Learn to Knit a Men's Sweater 

Well I just completed this sweater as a gift for my father. WOW! I've never knitted a whole sweater before. Thanks to this easy to understand pattern with step by step videos- I have made the perfect gift. This design is great! It is beautiful but yet very masculine. It is also very versatile. My Dad can wear it to the office or on the golf course. Its the perfect addition to a man's wardrobe. Now I want one! Thanks Staci!

I just purchased this pattern for my husband, he's going for weightloss surgery in a few weeks so I promised him I would make him this sweater to motivate him, he's always liked this kind of style but could never fit into sweaters like this the way he liked - now he'll be able to and I can knit it to fit his goal size - its a win win! thanks for making this pattern available Staci !!

I must have bought this pattern a year and a half ago but have yet to make it. It will be the next sweater I make for my guy. It's so classy and timeless, yet casual at the same time. Just a lovely sweater. I'm excited to make it. And thank you SO MUCH for the zipper tutorial. I've never inserted one before, and your method looks so easy but clean and sharp. Thanks, Staci! Keep the patterns coming.

Probably the most complete, well filmed, incredibly well taught video's on knitting I have seen. I am glad I am a subscriber of Very Pink. Male knitter here, I think I'll make myself this sweater. Just excellent! You go gurl..........

Thank. You so much for posting this video for knitters like me. I am new to your channel but so pleased that I found you. Please continue, your teaching has certainly been a huge help to me.

There is always a chance - thank you for the suggestion! I'm always looking for new pattern/tutorial ideas. :)

Wow you are an INCREDIBLY clear and thorough teacher. I'm a beginner and am going to try your tutorial today. I watched 15 minutes so far and I think I can handle it! GREAT lesson on how to keep ribbing tight. Wish me luck!

@Chris Doane - yes, top-down raglans aren't that difficult to modify in size. But you'll need to have some experience with working on your own (without the pattern to totally hold your hand). You can continue the raglan increases until it is his size, then separate the sleeves and follow the pattern from there. I'm afraid I can't tell you the amount of yarn you'll need, since I haven't test knit that size myself. Hope that helps, and good luck!

Hi Nita - it's very simple, and the pattern explains it, too. You just slide the needle into the stitches that are reserved on the scrap yarn. Once the needle is in there, you can pull the scrap yarn out, and you're ready to knit! Hope that helps!

I'm not one for leaving comments normally, but I felt I had to in this case. This is an excellent (!) tutorial, and though it is long (which usually deters me from watching those in the first place), not one moment is wasted or unnecessarily stretched out. Very informative, everything clearly explained, very well done, thank you!

Hello there - I just purchased the pattern and am very excited to begin this project - this will be the first garment I will have ever knit for my man! As he is also very conservative in style, I think he will actually wear this basic style - good thinking! I'm also counting on your excellent instruction to help me get through the project.

its 2022 and i still love this pattern

@CuteEone420 On the mannequin behind me, it's actually a sweater (with sleeves) and not a shawl. RU-vid won't let me give you a direct link here in the comments, but the pattern is called Ecuador and can be found on Ravelry. It isn't my pattern, but I blogged about it and give links to it on my website, too.

Hey Staci, Thanks for a great sweater pattern. I finished mine this summer and showed it off to a men's knitting retreat in Colorado and it was a hit. I appreciate all the advice you gave me when I had questions. Your answers were terrific and really helped me a lot...and you replied so fast. That's the neat part, knowing that an online personality communicates with her followers. Again, thanks!

@contadinaK Yes - I'm here to help. You're at 19 minutes, and therefore working the icord BO, correct? When you do this on circulars (in-the-round), you'll start with the working yarn coming from the stitch on your right needle, just like normal knitting in-the-round. You'll use that yarn to do the backwards loop CO on to the left needle, then dive right into the icord BO. Hope that helps! If you have more specific questions on this pattern, feel free to email me privately for help.

@182007nesert No, there really isn't much counting. You place markers, and you really just work a pattern between the markers.

