Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern
This Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater pattern is a versatile and modern take on a timeless design, perfect for all seasons. With its clean lines, ribbed texture, and flattering silhouette, this pattern offers both comfort and style. Sizes range from regular Small to XL, plus sizes 1X to 5X, and petite sizes XXXS to XS, ensuring a perfect fit for any body type. Whether you’re knitting for yourself or as a gift, this pattern is a joy to create and even more rewarding to wear.
This updated pattern retains its vintage charm while incorporating modern adjustments for clarity and ease of use. The ribbed turtleneck adds a touch of elegance and warmth, making this design perfect for layering during cooler months or wearing on its own for a sleek and polished look. Crafted in a stunning Skipper Blue sport-weight yarn, this pattern creates a lightweight yet cozy garment, making it a wardrobe staple.
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 alongside the original vintage illustration. The vintage image provides insight into the classic style, while the AI rendering offers a modern and colorized view of the completed piece. Together, these visuals offer a comprehensive understanding of the project, helping you confidently envision your finished sweater as you knit.
Pattern Navigation
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.
Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern Regular Sizes (Small–XL)
Key Measurements
| Size | Bust | Back/Front Width (Underarm) | Length (Shoulder to Hem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 34″ | 17″ | 18½” |
| Medium | 36″ | 18″ | 18½” |
| Large | 38″ | 19″ | 19½” |
| XL | 40″ | 20″ | 19½” |
| Size | Side Seam Length | Turtleneck Length |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 11″ | 6″ |
| Medium | 11″ | 6″ |
| Large | 11½” | 6″ |
| XL | 11½” | 6″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,200 (1,300, 1,400, 1,500) yards in Skipper Blue.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
Pattern Instructions
Front
- Cast On:
- Small: 141 stitches
- Medium: 147 stitches
- Large: 153 stitches
- XL: 159 stitches
- Work Ribbing:
- 1st row: K 3, *p 3, k 3. Repeat from * across.
- 2nd row: P 3, *k 3, p 3. Repeat from * across.
- Repeat these two rows for the ribbing pattern.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- Small: 165 stitches.
- Medium: 171 stitches.
- Large: 177 stitches.
- XL: 183 stitches.
- Work without increasing until the piece measures:
- Small: 11″
- Medium: 11″
- Large: 11½”
- XL: 11½”
- Place markers at each side to indicate the armholes.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- Small: 5″
- Medium: 5″
- Large: 5½”
- XL: 5½”
Shape Neck
- Work in pattern over the first:
- Small: 96 stitches.
- Medium: 100 stitches.
- Large: 104 stitches.
- XL: 108 stitches. Place the last 21 stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
- Continue in pattern over the remaining stitches, shaping the neck edge:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 6 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row until:
- Small: 57 stitches.
- Medium: 61 stitches.
- Large: 65 stitches.
- XL: 69 stitches.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- Small: 7½”
- Medium: 7½”
- Large: 8″
- XL: 8″
- Place a marker to indicate the shoulder.
- Attach yarn to the opposite side of the neck and work the other side to correspond, reversing the shaping.
Back
- Work across the stitches of one front side, cast on loosely for the back of the neck, and work across the stitches of the other front side:
- Small: 165 stitches.
- Medium: 171 stitches.
- Large: 177 stitches.
- XL: 183 stitches.
- Work in ribbing pattern until the piece measures:
- Small: 7½”
- Medium: 7½”
- Large: 8″
- XL: 8″
- Place a marker for the armholes.
- Complete the back to correspond with the Front, reversing any shaping where necessary.
Turtleneck
- Sew the shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and blue yarn, pick up and knit:
- Small: 141 stitches.
- Medium: 147 stitches.
- Large: 153 stitches.
- XL: 159 stitches.
- Divide stitches evenly among 3 needles. Work in ribbing pattern (k3, p3) for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements.
- Sew side seams to armhole markers.
- With a crochet hook, work a single row of sc around each armhole.
This Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater is a versatile and timeless piece that’s perfect for layering or wearing on its own. The modern ribbing and fitted silhouette make it both chic and comfortable. Enjoy knitting your new favorite sweater!
Sleeveless 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 | Turtleneck Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1X | 12½” | 6″ |
| 2X | 13″ | 6″ |
| 3X | 13½” | 6″ |
| 4X | 14″ | 6″ |
| 5X | 14½” | 6″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,400 (1,600, 1,800, 2,000, 2,200) yards in Skipper Blue.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
Pattern Instructions
Front
- Cast On:
- 1X: 165 stitches
- 2X: 177 stitches
- 3X: 189 stitches
- 4X: 201 stitches
- 5X: 213 stitches
- Work Ribbing:
- 1st row: K 3, *p 3, k 3. Repeat from * across.
- 2nd row: P 3, *k 3, p 3. Repeat from * across.
