Piper Sweater Knitting Pattern

Introducing: the Piper Striped Sweater — Free Knitting Pattern

The Piper Sweater Knitting Pattern is knit using a striped texture pattern combining stockinette and garter stitch. It is worked flat with a relaxed fit to create a perfect year-round sweater.

Scroll down to access the free knitting pattern, shop the kit with Lion Brand Yarn, or keep reading to learn a bit more about the design!

The Design

The Piper Sweater designed to be the perfect year round sweater. I love wearing pullover sweaters during the summer months over a swimsuit, when I’m on a boat, or when the weather cools off in the evenings. The cotton yarn works perfectly to be cool in the summer, and a bit warmer in the winter.

The accent color stripes of this sweater are worked in garter stitch and the main color is worked in stockinette stitch. I think this simple texture adds just a bit of interest and elevated an otherwise simple design.

I actually released the Piper Sweater last year as part of my first pattern collection, Originally Lovely Volume One. I designed the collection to challenge myself to create a series of patterns that really captured my style. I am extremely proud of each piece. Check out the Aria Sweater and the Jesse Tee — the other two knitting patterns in the collection.

Why I love this pattern

I’ve been knitting and making clothes for about as long as I can remember. Because of this, I know very clearly what I like and don’t like when it comes to fit. First of all, I need the neckline to be perfect. It needs to be nicely shaped, lower in the front, not too tight, and lay smooth. Second, the underarm cannot be bulky. I can’t stand the feeling of excess fabric bunching under my arms.

This Piper Sweater has been extremely popular since I’ve released it. People have messaged me saying they love the fit and how comfortable it is. I’ve even had people tell me its the best sweater they have made! My goal is to help others make handmade clothing they love so hearing this makes me SO happy!

The Perfect Fit

As I mentioned before, I’m super particular with certain aspects of sweaters. I need a great neckline and well shaped underarms. I especially like sleeves that fit just so — not too tight, not too loose, shoulders that hit just right.

Size inclusive clothing is super important to me, I think everyone deserves to have knitting patterns available to them that fit and make them feel good! Because of this, I’ve designed this sweater in 9 sizes, XS-5X and included notes for modifications to fit different body types throughout.

Ease

A huge factor in the fit of a sweater is the ease. Personally, I prefer a sweater with 8-10″ of positive ease. This means that the sweater is 8-10″ larger than my corresponding bust measurement so that the sweater drapes across my body to create a nice fit.

Ease is not a one size fits all number. Larger sizes often like a bit less ease in their knitting. While I like 8-10″, others might like 4-6″.

Simple but well thought out design

Another thing I love about this sweater is the simplicity. Although it looks stylist and modern, it’s really quite simple. The stripe pattern is a simple 4 row repeat with a simple modified drop shoulder silhouette.

Sometimes, the most simple designs are the ones that stand out the most and the smallest details that make the biggest impact!

Yarn

The yarn that I used for this sweater is Comfy Cotton Blend from Lion Brand Yarn in the colors Whipped Cream and Chai Latte.

Since this yarn was released a couple years ago, its been one of my favorites! I love how soft and fluffy it is and the unique twisted accent colors that pair with the neutrals. Its also super affordable with almost 400 yds/ball which is even better!

Although this yarn is listed as a category 3 yarn, I personally prefer to use it as a category 4 worsted weight. This yarn is soft and a bit lofty so using it as a worsted weight for garments creates a better fabric in my mind.

If you are interested in using this yarn to make the Piper Sweater, you might want to shop the kit with Lion Brand Yarn. The kit comes with all the yarn needed to make the sweater in your chosen size and a free printable PDF of the pattern.

Yarn Substitutions:

Some other worsted weight yarns that I recommend for this sweater are:

• Cotton Candy Blend from Lion Brand Yarn (linked HERE) — This yarn is super similar to Comfy Cotton Blend but with a little bit of sparkle!

• Nuboo Yarn from Lion Brand (linked HERE) — Nuboo is made using bamboo fibers so its 100% a natural fiber, a perfect option if you don’t like acrylic blends. It has a bit of a silky sheen to it as well which look super elegant

• Lion Brand Pima Cotton Yarn (linked HERE) — Pima cotton is actually softer than regular cotton so this is a great option if you want something soft and 100% cotton!

