Your First Knitted Jumper: How to Choose a Pattern, Yarn and Size

A good first jumper knitting pattern uses one simple stitch, has very little shaping and only a few seams, and is written for the yarn you buy with it. Below are three of my beginner patterns that do exactly that, how to work out how many packs of yarn you need, and why a tension square comes first. Each pattern is an instant-download PDF, so you can start tonight.

If you have been knitting scarves or squares and feel ready for something more, a jumper is a natural next step. It asks a little more of you, but not as much as you might fear.

What makes a jumper beginner-friendly?

• A simple stitch. Most often stocking stitch, or a textured stitch that is just as easy to repeat.
• Little shaping. A relaxed fit means fewer increases and decreases to keep track of.
• Few seams. A body worked in one piece to the armholes, or sleeves picked up and knitted downwards, means less sewing at the end.
• A clear size table. Choose your size from the bust measurement given for each size, not from your usual dress size.

Three patterns to start with

All three are rated Beginner, cost €5 and are written for Scandi Soft XL on 6 mm needles. The line under each pattern lists the other needles or hook you will need.

#183 Meja Feel Good Sweater

#183 Meja Feel Good Sweater is the most relaxed of the three. The body is plain stocking stitch, worked in one piece up to the armholes, and only the shoulders are sewn. The sleeves are picked up around the armholes and knitted downwards, so there is nothing to set in and nothing to match. The neckline is left without ribbing so it rolls softly on its own. If you prefer a neater edge, work one round of double crochet (UK terms; US single crochet) with a 7 mm hook.

Level: Beginner · Seven sizes, S–4XL, bust 96–152 cm · 6 mm and 5 mm needles, plus a 7 mm hook for the optional neck edge · Scandi Soft XL, 4–7 balls · PDF in English and Swedish · €5

#185 IDA Classic Roll Neck

#185 IDA Classic Roll Neck is worked bottom up. The front, back and sleeves are knitted flat in stocking stitch and sewn together, with 2×2 rib at the hem and cuffs and the roll neck picked up at the end. It is a good way to learn how a flat-knitted garment comes together. The fit is relaxed rather than fitted.

Level: Beginner · Five sizes, S–XXL, bust 96–130 cm · 6 mm needles, 5 mm for the rib · Tension 16 sts × 20 rows in stocking stitch · Scandi Soft XL, 4–6 balls · PDF in English only · €5

#316 Super Easy Cardigan

If you would rather start with a cardigan, #316 Super Easy Cardigan has no buttons, no buttonholes and very little shaping. It is knitted bottom up in sections in double moss stitch and sewn together. The textured stitch is forgiving – it hides an uneven tension – and the front edges and neckline are finished with a crochet hook, so there is no band to pick up.

Level: Beginner · Six sizes, XS–XXL, bust 94–142 cm · 6 mm needles and a 7 mm crochet hook · Scandi Soft XL, 3–5 balls · PDF in English and Swedish · €5

You will find more patterns in my knitting and crochet patterns.

Choosing your yarn and working out how many packs

All three patterns are written for Scandi Soft XL: 80% acrylic and 20% wool, about 180 m per 100 g ball. It is sold in packs of five balls for €38 a pack, and it is machine washable at 30°C on a gentle wool cycle (dry flat in the shade). Shades include Aqua, Chartreuse, Olive, Putty and Wild Berry.

Balls needed by size:

The same size letter does not always mean the same bust measurement – L is 112 cm in #183 Meja and 116 cm in #185 IDA – so check the size table on the pattern page.

Because the yarn comes in packs of five, one pack covers every size that takes up to five balls. Six or seven balls means two packs:

• #183 Meja: one pack for S–XL, two packs for XXL, XXXL and 4XL.
• #185 IDA: one pack for S–L, two packs for XL and XXL.
• #316 Super Easy Cardigan: one pack for every size.

For ball counts across more of my patterns, see how much yarn you need for a jumper.

Knit a tension square first

A tension square is the most useful thing you can do before you start a jumper, because the measurements in the size table only hold if your tension matches the pattern.

1. Cast on enough stitches for a square at least 15 cm wide – at 16 sts to 10 cm, that is about 24 stitches.
2. Work in stocking stitch on 6 mm needles until the piece measures at least 15 cm.
3. Cast off loosely and lay the square flat without stretching it.
4. Count the stitches across 10 cm in the middle of the square, away from the edges.
5. Count the rows over 10 cm in the same way.
6. Compare both numbers with the tension for your pattern.

Too many stitches? Change to needles one size larger. Too few? Go one size smaller. Then knit a new square and measure again.

The tension for #185 IDA is 16 sts × 20 rows in stocking stitch on 6 mm needles. For #316 Super Easy Cardigan the listing gives 16 sts × 19 rows in stocking stitch. For #183 Meja, check the tension in the pattern. If your size uses all five balls in the pack, you can unravel the square and knit the yarn into your jumper.

Thinking of using a different yarn? My comparison of the best yarn for knitting a jumper shows how my three yarns differ.

Where to start: my pick

If I were guiding a friend through their first jumper, I would suggest #183 Meja Feel Good Sweater. The body in one piece keeps you in a steady rhythm, there are only two short shoulder seams, and the simple neckline means you finish feeling pleased rather than frazzled. Knit it in Putty or Olive for a calm colour you will wear again and again.

Shop the yarn: every shade is in the Scandi Soft XL collection. Buy the pattern and the yarn together, knit your tension square, and then simply begin.

FAQ

How do I choose the right size for my first jumper?

Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest and compare it with the bust measurement for each size on the pattern page. All three patterns have a relaxed fit, so if you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually the safer choice.

How many packs of Scandi Soft XL do I need?

One pack of five balls covers most sizes. You need two packs for #183 Meja in XXL–4XL and #185 IDA in XL–XXL – the table above has every size.

Do I need to know how to crochet?

Not for #185 IDA. On #183 Meja the crochet edge round the neck is optional – one round of double crochet. #316 Super Easy Cardigan has its front edges and neckline finished with a 7 mm crochet hook, so that one needs a little basic crochet.

Take your time choosing – each of these patterns will be there when you are ready. I hope one of them becomes your first jumper, and if you knit one, I would love to see it. Tag me on Instagram at @anetteerikssondesign.

Happy Knitting!
Anette