Yes, you can use stockinette instead of the 6x1 rib, but it will slightly alter your gauge. My guess is that it will be less than an inch for the whole sweater, as the purl stitches (in the rib) do decrease the gauge a bit. That's my guess, but it should be okay! Hope that helps.

Sara - correct. No increases on the WS rows, and working in ribbing "as established" means to knit the knits and purl the purls. Hope that helps!

tlsautr - it is easy enough to *not* include a zipper, but if you are looking for a traditional crew neck pullover, you might want to find a pattern that is written for that neckline, unless you are pretty comfortable with pattern modifications.

@182007nesert Yes, the written pattern contains all of the information you need to knit the sweater. In these videos, I only show the techniques used without giving specific instruction.

The pattern is very clear and its quite obvious now I have had it clarified. It was me over thinking it. You are a very good teacher. Thank you.

Yes - you'll want to keep going down needle sizes until you get 5 stitches per inch. It's possible that your yarn is a bit bulkier than mine, which would make the yarn feel "massive" for the needles - or it's also possible that you're used to working in a looser fabric. I can tell you this - the yarn I used for this sweater is a nice weight for the needle size and gauge, making stitches that are easy to work, while still being firm enough to hold the shape of the sweater. Hope that helps!

I am almost done the sweater. God it's been taking me a long time to finish!! =) I'm enjoying it a lot though!

Hmm...I'm really not familiar with zipper sizes (other than lengths). I don't know the size number I used in this sweater, but I can tell you it was about the size you'd find in the fly of a pair of jeans. I can't imagine that zipper size would make much difference...if the zipper fits lengthwise, it should be fine. Hope that helps!

Yes - I've seen Knit Picks City Tweed, and I think it's beauuuuutiful. As long as it's worsted weight and you can get gauge, it will work out wonderfully for this sweater! Good luck!

The tip for ribbing is a wonderful eureka moment. As always...you are the best teacher!!!!

Yes - knitting the sleeves is addressed in the pattern, I believe on the 6th page, under the heading "Sleeves". If you choose to skip the icord edge at the bottom of the sleeve, just start working in 2x2 rib, whenever you like, instead. No real special instructions. Good luck!

@182007nesert First up - the videos are free, there is only the pattern to purchase. To answer your other question - yes, you'll need circular knitting needles, because most of this sweater is knit in-the-round. Straight needles (single pointed) won't give you the same result.

Hi Oya - thank you for the note! The explanation for that is more than I can cover here in the comments, you're going to need a pattern. I don't have a pattern like you're describing. I suggest you check out Ravelry and find a a sweater you like there...I'm sure there are a ton of patterns that fit your bill!

Michelle Woods - I believe that yarn is Berroco Peruvia Quick...I only used it for the demonstration, it is really too heavy of a yarn for this sweater.

The video you see here is the only video...made to accompany the written pattern. So you really need to be okay with reading a pattern and then using the videos as backup. And yes - two versions of the pattern. EBook and traditional PDF.

Staci, you're awesome!! I love all of your tutorials, they're very easy to follow and I love learning how to knit with your great instructions. Thank you!!!

This pattern is written, as a top-down raglan style, to start at the neck cuff and work down from there. I wouldn't advise trying to start from the sleeves or anywhere else! That would require a ton of modifications to the pattern.

Hi teacher! I'm stuck at 19 minutes. Since you aren't working on circulars, I'm all turned around and can't figure out which needle I should be doing the backward loop cast on onto and which direction my needles should be pointing. When I do it the way you are, I start out knitting, but I'm looking at the purled side of my work.

Hello, I purchased this pattern from you, actually this pattern was the very first one I purchased. Whenever I find myself questioning what I should do next or how do I do this again I youtube verypink and the answer is there for any project Im doing. This comment is just to say you are doing fabulous work with your tutorials. Keep them coming. Can you add some patterns for summer tank tops, shorts and close fitting womens sweaters. Also what would be great is learning to do raglan sweaters with different neck treatments top down in one piece. Thanks and again keep up the fantastic work you are doing.

Kedryn - are you working from the downloadable pattern?