• Basic Stitch Anti Pilling Yarn (linked HERE) — a great option if you are sensitive to wool or dislike cotton and prefer acrylic yarns!

• LB Collection Mako Cotton (linked HERE) — the most luxurious cotton on this list, perfect if you are looking for a more luxurious cotton option. This is one of my favorite yarns ever, you won’t be disappointed!

• Comfy Worsted and Comfy Color Mist from KnitPicks (linked HERE and HERE) — my favorite cotton yarn from KnitPicks. Unbelievably soft and available in tons of colors!

Any worsted weight yarn would work great for this sweater, these are just some of my favorites! Just remember to always gauge swatch especially when substituting another yarn to be sure your sweater will fit as designed!

Piper Sweater Knitting Pattern

© ORIGINALLY LOVELY 2021

This pattern and photographs of this garment are property of Kaitlin Barthold of Originally Lovely. This pattern, photos, and design are subject to copyright and are for personal use only. All commercial use is strictly prohibited. You may not reproduce or distribute this pattern under any circumstances.

The free version of this pattern must be accessed from the webpage.

Shop the Knit Kit with Lion Brand Yarn HERE

To purchase an ad-free, printable PDF of the Piper Sweater on Ravelry, CLICK HERE

To purchase an ad-free, printable PDF of the Piper Sweater on Etsy, CLICK HERE

Skill Level

Intermediate

For this pattern, you will need to know how to knit, purl, be familiar with different increases and decreases, pick up stitches, feel confident reading knitting patterns, and work the tubular bind off.  

Although this is listed as an intermediate level knitting pattern, I do think that advanced beginners who are ready to dive into sweater construction will enjoy this pattern as well.

Materials

2, (2, 2, 2, 2), (2, 2, 3, 3) balls / 450, (500, 550, 600, 650), (700, 750, 800, 850) yards Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend in Whipped Cream (Main Color)

2, (2, 2, 2, 2), (2, 2, 3, 3) balls / 450, (500, 550, 600, 650), (700, 750, 800, 850) yards Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend in Chai Latte (Accent Color)

Size US 9 (5.5 mm) 32″ or longer circular knitting needles

Size US 8 (5.0 mm) 32″ or longer circular knitting needles

Size US 7 (4.5 mm) 24″ circular knitting needles

Stitch Markers

Tapestry Needle to weave in ends

Notes:

This sweater is worked flat, beginning at the front hem, working upwards to shape the body, shoulders, neckline, and then the back. You will then pick up stitches to knit each sleeve and the neckband. Sides will be seamed at the end. 

Finished Dimensions

	XS	S	M	L	XL	2X	3X	4X	5X
Bust/Chest Circumference	38	42	46	50	54	58	62	66	70
Length	23.25	24	24	24.75	24.75	25.5	25.5	26.25	26.25
Sleeve Length	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5	17.5

XS, (S, M, L, XL), (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

The Piper Sweater knitting pattern is written for the smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parenthesis. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To keep track of your size, you can highlight or circle all numbers for your chosen size before you begin.

Help Choosing Size

This sweater is designed to be worn with 8-10” of positive ease. Model is 6’ tall, has a 33” bust, and is wearing a size Small with 9” of positive ease. For best fit, choose a size that is 8-10” larger than your corresponding bust measurement. For example, if your bust is 54”, you would wear a size 3X. 

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch on size 9 needles

Abbreviations

This pattern is written using U.S. English terminology using Craft Yarn Council Standards.

AC = accent color 

BO = bind off

CO = cast on

K = knit

K2TOG = knit 2 stitches together (1 stitch decreased)

K3TOG = knit 3 stitches together (2 stitches decreased)

K2TOGTBL = knit 2 stitches together through the back loop (1 stitch decreased)

K3TOGTBL = knit 3 stitches together through the back loop (2 stitches decreased)

MC = main color

M1L = make one left. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from front to back, knit through the back. 

M1R = make one right. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from back to front, knit through the front.

P = purl

PM = place marker

RS = right side

SL1 = slip 1 stitch purl-wise (as if to purl)

SSK = slip the next 2 sts knitwise, then knit them together through the back loops ( 1 st decreased)

SSSK = slip the next 3 sts knitwise, then knit them together through the back loop (2 sts decreased)

WS = wrong side

YO = yarn over

Piper Striped Sweater Knitting Pattern

Using size 8 needles, cast on 86 (94, 104, 112, 122) (130, 140, 148, 158) sts in MC using long tail tubular cast on method. 

