Beaded Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
The Beaded Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern is the perfect project for adding a touch of elegance and charm to your wardrobe. With its delicate beadwork and cozy fit, this sweater strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and comfort. Designed in regular sizes Small through XL, plus sizes 1X through 5X, and petite sizes XXXS through XS, this pattern ensures a flattering fit for all body types. The use of sport-weight yarn makes this sweater lightweight yet warm, perfect for layering or wearing on its own.
This timeless design brings vintage appeal into the modern era. Originally created in the 1950s, the pattern has been updated with clear instructions, modern terminology, and inclusive sizing. The beadwork, meticulously placed along the front, adds a unique and artistic touch that sets this sweater apart. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or creating a gift for someone special, this pattern offers a fulfilling knitting experience and a truly beautiful result.
Explore the classic Coats and Clark Everyone Wears Sweaters, Book No. 291 (1952). Click to view all the vintage sweater patterns in this timeless collection!
About the Images
To help bring this design to life, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished sweater alongside the original vintage illustration. The original image highlights the charm and craftsmanship of the 1950s design, while the AI rendering provides a detailed and colorized view of how the completed sweater will look. This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your knitting journey.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats and Clark Everyone Wears Sweaters Book No. 291 (1952). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Pattern Navigation
Beaded Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern -Regular Sizes (Small–XL)
Key Measurements
| Size | Bust | Back/Front Width (Underarm) | Length (Shoulder to Hem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34″ | 17″ | 18″ |
| Medium | 36″ | 18″ | 18½” |
| Large | 38″ | 19″ | 19″ |
| XL | 40″ | 20″ | 19½” |
| Size | Side Seam Length | Sleeve Seam Length | Cap Sleeve Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 12″ | 5½” | 6½” |
| Medium | 12″ | 5½” | 6½” |
| Large | 12½” | 5¾” | 7″ |
| XL | 12½” | 6″ | 7″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,200 (1,300, 1,400, 1,500) yards in white.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
- Beads:
- 228 (240, 252, 264) red beads (approximately 19 dozen for all sizes).
Pattern Instructions
Back
- Cast On:
- Small: 111 stitches
- Medium: 117 stitches
- Large: 123 stitches
- XL: 129 stitches
- Work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) as follows:
- Place markers to divide sections:
- Small: K 37, place marker, k 37, place marker, k 37.
- Medium: K 39, place marker, k 39, place marker, k 39.
- Large: K 41, place marker, k 41, place marker, k 41.
- XL: K 43, place marker, k 43, place marker, k 43.
- Decrease Rows:
- Decrease 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 10th row until:
- Small: 95 stitches remain.
- Medium: 101 stitches remain.
- Large: 107 stitches remain.
- XL: 113 stitches remain.
- Work without decreasing for 5 rows.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 8th row until:
- Small: 123 stitches.
- Medium: 129 stitches.
- Large: 135 stitches.
- XL: 141 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- Small: 12″
- Medium: 12″
- Large: 12½”
- XL: 12½”
- Place a marker at each side to indicate the start of cap sleeves.
Cap Sleeves
- Increase Rows: Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- Small: 137 stitches.
- Medium: 143 stitches.
- Large: 149 stitches.
- XL: 155 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- Small: 6″
- Medium: 6″
- Large: 6½”
- XL: 6½”
- Shape Sleeves and Shoulders:
- Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 20 rows.
- Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the following 8 (8, 10, 10) rows.
- Place the remaining 33 (35, 37, 39) stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
Front
- Work as for the Back until the piece measures:
- Small: 8″
- Medium: 8″
- Large: 8½”
- XL: 8½”
- Attach yarn with beads and work in bead pattern as follows:
- Row 1: K to center stitch, pull up one bead, k center stitch, k across.
- Row 2: P across.
- Row 3: K across.
- Row 4: P across.
- Continue adding beads every 4th row, following the pattern directions and moving beads toward the edges.
- Complete increases and cap sleeve shaping as for the Back, maintaining bead pattern.
- Shape Neck:
- When piece measures 6″ from sleeve markers, bind off the center stitches:
- Small: 17 stitches.
- Medium: 19 stitches.
