Looking for a free crochet sweater pattern? Here are 24 free pullovers, from beginner sweaters made of simple rectangles to chunky oversized sweaters, waffle and cable textures, seamless top-down raglans, light lace and granny square sweaters, and sweaters for men and kids. Every full written pattern is free on the designer's own site, with no sign-up, and most come in a wide range of sizes, many from XS up to 5XL. A sweater is a bigger project than a hat or scarf, but the right pattern makes your first one far easier than you'd think.
For each pattern I've noted the yarn weight, hook and size range where the designer gives them. Many designers also sell an ad-free PDF, but the version linked here is free to read on the page. Always check the gauge before you start: on a sweater, a small difference in gauge adds up to a big difference in fit.
A quick guide to choosing: if this is your first sweater, start with the Rochester Pullover or the Vanessa Pullover, which are made from flat panels with drop shoulders. If you'd rather not seam, pick a top-down raglan and try it on as you go. If you want a cozy sweater fast, chunky yarn on a big hook is the shortcut. And if you're crocheting for a man or a child, there's a section for you at the end.
Easy crochet sweaters for beginners
Rochester Pullover — TL Yarn Crafts. Billed by the designer as the perfect beginner crochet sweater. It's worked in worsted yarn on 4mm and 5mm hooks in seamed panels, in sizes S to 3XL with 2 to 6 inches of positive ease. A relaxed, easy fit.
Vanessa Pullover — Crochet Dreamz. A drop-shoulder sweater worked in rows, in worsted (size 4) yarn on a J/6mm hook, with an I/5.5mm hook for the ribbing. Drop shoulders mean no armhole shaping, which makes it a very forgiving first sweater.
Simple Textured Crochet Sweater — For The Frills. Four panels worked bottom-up using only single crochet and chains, in DK yarn on a 6mm/J hook. Rated easy. The stitch combination gives it a soft, woven texture without any tricky stitches.
Spicy Sweater — Blue Star Crochet. A beginner-friendly pullover in DK yarn on a 4mm hook, in nine sizes from XS to 5XL (chest 80 to 160cm). A great everyday sweater with a wide size range.
Chunky and oversized sweaters
Beara Chunky Raglan Sweater — Ned & Mimi. A top-down raglan in bulky (#5) yarn on a 6mm/J hook, using a single stitch throughout. It comes in eight sizes from XS to 4X. Bulky yarn and one stitch make it one of the quickest sweaters here.
Brooklyn Chunky Cropped Sweater — For The Frills. A cropped sweater worked top-down in rounds, in super bulky (#6) yarn on a 9mm/M hook. Rated easy. With yarn this thick, it really can be a weekend project.
Sunday Sweater — Sincerely Pam. A top-down raglan in bulky (#5) yarn in sizes XS to 5X, with a cowl neck option. Rated intermediate. The cowl turns it into an extra-cozy winter layer.
Rainier Sweater — Sewrella. An oversized, boxy pullover in worsted yarn on an I/5.5mm hook, in sizes XS to 3XL. The designer rates it intermediate. A relaxed fit that layers well over a shirt.
Harvest Hooded Sweater — Mason Jar Yarn Designs. A pullover hoodie made from two panels plus a hood, in worsted (#4) yarn on a J/6mm hook, in sizes XS to 5X. Rated advanced beginner. The perfect sweatshirt-style crochet sweater for cool fall days.
Waffle, cable and bobble textures
Waffle Crochet Sweater — Joy of Motion. A thick waffle-stitch pullover in worsted yarn on a 6.5mm/K hook, made in pieces, in sizes XS to 5XL. Rated easy. The waffle stitch is easier than it looks and makes a warm, squishy fabric.
Crochet Cable Sweater — Joy of Motion. A slightly cropped cable sweater worked in four flat pieces and joined with a whip stitch, on a 6.5mm/K hook, in nine sizes from XS to 5XL. A good first cable project because you work the pieces flat.
Heirloom Cabled Sweater — Sewrella. A cabled pullover with front-post cables, on an H/5mm hook, for bust sizes 30 to 54 inches (XS to 3XL). The designer rates it advanced. One to save for when you're ready for a challenge.
Bubble Pop Oversize Sweater — Jenny & Teddy. An oversized sweater with bobble front panels, in aran-weight acrylic on 6mm and 4.25mm hooks. Written for sizes Small to XL, with notes on adding rows for bigger sizes. A playful texture.
Top-down raglan and yoke sweaters
Classic Raglan Pullover — Joy of Motion. A seamless top-down raglan in worsted yarn on a 6.5mm/K hook, in sizes XS to 5XL. Rated easy. Because it's worked from the neck down, you can try it on as you go and stop when the body and sleeves are just the right length.
