Striped Sweater – Free Knitting Pattern: All Sizes Petite to Plus

Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern
Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern

The Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern offers a classic design with a modern twist, tailored for a perfect fit in Regular, Plus, and Petite sizes. Each size category is meticulously crafted, ensuring knitters of all body types can enjoy creating this stylish diagonal-striped sweater. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this pattern provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, with adjustments for sleeve length, bust size, and overall fit.

For Regular Sizes (Small through XL), the instructions incorporate straightforward shaping techniques and a simple yet elegant diagonal stripe pattern, making it both fun and rewarding to knit. Plus Sizes (1X through 5X) ensure a comfortable and flattering fit with additional modifications for width and length, while Petite Sizes (XXXS through XS) are carefully scaled to accommodate smaller frames without sacrificing the overall design.

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.

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Spencer Sweater and Striped Sweater Original illustration
Spencer Sweater and Striped Sweater Original illustration
Stripe fair isle chart
Stripe Sweater fair isle chart

Regular Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL

Materials:

  • Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART SOCK AND SWEATER YARN, 3 Ply, Shrink-and-Stretch Resist Finish
  • Modern Yarn Equivalent: Sport Weight Yarn (3 Ply)
  • 5 (5, 6, 6) skeins (approximately 150–200 yards per skein) of Main Color (e.g., white)
  • 1 skein each of Contrast Colors (e.g., skipper blue and scarlet)
  • Knitting Needles: 1 pair of US Size 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Crochet Hook: US Size C (2.75 mm)
  • 2 Snap Fasteners (optional for neckline closure)
  • Buttons: ½ inch diameter (optional for decorative use)

Gauge: 7.5 sts = 1 inch; 10 rows = 1 inch

Blocking Measurements:

  • Bust: 32 (34, 36, 38) inches
  • Width Across Back or Front at Underarm: 16 (17, 18, 19) inches
  • Length from Shoulder to Lower Edge: 18 (19, 20, 21) inches
  • Length of Side Seam: 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5) inches

Back

  1. Cast On: Using Main Color (MC), cast on 112 (116, 124, 132) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches. On the last row of ribbing:
  • Decrease 2 sts for Small and Large sizes.
  • Keep the stitch count unchanged for Medium and XL.
  • Stitches after ribbing: 110 (116, 122, 130).
  1. Stockinette Stitch: Switch to stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row):
  • Increase 1 st at both ends every 10th row until there are 122 (128, 134, 142) sts on the needle.
  • Work straight (no increases) until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5) inches from the cast-on edge.
  • Place a marker at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes:
  • Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every 9th row 4 times. Final stitch count: 130 (136, 142, 150).
  • Work straight until the piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5) inches.
  1. Shape Back Opening:
  • First Side:
    • K the first 65 (68, 71, 74) sts. Turn and work on this set of sts only:
    • Continue to increase at the armhole edge every 9th row until there are 68 (71, 74, 78) sts.
    • Work straight until the piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches, ending at the armhole edge.
    • Shape Shoulder: Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next row and every other row 13 (12, 14, 14) times. For the final bind-off row, bind off 5 sts for Small size only.
    • Bind off the remaining 16 (18, 18, 18) sts for the back of the neck.
  • Second Side:
    • Reattach yarn to the unworked sts and work this side to correspond, reversing the shaping instructions (e.g., bind off at the beginning of wrong-side rows for shoulder shaping).

Front

  1. Cast On: Using Main Color (MC), cast on 112 (116, 124, 132) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches, decreasing 2 sts for Small and Large sizes on the last row of ribbing. Stitches after ribbing: 110 (116, 122, 130).
  3. Stockinette Stitch: Work as for the Back, incorporating the diagonal stripe pattern:
  • At row 47: Work a ridge row for tassels (P row on RS of the fabric).
  • Attach Contrast Color 1 (CC1) and work diagonal stripes as follows:
    • Row 1: P 1 (1, 2, 2) sts CC1, P remaining sts MC.
    • Row 2: K across, working the last 2 (2, 3, 3) sts in CC1.
    • Move CC1 and MC stripes 1 st toward the opposite edge every row, creating diagonal stripes.
  • Incorporate a ridge row for tassels every 26th row.
  • Work until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5) inches. Place markers at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes: Same as Back.
  2. Shape Neck:
  • First Side:
    • Work across the first 62 (65, 68, 72) sts. Bind off the next 12 sts for the neck opening.
    • Continue in pattern, binding off 2 sts at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
    • Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every other row 4 (6, 6, 6) times.
    • When the piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches, shape the shoulder as for Back.
  • Second Side: Reattach yarn and work to correspond, reversing shaping.