- Repeat these two rows for the ribbing pattern.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- 1X: 189 stitches
- 2X: 201 stitches
- 3X: 213 stitches
- 4X: 225 stitches
- 5X: 237 stitches
- Work without increasing until the piece measures:
- 1X: 12½”
- 2X: 13″
- 3X: 13½”
- 4X: 14″
- 5X: 14½”
- Place markers at each side to indicate the armholes.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- 1X: 6½”
- 2X: 7″
- 3X: 7½”
- 4X: 8″
- 5X: 8½”
Shape Neck
- Work in pattern over the first:
- 1X: 108 stitches
- 2X: 114 stitches
- 3X: 120 stitches
- 4X: 126 stitches
- 5X: 132 stitches Place the last 25 stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
- Continue in pattern over the remaining stitches, shaping the neck edge:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 6 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row until:
- 1X: 63 stitches
- 2X: 69 stitches
- 3X: 75 stitches
- 4X: 81 stitches
- 5X: 87 stitches
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- 1X: 8″
- 2X: 8½”
- 3X: 9″
- 4X: 9½”
- 5X: 10″
- Place a marker to indicate the shoulder.
- Attach yarn to the opposite side of the neck and work the other side to correspond, reversing the shaping.
Back
- Work across the stitches of one front side, cast on loosely for the back of the neck, and work across the stitches of the other front side:
- 1X: 189 stitches
- 2X: 201 stitches
- 3X: 213 stitches
- 4X: 225 stitches
- 5X: 237 stitches
- Work in ribbing pattern until the piece measures:
- 1X: 8″
- 2X: 8½”
- 3X: 9″
- 4X: 9½”
- 5X: 10″
- Place a marker for the armholes.
- Complete the back to correspond with the Front, making decreases where increases were previously made.
Turtleneck
- Sew the shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and blue yarn, pick up and knit:
- 1X: 189 stitches
- 2X: 201 stitches
- 3X: 213 stitches
- 4X: 225 stitches
- 5X: 237 stitches
- Divide stitches evenly among 3 needles. Work in ribbing pattern (k3, p3) for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements.
- Sew side seams to armhole markers.
- With a crochet hook, work a single row of sc around each armhole.
This Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater in Plus Sizes (1X–5X) is thoughtfully designed to provide a flattering fit while maintaining the elegance and versatility of this timeless piece. Enjoy creating this stylish and practical sweater! 😊
Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern (Petite Sizes XXXS–XS)
Key Measurements
| Size | Bust | Back/Front Width (Underarm) | Length (Shoulder to Hem) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 28″ | 14″ | 17½” |
| XXS | 30″ | 15″ | 18″ |
| XS | 32″ | 16″ | 18½” |
| Size | Side Seam Length | Turtleneck Length |
|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 10½” | 6″ |
| XXS | 11″ | 6″ |
| XS | 11½” | 6″ |
Materials
- Yarn: Sport Weight Yarn (#2)
- Yardage: ~1,000 (1,100, 1,200) yards in Skipper Blue.
- Knitting Needles:
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) straight needles.
- Size US 1 (2.25 mm) double-pointed needles for turtleneck.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size US C-2 (2.75 mm) for finishing.
Pattern Instructions
Front
- Cast On:
- XXXS: 117 stitches
- XXS: 123 stitches
- XS: 129 stitches
- Work Ribbing:
- 1st row: K 3, *p 3, k 3. Repeat from * across.
- 2nd row: P 3, *k 3, p 3. Repeat from * across.
- Repeat these two rows for the ribbing pattern.
- Increase Rows:
- Increase 1 stitch at both ends of every 8th row until:
- XXXS: 141 stitches
- XXS: 147 stitches
- XS: 153 stitches
- Work without increasing until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 10½”
- XXS: 11″
- XS: 11½”
- Place markers at each side to indicate the armholes.
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 4½”
- XXS: 5″
- XS: 5½”
Shape Neck
- Work in pattern over the first:
- XXXS: 76 stitches
- XXS: 79 stitches
- XS: 82 stitches Place the last 19 stitches on a stitch holder for the turtleneck.
- Continue in pattern over the remaining stitches, shaping the neck edge:
- Bind off 2 stitches at the neck edge every other row 4 times.
- Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row until:
- XXXS: 45 stitches
- XXS: 48 stitches
- XS: 51 stitches
- Work evenly until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 6½”
- XXS: 7″
- XS: 7½”
- Place a marker to indicate the shoulder.
- Attach yarn to the opposite side of the neck and work the other side to correspond, reversing the shaping.
Back
- Work across the stitches of one front side, cast on loosely for the back of the neck, and work across the stitches of the other front side:
- XXXS: 141 stitches
- XXS: 147 stitches
- XS: 153 stitches
- Work in ribbing pattern until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 6½”
- XXS: 7″
- XS: 7½”
- Place a marker for the armholes.
- Complete the back to correspond with the Front, making decreases where increases were previously made.
Turtleneck
- Sew the shoulder seams.
- Using double-pointed needles and blue yarn, pick up and knit:
- XXXS: 117 stitches
- XXS: 123 stitches
- XS: 129 stitches
- Divide stitches evenly among 3 needles. Work in ribbing pattern (k3, p3) for 6 inches.
- Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Block to measurements.
- Sew side seams to armhole markers.
- With a crochet hook, work a single row of sc around each armhole.
This Sleeveless Turtleneck Sweater in Petite Sizes (XXXS–XS) provides a flattering fit for shorter proportions, maintaining the modern and chic look of the original design. Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this is a must-knit piece for your wardrobe! 😊