- Large: 21 stitches.
- XL: 23 stitches.
- Work each side of the neck separately:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every row 2 (2, 3, 3) times.
- Shape shoulders as for the Back.
Turtleneck
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and white yarn, pick up and knit:
- Small: 108 stitches.
- Medium: 112 stitches.
- Large: 116 stitches.
- XL: 120 stitches.
- Divide stitches evenly across 3 needles. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements with a soft cloth under beads.
- Sew side seams to sleeve markers.
- With a crochet hook, work 2 rows of single crochet around the lower edges and sleeve edges.
This Beaded Turtleneck Sweater is a beautiful and elegant project, perfect for adding a unique touch to your wardrobe. The delicate beadwork combined with a cozy fit makes this sweater a timeless piece. Enjoy knitting your masterpiece!
Beaded Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern for Plus Sizes (1X–5X)
Key Measurements
| Size | Bust | Back/Front Width (Underarm) | Length (Shoulder to Hem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1X | 42″ | 21″ | 19½” |
| 2X | 46″ | 23″ | 20″ |
| 3X | 50″ | 25″ | 21″ |
| 4X | 54″ | 27″ | 22″ |
| 5X | 58″ | 29″ | 23″ |
| Size | Side Seam Length | Sleeve Seam Length | Cap Sleeve Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1X | 13″ | 6½” | 7″ |
| 2X | 14″ | 7″ | 7½” |
| 3X | 15″ | 7½” | 8″ |
| 4X | 16″ | 8″ | 8½” |
| 5X | 17″ | 8½” | 9″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,600 (1,800, 2,000, 2,200, 2,400) yards in white.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
- Beads:
- 276 (288, 300, 312, 324) red beads (approximately 23 dozen for all sizes).
Pattern Instructions
Back
- Cast On:
- 1X: 135 stitches
- 2X: 147 stitches
- 3X: 159 stitches
- 4X: 171 stitches
- 5X: 183 stitches
- Work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) as follows:
- Place markers to divide sections:
- 1X: K 45, place marker, k 45, place marker, k 45.
- 2X: K 49, place marker, k 49, place marker, k 49.
- 3X: K 53, place marker, k 53, place marker, k 53.
- 4X: K 57, place marker, k 57, place marker, k 57.
- 5X: K 61, place marker, k 61, place marker, k 61.
- Decrease Rows:
- Decrease 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 10th row until:
- 1X: 115 stitches remain.
- 2X: 127 stitches remain.
- 3X: 139 stitches remain.
- 4X: 151 stitches remain.
- 5X: 163 stitches remain.
- Work without decreasing for 5 rows.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 8th row until:
- 1X: 151 stitches.
- 2X: 163 stitches.
- 3X: 175 stitches.
- 4X: 187 stitches.
- 5X: 199 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- 1X: 13″
- 2X: 14″
- 3X: 15″
- 4X: 16″
- 5X: 17″
- Place a marker at each side to indicate the start of cap sleeves.
Cap Sleeves
- Increase Rows: Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- 1X: 165 stitches.
- 2X: 177 stitches.
- 3X: 189 stitches.
- 4X: 201 stitches.
- 5X: 213 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- 1X: 6½”
- 2X: 7″
- 3X: 7½”
- 4X: 8″
- 5X: 8½”
- Shape Sleeves and Shoulders:
- Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the next 20 rows.
- Bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the following 8 (8, 10, 10, 12) rows.
- Place the remaining 41 (43, 45, 47, 49) stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
Front
- Work as for the Back until the piece measures:
- 1X: 8½”
- 2X: 9″
- 3X: 9½”
- 4X: 10″
- 5X: 10½”
- Attach yarn with beads and work in bead pattern as follows:
- Row 1: K to center stitch, pull up one bead, k center stitch, k across.
- Row 2: P across.
- Row 3: K across.
- Row 4: P across.
- Continue adding beads every 4th row, following the pattern directions and moving beads toward the edges.
- Complete increases and cap sleeve shaping as for the Back, maintaining bead pattern.
- Shape Neck:
- When piece measures 7″ from sleeve markers, bind off the center stitches:
- 1X: 21 stitches.