Finishing

  • Block all pieces to measurements.
  • Sew side and shoulder seams.
  • Work 2 rows of single crochet around neck and armhole edges using a US Size C crochet hook.
  • Attach snap fasteners to the top of the back opening.
  • Tassels: Attach Scarlet yarn to the first stitch of each ridge row. Using the crochet hook, make ¾-inch tassels evenly across each ridge row.

Here’s the detailed Plus Sizes pattern (1X–5X). I’ll incorporate all the details for clarity.

Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern: Plus Sizes (1X–5X)

Materials:

  • Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART SOCK AND SWEATER YARN, 3 Ply, Shrink-and-Stretch Resist Finish
  • Modern Yarn Equivalent: Sport Weight Yarn (3 Ply)
  • Main Color (MC): 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) skeins (approx. 150–200 yards per skein)
  • Contrast Colors (CC1, CC2): 1 skein each (e.g., Skipper Blue and Scarlet)
  • Knitting Needles: 1 pair US Size 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Crochet Hook: US Size C (2.75 mm)
  • 2 Snap Fasteners (optional for back closure)
  • Buttons: ½ inch diameter (optional for decorative use)

Gauge: 7.5 sts = 1 inch; 10 rows = 1 inch

Blocking Measurements:

  • Bust: 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) inches
  • Width Across Back or Front at Underarm: 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) inches
  • Length from Shoulder to Lower Edge: 22 (23, 24, 25, 26) inches
  • Length of Side Seam: 14 (15, 16, 17, 18) inches

Back

  1. Cast On: Using MC, cast on 140 (152, 164, 176, 188) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches, decreasing 2 (—, 2, —, 2) sts on the last row. Stitches after ribbing: 138 (152, 162, 174, 186).
  3. Stockinette Stitch:
  • Increase 1 st at both ends every 10th row until there are 154 (166, 178, 190, 202) sts on the needle.
  • Work straight (no increases) until the piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 18) inches from the cast-on edge.
  • Place a marker at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes:
  • Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every 9th row 5 times in total. Final stitch count: 164 (176, 188, 200, 212).
  • Work straight until the piece measures 19 (20, 21, 22, 23) inches.
  1. Shape Back Opening:
  • First Side:
    • K the first 82 (88, 94, 100, 106) sts. Turn and work on this set of sts only:
    • Continue to increase at the armhole edge every 9th row until there are 86 (92, 98, 104, 110) sts.
    • Work straight until the piece measures 22 (23, 24, 25, 26) inches, ending at the armhole edge.
    • Shape Shoulder: Bind off 5 sts at the beginning of the next row and every other row 13 (14, 15, 16, 17) times. Bind off any remaining sts for the back of the neck.
  • Second Side: Reattach yarn to the unworked sts and work this side to correspond, reversing shaping instructions (e.g., bind off at the beginning of wrong-side rows for shoulder shaping).

Front

  1. Cast On: Using MC, cast on 140 (152, 164, 176, 188) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches, decreasing 2 (—, 2, —, 2) sts on the last row of ribbing. Stitches after ribbing: 138 (152, 162, 174, 186).
  3. Stockinette Stitch: Work as for the Back, incorporating diagonal stripe pattern:
  • At row 47: Work a ridge row for tassels (P row on RS of the fabric).
  • Attach CC1 and work diagonal stripes as follows:
    • Row 1: P 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) sts CC1, P remaining sts MC.
    • Row 2: K across, working the last 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) sts in CC1.
    • Move CC1 and MC stripes 1 st toward the opposite edge every row, creating diagonal stripes.
  • Incorporate a ridge row for tassels every 26th row.
  • Work until the piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 18) inches. Place markers at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes: Same as Back.
  2. Shape Neck:
  • First Side:
    • Work across the first 74 (80, 86, 92, 98) sts. Bind off the next 12 sts for the neck opening.
    • Continue in pattern, binding off 2 sts at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
    • Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every other row 6 (6, 8, 8, 8) times.
    • When the piece measures 22 (23, 24, 25, 26) inches, shape the shoulder as for Back.
  • Second Side: Reattach yarn and work to correspond, reversing shaping.