Raglan Sweater with Striped Sleeves — Joy of Motion. Another seamless top-down raglan, worked in one piece in worsted yarn on a 6mm/J hook, in nine sizes from XS to 5XL. Rated intermediate. The striped sleeves are a fun way to use a second color.
Round Yoke Sweater — Yay For Yarn. A size-inclusive sweater crocheted in one piece, in sport weight (#2) yarn on an H/5mm hook, with a video tutorial. The round yoke gives it a classic, cozy look.
Lightweight, lace and granny sweaters
Summer Mesh Sweater — Delia Creates. An airy mesh pullover in DK cotton blend on a 4.25mm/G hook, in sizes XXS to XXL, with stitch counts for all seven sizes. Great for layering in spring or over a tank top.
Batwing Lace Sweater — Moogly. An oversized batwing pullover with a lacy stitch, in worsted (#4) yarn, in sizes XS to 4X/5X. A flattering, drapey shape that's lovely for transitional weather.
Café au Lait Sweater — Two Brothers Blankets. A light pullover with an open picot stitch, in DK cotton on a 4mm/G hook. Scroll past the paid PDF link to find the free version on the page.
Isla Granny Square Sweater — Lakeside Loops. A slightly cropped granny square sweater in DK (#3) yarn on a 4.25mm/G hook, in adult sizes S to 5X. A fun way to use up a colorful stash.
Sweaters for men and kids
Men's Crewneck Pullover — ChristaCoDesign. A classic crew neck in worsted (#4) yarn on a 5mm/H hook, mostly double crochet with ribbing, in nine men's sizes. A simple, plain sweater that most men will actually wear.
Brentwood Men's Pullover — A Crocheted Simplicity. A shawl-collar pullover in worsted yarn on a 6mm hook, with a 5mm hook for the ribbing. Worked bottom-up and rated easy to intermediate. The shawl collar gives it a cozy, classic look.
Brentwood Kids' Pullover — A Crocheted Simplicity. The kids' version of the Brentwood, in worsted yarn on a 5.5mm hook, in kids' sizes 2 to 14/16. Make a matching parent-and-child set.
Easiest Raglan Sweater for Kids — Blue Star Crochet. A simple raglan for babies and toddlers in DK yarn on a 5.5mm hook, in sizes 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. A quick gift for a little one.
Tips for your first crochet sweater
- Make a gauge swatch. It's the step everyone wants to skip, and the one that decides whether your sweater fits. If you have more stitches than the pattern, go up a hook size; if you have fewer, go down.
- Check the ease. The size chart usually lists the finished chest measurement. Compare it with your own chest to decide how roomy you want it.
- Pick a yarn that drapes. Crochet fabric is thicker than knitting, so soft acrylic blends, wool blends and cotton blends work better than stiff yarn. Our yarn weights guide explains each weight.
- Use a bigger hook. Many sweater patterns call for a hook one or two sizes larger than the yarn label suggests, to keep the fabric soft. See our crochet hook size chart.
- Block the pieces. Blocking evens out stitches and makes panels the same size, so the seams line up neatly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest crochet sweater for a beginner?
A drop-shoulder sweater made from flat rectangles, like the Rochester Pullover or the Vanessa Pullover. There's no armhole shaping, you work simple rows, and you sew the panels together at the end.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet sweater?
It depends on the size and the yarn weight, but an adult sweater usually takes about 1,000 to 2,000 yards of worsted yarn. Each pattern lists the yardage by size, so check that before you buy, and get one extra skein from the same dye lot.
Is it better to crochet a sweater top-down or bottom-up?
Top-down raglans are worked in one piece with no seams, and you can try them on as you go. Bottom-up panel sweaters are easier to keep track of for beginners and often hold their shape better. Both work well; pick the one that matches how you like to crochet.
How long does it take to crochet a sweater?
A chunky sweater in bulky yarn can take a weekend. A worsted or DK sweater usually takes 15 to 30 hours, and a lace or fine-yarn sweater can take longer. Big hooks and simple stitches are the fastest route.
More crochet garments
Like an open front instead? See our free crochet cardigan patterns. Want a hood? Browse our free crochet hoodie patterns. For a sleeveless layer, try our crochet vest patterns, or go cozy with poncho patterns and crochet shrugs. Finish the outfit with a winter beanie, a cowl or infinity scarf and fingerless gloves. For holiday parties, there are our ugly Christmas sweater patterns, and even a dog sweater to match. Want a quicker make first? Try one of our free crochet bracelet patterns.
