worn by actor Sam Heughan in the TV show Men In Kilts.
With three stitch patterns and a turtleneck, this sweater looks great when worn with a flat cap.
I decided to use bulky/chunky/12-ply yarn and make the sweater have a slightly oversized fit.
The details in the men’s sweater…
The sleeves of the sweater are raglan, which means that each sleeve extends in one piece fully to the collar, leaving a diagonal seam from underarm to collarbone.
The little granite stitch pattern is used for the upper body and upper sleeve detail, as you can see in the photographs.
The neckline is created by picking up stitches once the pieces are sewn together, then knitting in 1×1 ribbing to create the turtleneck.
The seams are sewn together using the mattress stitch for an invisible join.
You can see the full instructions and measurements in cm and inches below (including the chest circumference).
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern
This pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.
- 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)
Men’s Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
Grab your inexpensive, ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Grab All 10 Men’s Patterns In This Bundle Here
Notes
Skill Level – Easy
The sweater knits up quickly and the simple design makes for a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
If you like this pattern, 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.
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/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 16 rows = 4×4 inches /10×10 cm of stockinette stitch – with the 8 mm (US 11) needles.
Pattern Notes
- The sweater is worked in 4 pieces: Back, Front, and 2 Sleeves.
- Each piece is worked in stockinette stitch and later the little granite 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.
Grab The Ad-Free PDF Printable Pattern Here
The Supplies You Need
Yarn
- Any bulky/chunky/12-ply yarn that can be used with the needle size given below.
- We Are Knitters The Petite Wool (100g/153yds/140m) in Ivory 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 Sweater Knitting 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): Purl to the end of the row.
Cont to work in stocking stitch repeating rows 1 and 2, until the piece measures 15.5 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
You will now be working in the little granite stitch pattern (please read the next page for the decrease instructions before you begin).
This stitch pattern is worked as follows:
- Row 1: (RS) *P3, K1 – Rep to the end of the row.
- Row 2: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
- Row 3: (RS) *P1, K1, P2 – rep to the end of the row.
- Row 4: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
These 4 rows form the stitch pattern.
Shape Raglan
Working in the little granite stitch pattern (the 4-row rep on page 6) you will complete the following, creating new stitch patterns as you decrease:
- Cast off 2, (2, 2, 4, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 66 (70, 78, 78, 82)sts.
- Dec 1 st 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): Purl to the end of the row.
Cont to work in stocking stitch repeating rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 15.5 (16, 16.5, 16.5, 17) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
You will now be working in the little granite stitch pattern (Please read the next page for the decrease instructions before you begin).
This stitch pattern is worked as follows:
- Row 1: (RS) *P3, K1 – Rep to the end of the row.
- Row 2: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
- Row 3: (RS) *P1, K1, P2 – rep to the end of the row.
- Row 4: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
These 4 rows form the stitch pattern.
Shape Raglan
Working in the little granite stitch pattern (the 4-row rep on page 9) you will complete the following, creating new stitch patterns as you decrease:
- Cast off 2, (2, 2, 4, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 66 (70, 78, 78, 82)sts.
- Dec 1 st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 36 (38, 40, 40, 42) sts remain.
- On the next RS row, work 11 sts in patt, 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
(Still working in the little granite stitch pattern)
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 work in patt to the end of the row.
- work in patt to the end of the row.
- Cast off 1 st, work in patt to the end of the row.
- Work in patt 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): Purl to the end of the row.
- Cont to work in stocking stitch repeating rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 3 inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Sleeves
(Still working in stocking stitch)
Row 1 (RS): 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
You will now be working in the little granite stitch pattern for the decreases/shaping.
(Please read through the little granite stitch pattern rows below before starting to work on the decreases)
This stitch pattern is worked as follows:
- Row 1: (RS) *P3, K1 – Rep to the end of the row.
- Row 2: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
- Row 3: (RS) *P1, K1, P2 – rep to the end of the row.
- Row 4: (WS) Work each st in the manner it presents (K the knit sts and P the Purl sts).
These 4 rows form the stitch pattern.
Continue to work using the little granite stitch pattern for the following rows:
- Rows 1 and 2: (Starting on the next RS row) Cast off 2 (2, 3, 4, 6) sts at the beg of the next 2 rows.
- Row 3: Dec row (RS): Cast off 1 st, work in patt to last 2 sts, cast off 1 st. (2 sts decreased)
- Row 4: (WS): Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Rep rows 3 and 4 until you have 12 sts.
- Cast off 6 sts – work in patt to the end of the row.
- Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 6 sts.
Right Sleeve
Work as for the left sleeve until you have 12 sts remaining.
Shape Raglan
With 12 sts rem on your needles.
- Work in patt for 6 sts, cast off the rem 6 sts, break yarn, and secure.
- Rejoin the yarn to the first stitch and work in patt to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 6 sts.
Making Up
Tutorials To Help You…
You can see a photo tutorial on how to make up the sweater by looking at this similar raglan sweater here – Men’s Sweater Pattern (Easy Knit In Garter Stitch)
You can find a mattress stitch tutorial here – Mattress Stitch – How To Seam Knitting
Tip
It’s best to work on a large surface (like a dining table or desk) so you can lie the pieces out flat and see where you will be seaming.
Step 1
Seam the back right raglan sleeve seam using the mattress stitch. Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 2
Join the right sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 3
Join the left raglan sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 4
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 the spare stitch holder at the back.
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing (K1, P1) for 8 inches, ending with a WS row.
Cast off in rib.
Step 5
Join remaining back raglan seam and continue up the neck ribbing – reversing the seam for the turtle neck, so it has a neat seam when turned over.
Step 6
Join side and sleeve seams using the mattress stitch.
Then, you can weave in any leftover loose ends.
Turn the neck over.
I also like to use a lint roller to clean the garment afterward in case of any fluff, pet hair, etc.
Grab The Ad-Free PDF
Pattern Here
Could you share your work with us?
I love seeing your finished projects on social media.
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.
Popular Patterns
- Men’s Sweater Pattern (Easy Knit In Garter Stitch)
- Free Men’s Sweater Knitting Pattern (Roger’s Sweater)
- Knit Fingerless Gloves For Men With A Cable Design
- Men’s Chunky Knit Jumper Pattern {Staghorn Cable}
- Men’s Aran Sweater Knitting Pattern
- Men’s Fingerless Mittens + Hat Pattern
- Men’s Fingerless Gloves Knitting Pattern
- Fraser Tartan Scarf Knitting Pattern
- Roger’s Ribbed Beanie From Outlander {Easy Knit}
- 30 Free Men’s Sweater Knitting Patterns