Work 10 rows in k1, p1 rib stitch. 

On the next round, switch to size 9 needles. 

1 (RS): in MC, knit.

2 (WS): in MC, purl. 

3: in AC, knit. 

4: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 1-4 22, (22, 22, 22, 21), (22, 21, 21, 21) more times. You will now have 23, (23, 23, 23, 22), (23, 22, 22, 22) total AC stripes. 

5: in MC, BO 4 sts, k to end of row. [82, (90, 100, 108, 118), (126, 136, 144, 154) sts]. 

6: in MC, BO 4 sts, p to end of row. [78, (86, 96, 104, 114), (122, 132, 140, 150) sts]. 

7-8: as row 3-4. 

Repeat rows 1-4 2 (3, 3, 4, 5) (5, 6, 7, 7) more times. [26, (27, 27, 28, 28), (29, 29, 30, 30) total AC stripes]. 

9: in MC, knit. 

10: in MC, p30 (33, 38, 40, 45) (49, 53, 57, 62) sts, BO 18 (20, 20, 24, 24) (24, 26, 26, 26), p30 (33, 38, 40, 45) (49, 53, 57, 62). 

You will now have 30, (33, 38, 40, 45), (49, 53, 57, 62) sts for the Right Front; 30, (33, 38, 40, 45), (49, 53, 57, 62) sts for the Left Front; and 18, (20, 20, 24, 24), (24, 26, 26, 26) sts bound off in the center for the front of the neckline.

Right Front: 

You will now work the first 30, (33, 38, 40, 45), (49, 53, 57, 62) sts to shape the Right Front. 

11 (RS): in AC, knit to last 2, k3tog. [28, (31, 36, 38, 43), (47, 51, 55, 60) sts].

12 (WS): in AC, knit. 

13: in MC, k to last 2, k2tog. [27, (30, 35, 37, 42), (46, 50, 54, 59) sts].

14: in MC, purl. 

15: in AC, k to last 2, k2tog. [26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts]. 

16: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 13-16 once more. [24, (27, 32, 34, 39), (43, 47, 51, 56) sts]. 

17: In MC, k to last 2, k2tog. [23, (26, 31, 33, 38), (42, 46, 50, 55) sts]. 

18: in MC, purl. 

19: in AC, knit. 

20: in AC, knit. 

Repeat 17-20 once more. [22, (25, 30, 32, 37), (41, 45, 49, 54) sts]. 

21: in MC, knit. 

22: in MC, purl. 

23: in AC, knit. 

24: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 21-24 once more. [33, (34, 34, 35, 35), (36, 36, 37, 37) total AC stripes].

25: in MC, k to last st, M1R, k1. [23, (26, 31, 33, 38), (42, 46, 50, 55) sts]. 

26: in MC, purl. 

27: in AC, k to last st, M1R, k1. [24, (27, 32, 34, 39), (43, 47, 51, 56) sts]. 

28: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 25-28 once more. [26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts]. 

Set aside and work left front. 

Left Front: 

You will now work across the 30, (33, 38, 40, 45), (49, 53, 57, 62) sts that were set aside for left front. 

Starting at center neckline with RS facing you,

11 (RS): in AC, k3togtbl, k to end of row. [28, (31, 36, 38, 43), (47, 51, 55, 60) sts]. 

12 (WS): in AC, knit. 

13: in MC, k2togtbl, k to end of row. [27, (30, 35, 37, 42), (46, 50, 54, 59) sts].

14: in MC, purl. 

15: in AC, k2togtbl, k to end of row. [26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts]. 

16: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 13-16 once more. [24, (27, 32, 34, 39), (43, 47, 51, 56) sts]. 

17: in MC, k2togtbl, k to end of row. [23, (26, 31, 33, 38), (42, 46, 50, 55) sts].

18: in MC, purl. 

19: in AC, knit. 

20: in AC, knit. 

Rep 17-20 once more. [22, (25, 30, 32, 37), (41, 45, 49, 54) sts]. 

21: in MC, knit. 

22: in MC, purl. 

23: in AC, knit. 

24: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 21-24 once more. [33, (34, 34, 35, 35), (36, 36, 37, 37) total AC stripes].