Finishing

  • Block all pieces to measurements.
  • Sew side and shoulder seams.
  • Work 2 rows of single crochet around neck and armhole edges using a US Size C crochet hook.
  • Attach snap fasteners to the top of the back opening.
  • Tassels: Attach Scarlet yarn to the first stitch of each ridge row. Using the crochet hook, make ¾-inch tassels evenly across each ridge row.

Here’s the Petite Sizes pattern (XXXS–XS), with all the details included.

Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern: Petite Sizes (XXXS–XS)

Materials:

  • Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART SOCK AND SWEATER YARN, 3 Ply, Shrink-and-Stretch Resist Finish
  • Modern Yarn Equivalent: Sport Weight Yarn (3 Ply)
  • Main Color (MC): 4 (4.5, 5) skeins (approximately 150–200 yards per skein)
  • Contrast Colors (CC1, CC2): 1 skein each (e.g., Skipper Blue and Scarlet)
  • Knitting Needles: 1 pair of US Size 2 (2.75 mm)
  • Crochet Hook: US Size C (2.75 mm)
  • 2 Snap Fasteners (optional for back closure)
  • Buttons: ½ inch diameter (optional for decorative use)

Gauge: 7.5 sts = 1 inch; 10 rows = 1 inch

Blocking Measurements:

  • Bust: 28 (30, 32) inches
  • Width Across Back or Front at Underarm: 14 (15, 16) inches
  • Length from Shoulder to Lower Edge: 16 (17, 18) inches
  • Length of Side Seam: 11 (11.5, 12) inches

Back

  1. Cast On: Using Main Color (MC), cast on 98 (104, 112) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches:
  • Decrease 2 sts on the last row for XXXS and XS.
  • Stitches after ribbing: 96 (104, 112).
  1. Stockinette Stitch:
  • Increase 1 st at both ends every 10th row until there are 108 (116, 122) sts on the needle.
  • Work straight (no increases) until the piece measures 11 (11.5, 12) inches from the cast-on edge.
  • Place a marker at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes:
  • Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every 9th row 4 times. Final stitch count: 116 (124, 130).
  • Work straight until the piece measures 14 (14.5, 15) inches.
  1. Shape Back Opening:
  • First Side:
    • K the first 58 (62, 65) sts. Turn and work on this set of sts only:
    • Continue to increase at the armhole edge every 9th row until there are 62 (66, 68) sts.
    • Work straight until the piece measures 16 (17, 18) inches, ending at the armhole edge.
    • Shape Shoulder: Bind off 4 sts at the beginning of the next row and every other row 12 (12, 13) times. Bind off the remaining 14 (16, 16) sts for the back of the neck.
  • Second Side: Reattach yarn to the unworked sts and work this side to correspond, reversing the shaping instructions (e.g., bind off at the beginning of wrong-side rows for shoulder shaping).

Front

  1. Cast On: Using Main Color (MC), cast on 98 (104, 112) sts.
  2. Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches, decreasing 2 sts for XXXS and XS on the last row. Stitches after ribbing: 96 (104, 112).
  3. Stockinette Stitch: Work as for the Back, incorporating the diagonal stripe pattern:
  • At row 43: Work a ridge row for tassels (P row on RS of the fabric).
  • Attach Contrast Color 1 (CC1) and work diagonal stripes as follows:
    • Row 1: P 1 (1, 2) sts CC1, P remaining sts MC.
    • Row 2: K across, working the last 1 (1, 2) sts in CC1.
    • Move CC1 and MC stripes 1 st toward the opposite edge every row, creating diagonal stripes.
  • Incorporate a ridge row for tassels every 24th row.
  • Work until the piece measures 11 (11.5, 12) inches. Place markers at both ends of the last row (start of armholes).
  1. Shape Armholes: Same as Back.
  2. Shape Neck:
  • First Side:
    • Work across the first 54 (58, 62) sts. Bind off the next 12 sts for the neck opening.
    • Continue in pattern, binding off 2 sts at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
    • Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every other row 3 (4, 4) times.
    • When the piece measures 16 (17, 18) inches, shape the shoulder as for Back.
  • Second Side: Reattach yarn and work to correspond, reversing shaping.

Finishing

  • Block all pieces to measurements.
  • Sew side and shoulder seams.
  • Work 2 rows of single crochet around neck and armhole edges using a US Size C crochet hook.
  • Attach snap fasteners to the top of the back opening.
  • Tassels: Attach Scarlet yarn to the first stitch of each ridge row. Using the crochet hook, make ¾-inch tassels evenly across each ridge row.

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