@182007nesert The sweater will look the same, but it may not hang on the body the same way. Without being familiar with the exact yarn you're using, I have no way of saying. You may even make something that hangs a bit differently, but ends up being really, really nice!

sorry to bother... i have bought the pattern, but for the yarn, i can only find a type of yarn around my neighborhood that fit only 3.75-4 mm needles . but i really like the pattern... is it possible to modify the pattern stitches?

This tutorial (and all of my tutorials) are written patterns with videos that walk you through the trickier parts. I make it as easy for you as possible, but you really need both parts to successfully knit the projects.

No - I currently don't have any crocheted sweater tutorials - all of my sweater tutorials are knitting. But I'm sure they exist if you search RU-vid!

This vid helps while accompanying the pattern. However, U didn't show how 2 pick up stitches from the wasted yarn to do the sleeves. Do u have another video? Or would consider create 1? I never knitted a sweater before. Your video gives me the confidence to try but not seeing how to do the sleeves makes me hesitant with the endeavor. It would really be great if you could show that step too, please. Thanks Verypinkknits.

@mchllwoods RU-vid won't let me give you a direct link to where you can buy these stitch markers, but I can spell it out. Go to the Etsy website, and search for "rycrafty". That is her store. They are my absolute favorite stitch markers.

No problem - your questions are always welcome!

Hi Stacy, I bought your pattern from Amazon. This is one of the easiest sweaters Patterns I have followed before. I couldn't put it down. Thank you. Great video.

If you wish to follow the pattern, yes - the pattern includes a zipper. But if you're a confident knitter, you can modify the pattern to include some closure other than a zipper.

@182007nesert The answers to all of your questions are on my website. Follow the link in the video description field just below the video. They're you'll find the materials, yarn, sizes, etc for this sweater.

The sweater on the mannequin is not my design, but a great sweater pattern. You can find it on Ravelry by searching for it by name, "Ecuador".

Hola. Hice una prueba años atrás con cremallera, por supuesto y me quedó genial, sin patrón, sólo con las indicaciones de los vídeos. Ahora voy a empezar otro definitivo pero con el patrón en mi ordenador y un hilo mezcla de merion suave y seda, de colores defradados... va a ser una bella aventura; voy a echar los puntos y lo haré con agujas de calbe, paraq que me quede bien a mi talla XS, voyñ a sustituir el nmúmero de las agujas, serán del 3,00 para empezar y luego el 3,50, creo que es buena idea para que quede más entallado a mi cuerpo delgado...Deseadme suerte! Estoy teniendo dificultades con el patrón, he puesto 116 puntos y sigo el patrón y todo bien, pero en el momento de distribuir los marcadores al contar 19 puntos y poner un marcador y dos puntos antes del marcador, uno del revés, un aumento a la dercha, uno del derecho y marcador, luego uno del derecho un aumento a la izquierda y uno del derecho, al final no coinciden siete puntos: un revés y seis derechos. Voy a intentarlo con 119 puntos...estoy desesperado, a ver si lo consigo...Hace años conseguí hacer el sweater sin patrón, calculando todo con los videos y ahora no entiendo por qué con el patrón estoy tan apurado.... snif

I have always wonder how to put a zipper in and you made it look easy.

As I am spending a lot of time spinning some alpaca yarn, I want to knit a sweater that fits perfectly. Your video is very interesting, and I think I will give this pattern a try.

Sara Hansen - that is totally up to you. I suggest actually taking a tape measure and putting it up to either the wearer's chest, or another sweater he likes, and gauging from that how long you'd like to make the zipper opening.

All of the information you need to knit this sweater (like yarn, needle size, etc) are available by clicking the link just below the video, in the video description field. That will take you to my website where you can get more info, and purchase and download the pattern.

this is an excellent demo & tutorial showing many techniques ... thumbs up Staci !! @ 19:00 I-cord bind off @ 22:52 Finishing touches on sweater

5:22 when you slip those stitches at the beginning of each row, do you have to pull them tight to make that icord curl around? I’m about 10 rows into the collar and I can see the long strands on the wrong side of the piece

I’ve enjoyed your guidance and tips in making this sweater! I like to check with the videos before beginning to knit a new part of the sweater. I don’t see a video on picking up the stitches and knitting the sleeves? The video sequence goes from body to icord to finishing. Did you do the video on the sleeves part? Your instructions for the pattern are clear, but I do like to check with the video if there is one. Thank you!