25: in MC, k1, M1L, k to end of row. [23, (26, 31, 33, 38), (42, 46, 50, 55) sts].

26: in MC, purl. 

27: in AC, k1, M1L, k to end of row. [24, (27, 32, 34, 39), (43, 47, 51, 56) sts]. 

28: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 25-28 once more. [26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts]. Break yarn.

Back Join:

You will now join the 26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts set aside for the right front, and the 26, (29, 34, 36, 41), (45, 49, 53, 58) sts set aside for the left front into one row to shape the back. 

29 (RS): in MC, k26 (29, 34, 36, 41) (45, 49, 53, 58) sts for right shoulder, CO 26 (28, 28, 32, 32) (32, 34, 34, 34) sts, k26 (29, 34, 36, 41) (45, 49, 53, 58) sts for left shoulder. [78, (86, 96, 104, 114), (122, 132, 140, 150) sts]. 

30: in MC, purl. 

31-32: in AC, knit. 

33: in MC, knit. 

34: in MC, purl. 

35-36: in AC, knit. 

Repeat rows 33-36 6 (7, 7, 8, 9) (9, 10, 11, 11) more times. [8, (9, 9, 10, 11), (11, 12, 13, 13) total AC stripes since back of neck join]. 

37: in MC, CO 4 sts, k across. [82, (90, 100, 108, 118), (126, 136, 144, 154) sts]. 

38: in MC, CO 4 sts, p across. [86, (94, 104, 112, 122), (130, 140, 148, 158) sts].

39-40: in AC, knit. 

41: in MC, knit. 

42: in MC, purl. 

Repeat rows 39-42 22, (22, 22, 22, 21), (22, 21, 21, 21) more times. [23, (23, 23, 23, 22), (23, 22, 22, 22) total AC stripes since underarm CO sts]. 

On the next row, switch to size 8 needles. Work 10 rows in k1, p1 rib stitch. 

BO using the tubular bind off method. 

Sleeves: 

To work the sleeves, you will pick up stitches around the armhole opening and work the sleeve flat using size 9 needles. 

1: in MC, with RS facing and beginning at the underarm, pick up 67 (73, 73, 79, 85) (85, 91, 97, 97) sts around armhole opening. This is about 3 sts per every 4 rows and 5 sts at the each side of the underarm. 

2: in MC, purl. 

3-4: in AC, knit. 

5 (decrease row): in MC, k1, ssk, k to last 3, k2tog, k1. [65 (71, 71, 77, 83) (83, 89, 95, 95) sts].

6: in MC, purl. 

Continue in pattern as established (knitting 2 rows in AC; knitting 1 row, purling 1 row in MC), decreasing every 8 (8, 8, 6, 6) (6, 6, 4, 4)th row 9, (11, 11, 14, 15), (15, 15, 19, 19) more times. 

Then, continue in pattern as established until sleeve measures 16”. You may work more or less at this point to make your sleeve longer or shorter. End your sleeve 1.5” before your desired sleeve length. 

On the next row, switch to size 7 needles, work 8 rows in p1, (k1, p1) rib stitch, BO using tubular bind off method. 

Repeat for second sleeve. 

Neckband:

Using size 7 needles, begin picking up stitches to the right of the sts cast on for the back of neck. 

Pick up 26 (28, 28, 32, 32) (32, 34, 34, 34) sts across the back neckline, 25 sts along left shoulder, 18 (20, 20, 24, 24) (24, 26, 26, 26) sts across center front, and 25 sts along right shoulder. [94, (98, 98, 106, 106), (106, 110, 110, 110) sts total].

Join to work in the round. PM to denote beg/end of each round. 

Work in k1, p1, rib stitch until neckband measures 3”. Bind off loosely. Fold neckband in and seam to inner edge to create a foldover neckband. 

Finishing: 

Starting at the bottom hem, seam up each side of the body to close using mattress stitch. Continue from the underarm down to the cuff of each sleeve. 

Weave in all ends to secure. 

To block, soak in warm water and lay flat to dry. 

Enjoy!

For questions or anything else, please email support@originallylovely.com or comment below!

I’d love to see your finished work! Share on social media using the hashtag #originallylovely or by tagging @originally.lovely on Instagram!

Looking for more striped sweater knitting patterns? Check out the Sunday Morning Sweater or the Rainbow Stripe Sweater!