- 2X: 23 stitches.
- 3X: 25 stitches.
- 4X: 27 stitches.
- 5X: 29 stitches.
- Work each side of the neck separately:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every row 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) times.
- Shape shoulders as for the Back.
Turtleneck
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and white yarn, pick up and knit:
- 1X: 136 stitches.
- 2X: 144 stitches.
- 3X: 152 stitches.
- 4X: 160 stitches.
- 5X: 168 stitches.
- Divide stitches evenly across 3 needles. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements with a soft cloth under beads.
- Sew side seams to sleeve markers.
- With a crochet hook, work 2 rows of single crochet around the lower edges and sleeve edges.
This Beaded Turtleneck Sweater for Plus Sizes (1X–5X) is designed to flatter and fit beautifully while showcasing its elegant beadwork. Enjoy crafting this stunning piece! 😊
Beaded Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern for Petite Sizes (XXXS–XS)
Key Measurements
| Size | Bust | Back/Front Width (Underarm) | Length (Shoulder to Hem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 28″ | 14″ | 17″ |
| XXS | 30″ | 15″ | 17½” |
| XS | 32″ | 16″ | 18″ |
| Size | Side Seam Length | Sleeve Seam Length | Cap Sleeve Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 11½” | 5″ | 6″ |
| XXS | 12″ | 5½” | 6½” |
| XS | 12½” | 6″ | 7″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,000 (1,100, 1,200) yards in white.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
- Beads:
- 180 (192, 204) red beads (approximately 16 dozen for all sizes).
Pattern Instructions
Back
- Cast On:
- XXXS: 99 stitches
- XXS: 105 stitches
- XS: 111 stitches
- Work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) as follows:
- Place markers to divide sections:
- XXXS: K 33, place marker, k 33, place marker, k 33.
- XXS: K 35, place marker, k 35, place marker, k 35.
- XS: K 37, place marker, k 37, place marker, k 37.
- Decrease Rows:
- Decrease 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 10th row until:
- XXXS: 85 stitches remain.
- XXS: 91 stitches remain.
- XS: 97 stitches remain.
- Work without decreasing for 5 rows.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both sides of each marker on every 8th row until:
- XXXS: 109 stitches.
- XXS: 115 stitches.
- XS: 121 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 11½”
- XXS: 12″
- XS: 12½”
- Place a marker at each side to indicate the start of cap sleeves.
Cap Sleeves
- Increase Rows: Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- XXXS: 121 stitches.
- XXS: 127 stitches.
- XS: 133 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 5″
- XXS: 5½”
- XS: 6″
- Shape Sleeves and Shoulders:
- Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 20 rows.
- Bind off 4 stitches at the beginning of the following 6 (6, 8) rows.
- Place the remaining 29 (31, 33) stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
Front
- Work as for the Back until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 7½”
- XXS: 8″
- XS: 8½”
- Attach yarn with beads and work in bead pattern as follows:
- Row 1: K to center stitch, pull up one bead, k center stitch, k across.
- Row 2: P across.
- Row 3: K across.
- Row 4: P across.
- Continue adding beads every 4th row, following the pattern directions and moving beads toward the edges.
- Complete increases and cap sleeve shaping as for the Back, maintaining bead pattern.
- Shape Neck:
- When piece measures 5½” from sleeve markers, bind off the center stitches:
- XXXS: 15 stitches.
- XXS: 17 stitches.
- XS: 19 stitches.
- Work each side of the neck separately:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 2 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every row 2 (2, 3) times.
- Shape shoulders as for the Back.
Turtleneck
- Sew shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and white yarn, pick up and knit:
- XXXS: 92 stitches.
- XXS: 96 stitches.
- XS: 100 stitches.
- Divide stitches evenly across 3 needles. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements with a soft cloth under beads.
- Sew side seams to sleeve markers.
- With a crochet hook, work 2 rows of single crochet around the lower edges and sleeve edges.
This Beaded Turtleneck Sweater in Petite Sizes (XXXS–XS) is specially designed for shorter proportions while maintaining the elegance of the beadwork and the cozy feel of the turtleneck. Enjoy creating this timeless and chic piece! 😊