Unless you're an experienced knitter, I don't recommend trying to modify the pattern on your own. I really recommend getting the yarn weight I use in the pattern for the best results.

I have enjoyed watching , Thanks alot for your display method and sharing alot informations

Hey Staci , I purchased the patten from you and working on The Round , however, I am having difficulty to understand your noted : “ on the odd - numbered rounds , you will work the increases as listed above “ Could you please help what is mean ? Also ( from the beginning of the regular increases ) I take the size of Large for my sweater , but don’t understand : 5 repeats of the 14 round pattern mean ? As other sizes after repeats , it tells which round should follow to increases.

my mind is relatively blown watching this is like a miracle happening before my very eyes, i am so going to give this a try!

If you're a knitter, the pattern is for sale and instant download, so you can make your own sweater. Just follow the link just below the video in the video description field. If you are not a knitter and you're looking to buy a sweater like this - yes, I do sometimes do commissioned work, but it's very expensive! I'd rather teach you how to knit so you can make your own. :)

Hi, I am almost finished with this sweater and am working on the zipper. Is it normal for the zipper to scrunch up as you put the knots into it?

have you done a tutorial for a simple v neck sweater

Hi! I am using a Worsted yarn and doing my gauge on 3,75mm needle and end up with 4 sts per inch.... Can I switch to 3,5mm ?? You using a 4,5..!! The yarn feels massive on the small needle... Thanks again for wonderful tutorials

You're right - thank you for pointing that out! I'll make that correction.

I'm assuming that when you get to the icord bind-off that you are supposed to turn the work so that the co 3 to the left hand needle and bind off are done going in the opposite direction. Otherwise, how does it work?

Staci, Check your PDF file. You state that these stitches are to be CO to the left needle.

Thanks for the great pattern and video! I am knitting a size small and I've come to the part about knitting a shorter zipper opening. If I choose to follow the pattern exactly, but with the shorter opening, how many inches should I go down before working in the round?

really educative.clean and neat explanation. but i have some doubts.i am going to knit this for my 14 year old son

Thanks YOU!!! Yes I have been knitting lace shawl recently!!!!... That must be why!! But my yarn is more an aran weight I think.. I have been swatching quiet tight and using a 3,75 mm.. I am going to do the smaller size and see how it goes... I managed to get 4 n 1/2 stitch to the inch non blocked.. Do you think I should use an even smaller size??? I start the neck with a 3,5mm needle. It looks ok so far... Thanks for your help!

I made it 5 years ago, i still want the second one now

Your tutorials are wonderful and have saved me so much, especially when getting stuck on the written pattern. I’m kind of a learn by seeing type gal. Question though, I had to change my stitches bc I’m using a chunkier yarn and bigger needles. My problem is when changing to the 6x2, I don’t understand how to keep it while increasing the raglan. Could you maybe show us how that works out? If you can, I would so appreciate the help. If not, again please keep posting the videos, I so love your techniques and your helpful hints!

2 questions on what I have seen so far (I am at 16:28). Why do you move the marker to make a new start of the round? Surely by doing this you are adding extra stitches to the end if the round. Why do you use scrap yarn when it is far easier to use another circular needle?

@verypinkknits Thanks! I found it! But can I use some other kind of yarn because i couldn't find a wool yarn around here in the Philippines. So, if I use some other yarn would the result be still the same as yours? Thanks again!

@forgetunot That is a cute pattern. Thank you for the suggestion!

This video accompanies a written pattern, and all of that info is in the written pattern. You can get your pattern by clicking the link just below the video in the video description field, for purchase and instant download.

Are Interchangeable Nickle plated circular needle set a good by?

What a great story - thank you for the note! Enjoy knitting the sweater!

I would like to buy a pattern for beginner's men sweater knitting that comes with detailed RU-vid instructions like this one. It says on your website this is not for beginners. Can you let me know if you have one for beginners? Thanks!

