Rainbow Stripe Sweater Knitting Pattern
Hello knitters! I hope you all are doing well. Today I want to share with you a pattern I am super excited about — the Rainbow Stripe Sweater!
Continue on to read about why I love this design and for a little background on the inspiration. To skip ahead straight to the pattern links — scroll down! Only want to learn how to add the stripes? Check out the tutorial here.
Behind the Design
This is one of those patterns I had in my mind for so long before I actually put it all together. I have always loved the color pop, rainbow styles of the 70s and 80s and wanted to tie it all together with a unique detailing. I knew I wanted to keep the shape of this sweater simple — relaxed fit, the slightest crop, and almost a ‘sweatshirt’ style feel using Comfy Cotton Bled yarn.
Tips and Tricks
One of the biggest questions with this sweater was how I would work the stripes. In knitting, horizontal stripes are tough to do. You mostly need to use either color work techniques or a stitch duplication. I took the stitch duplication a bit further and made a little appliqué stripe using a crochet hook. Don’t be afraid — this technique is SO easy and if you are able to knit a sweater I promise you will be able to add these stripes 🙂
CLICK HERE to view the full Rainbow Stripe photo tutorial!
Choosing the Perfect Size
As I mentioned earlier, this pattern was designed to have a relaxed fit — almost like a favorite sweatshirt! I also wanted to add a bit of vintage appeal by making it slightly cropped. But don’t worry, I’ve added places throughout the pattern where length can be added or subtracted to get the perfect fit for YOU!
XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2X, 3X)
Finished Width at Chest: 18 (20, 22, 24) (26, 28, 30)”
Finished Chest Circumference: 36 (40, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60)
Finished Length: 21 (21.5, 22, 22.5) (23, 23.5, 24)
Sleeve Length: 17 (17.5, 18, 18) (18.5, 18.5, 18.5)
My recommendation would be to choose a size that is 6-8” larger than your corresponding body measurements. For example, I am wearing size S and have a bust measurement of 34” so I wearing this sweater with 6” of positive ease.
Materials
Another thing I love about this sweater is that you can use scrap yarn for the stripes — I always have these beautiful little scraps left over but nothing to do with them! You can also mix up the colors you use in the stripes. I black stripes would be awesome. I used Vanna’s Palettes in Happy from Lion Brand Yarn but you can use any colors or yarn you want — just be sure to keep the colors within the stripes similar yarn weight to the sweater.
The full materials list is below:
3 (3, 3, 3) (4, 4, 4) balls / 1176 (1176, 1176, 1176) (1568, 1568, 1568) yards of Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn (shown in Whipped Cream) OR worsted weight yarn of your choice to obtain gauge
One pack Vanna’s Palettes Yarn in Happy OR scrap yarn of your choice
Size US 8 (5.0 mm) 32” or larger circular needles
Size US 7 (4.5 mm) 32” or larger circular needles
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
The Pattern
For this pattern, I’ve partnered with Lion Brand Yarn to offer it as a kit! In the kit you will receive all the yarn needed for the sweater and a printed copy of the pattern. If you have a different yarn in mind or would prefer to use scraps for the stripes, I have attached the links to the pattern PDF below.
CLICK HERE to shop the kit with Lion Brand Yarn
CLICK HERE to shop the pattern on Ravelry
CLICK HERE to shop the pattern on Etsy
I hope you enjoy this sweater. Feel free to share your finished work with the hashtag #originallylovely or by tagging @originally.lovely and @lionbrandyarn on Instagram!
With Love, Kaitlin
Neat-O ! – a delightful garment. 🙂
There are many of us out here who crochet as much as they knit (and vice-versa); and your wrinkle for the stripes is most appealing.
Well done you !
I’m so glad to hear you like it, thank you!
Is there a crochet version. I do both, but would like to see both versions of this beautiful sweater
Hi there! I’m knitting this and have come to the point where I’m separating the sleeves and the body. Right before that part it says to knit rows 21-22 until piece measures 10.5 inches from CO at back of neck. Is it 10.5 from where I joined in the round or from the longest point on the other side? Thank you!
This is one awesome post. Thanks Again. Much obliged. Blinnie Darb Venterea
I wanted to buy this as a kit, but the colored yarn is no longer available, so it will not add to my cart. Will you ever include the complete pattern on your website instead?
Aw that’s a bummer, it must have sold out! The pattern itself is available on Ravelry or my Etsy shop