Learn to knit this quick and easy knit summer sweater. Designed to be light, airy and slightly oversized, this knit sweater is completely beginner friendly.

This easy to follow knit sweater is the ultimate summer sweater to lounge around in. It is perfect paired with shorts, jeans or simply draped over that favorite bikini of yours.
If you are a beginner knitter then this pattern is definitely for you. There is absolutely no increasing or decreasing involved in the construction of this sweater. The only stitches you need to know are knit and purl as well as casting on and binding off.
The sweater is constructing using two identical panels (front and back) that are just simply two big squares while the sleeves are constructed in the same way but resembling two large rectangles. As you can see this pattern is perfect for the new beginner.
I chose a weight 3 cotton yarn and pretty big knitting needles so the sweater would be really airy, but mostly because I wanted this sweater to be made quiet quickly.

YARN
This easy knit summer sweater uses Drops Cotton Light which is a weight 3/Dk yarn. It is a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester making it a light and breathable yarn yet still retaining it’s shape and durability. There are so many different colors to choose from so I’m sure there’s a perfect match for everyone.
Of course other yarn fibers can be used for this sweater like wool blends or acrylic, but keep in mind that it should be a weight 3 yarn.
SIZING & MEASUREMENTS
This sweater fits S(M, L, XL, 2XL)
There is a good bit of positive ease in this sweater meaning it is quite a bit bigger than your own bust. For a more fitted top please size down or perhaps use a smaller needle.
To fit bust: 32-34(36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50) inches
Back width:22(24, 26, 28, 30) inches
Length: 22(22, 23, 24, 25) inches.
GAUGE: 10 sts in stockinette stitch = 4″ using 10mm needles
MATERIALS
Yarn – Drops Cotton Light – weight 3/ Dk/ 8 ply – 50g/105m/115y
Approximately 6(6, 7, 7, 8) balls
10mm knitting needles ( straight or circular)
6mm knitting needles (straight or circular)
Stitch marker
Yarn needle
Measuring tape.
STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
k = knit
p =. purl
CO = cast on
BO = bind off
sts = stitches
rep = repeat
BEGINNER KNIT SUMMER SWEATER PATTERN
FRONT & BACK PANELS
Using 10mm knitting needles:
CO 55(60, 65, 70, 75) sts
ROW 1: k every st to the end of the row.
ROW 2: p every st to end of row.
Rep rows 1-2 until piece measures 22(22, 23, 24, 25) inches long. You can add or subtract rows for a longer or shorter sweater but make sure your last row completed is row 2.
Next you will BO all sts. Repeat for the second panel. Both the front and back panels are identical.
SLEEVES:
Using 6mm knitting needles:
CO 37( 39, 42, 46, 48) sts
ROW 1: k every st to the end of the row.
ROW 2: k every stitch to the end of the row.
SWITCH TO 10MM NEEDLES:
ROW 3: k every st to end of row.
ROW 4: p every st to end of row
Rep rows 3-4 until sleeve measures 18(18, 18, 19, 19) inches long. You can add or subract rows here for a longer or shorter sleeve but you must end on row 4.
BO all stitches leaving a long tail.
SEWING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER:
Lay the back panel down with the right side facing upwards. Place the front panel directly on top with the wrong side facing up. With your yarn needle you will now sew across 6.5 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) inches on each side for the shoulders. If you want you neck opening bigger or smaller simply sew less or more stitches each side of the neck opening.
Next lay your sweater out completely flat with the wrong side facing up. Take a sleeve and place a stitch marker into the middle stitch. Make sure you are not placing the marker on the end where we used the smaller needles. You will place the marker on the other end. Now line that marker with the shoulder seam and attach. Using your yarn needle sew the sleeve to the main body. Repeat for other sleeve.
Fold the sweater over and sew along the under edge of sleeves and down along the side of sweater.
Weave in all ends.
Turn the sweater the right side out and you are good to go!
I’m in the US and I’m quite confused.
Your blog post of this intriguing sweater pattern measures dimensions in inches but you label the knitting needles in millimetres. I own US size 10 and US size 6 needles, which are labeled as 6.0mm and 4.0mm, respectively. If you truly mean 10.0mm and 6.0mm needles, which equal US size 15 and US size 10, respectively, I would need to purchase the US size 15.
Please clarify as to which needles I truly need in order to begin this sweater.
Thank you very much
I have Clover circular needles. Its No. 15, but size 10.0mm. So go by the MM on the needle.
PLEASE Would you make this available in crochet or what crochet stitch could I use to convert
Thank you
Iva /PGH
Such a nice easy sweater for a summer 2nd layer. I like to wear tank tops at home but when I go out I will put this sweater on over. Thank-you!
I love your pattern and I’ve been working on this sweater . But I’ve ripped sleeves out 3 times now! Too tight at armhole or too loose at cuff!
Can you tell me what dimensions of sleeve should be?
Thanks !!!