I’m hooked....🤣...ok new subscriber 👍 Thank you...awesome tutorials... Thought this old dog some new tricks!...🥰

Staci, Is what you are doin with the neck a "henley neck technique" How can it be changed so that the neck parts overlap? You know, to give the impression that one side is on top of the other? Also, your sample looks perfect for a child, if we buy the patternm, do we get it as a bonus?

I'm not sure if I asked you this already but where did you get the yarn for your sample work? I like the bumps along the red yarn.

I'm making this sweater in the largest size. Finally made it to the sleeves!!! So...if I continue the decreases I end up losing the K6P1 pattern, and the remainder of the sleeve becomes stocking stitch. Is that correct??

Would it work the same way if you glue it onto the sweater?

Sorry - I can't support modifications to my patterns (if I did, that would be all I did, all day, every day!). But I believe that some people have made this modification - you may be able to find notes about it on Ravelry. Regarding the little sample sweater - that was knit up purely for demonstration purposes. It isn't proportionally correct. :)

@verypinkknits Alright, thanks. I guess first thing i'm gonna do is purchase the video. And is really needed to have a circular knitting needle? Because I dont really have one. I only have the single pointed needle size US4 - US11

Hi Staci, I am knitting the sweater per your pattern and videos but I am unclear as to how to proceed if I want to knit a shorter zipper, may be 9 inches instead of 12 but if I do that I am not sure when to begin « working in the round », I am knitting a 42 chest, size large. Thank you in advance for your response.

After you join in the round is there suposed to be nine stitches?

Hi Staci - I just finished knitting. The pattern was very easy to follow (it was my first top down experience). I am not sure how to hand sew bias tape onto the sweater. Is there a video explanation/demonstration?

I'm looking to use at most dk or sock weight a d merino wool. Not worsted wool

Hello Staci, In the video (and the pattern) you did not mention to working on the sleeve after separating them. When I looked at the picture, very likely it was worked on the pattern until reaching the length. However, I want at the wrist area, I will use the rib 2x2, as I am working on the XL size, the sleeve is going to be a big circle and it is very inconvenient for my dad (as his Xmas gift soon) to wear it to work if I remain rib 6x1. Do you have any suggestion to work it out?

El Marcador se coloca pasado el punto número; por ejemplo, si mi talla es 42 y dice el patrón (que dice otra cosa diferente para cada talla, aquí es un ejemplo) que el marcador se pone en el punto número 9, ese punto de colocación es después de ese número o el marcador hace el punto 9 y se coloca después del punto 8...Por favor, no consigo entender...están envejeciendo mis neuronas ;-)))) y por esta confusión, los puntos del final no me coinciden en 7: 1 revés y 6 derechos

Again, what a fantastic tutorial! Thank you very much. You make everthing look so easy and give me motivation to try it! That is great.

If you can get gauge (5 stitches per inch) and you like the fabric you are creating with that yarn, you can really use any yarn you like. If you want the results I show in the pattern photos, you really should get a heavier yarn. Sorry - modifying patterns isn't a quick or simple thing. I would really need to rewrite the entire pattern to accommodate the thinner yarn.

How much yarn is required in weight to make a sweater like the one you have showed ??

i was going to knit for an m size man, he has a chest measurement exactly 38". is it appropriate if i just use the yarn to knit a large size sweater?? i really quite worried about the neck part and sleeves parts ...

Can I increase the number of stitches for the collar without effecting the overall size of the sweater? The number of stitches in the pattern makes a 13 inch collar, my neck though is 16 inches.

Can u make a video on how to do sweaters on the round loom

Hi Staci- I'm at the part where you are making the raglan increases and i have a question about knitting the ws... so when it comes to these rows, you just knit and purl depending on the previous stitch made on the rs row? And you're not making any increases, right? Thank you! :)

Thank you, It's obvious enough now you have confirmed it. I really enjoyed making Staci's lady's cardi, it's the first thing I have made that fits. I will enjoy making this once I get into the swing.

Would this fit much differently if you used plain stockinette instead of the k6, p1 ribbing?