Looking for a free knit sweater pattern that works up super quickly? Check out the Elbow Patch Sweater knit in super bulky yarn.

Design Story and Inspiration for the Elbow Patch Knit Sweater Pattern

I love working with Super Bulky yarn. It works up so fast and the texture is divine.

I really wanted to create a knit sweater that would be easy enough for an advanced beginner and also work up quickly to give confidence to someone starting out with knit garments.

This sweater is super thick and comfy thanks to the super bulky yarn, and should be on any ski trip packing list!

About the Yarn

I am in love with every yarn I’ve ever gotten from Malabrigo, and this Rasta yarn was definitely no exception!

The subtle shade variations give this yarn a depth that takes it above and beyond most all other super bulky yarns I’ve worked with.

That with the 100% wool content just make it a joy to work with.

If you would like to substitute yarn, check out Sugarbush Chill or Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick. As long as you work with a #6 weight yarn that gets gauge, you should be good to go.

Knit Sweater Pattern Details

This sweater is worked in separate pieces and sewn together. It features raglan shaping and a classic crew neck with a ribbed collar.

The elbow patches are sewn on last, giving it an extra element without a lot of technical know-how.

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Elbow Patch Knit Sweater

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rasta (100% Merino Wool; 90 yards [82 meters]/150 grams): #849 Sombras, (5 (6, 6, 7, 8) balls

Needles: US size 13 (9.0 mm); US size 15 (10.0mm)

Notions: Two 5” square elbow patches; tapestry needle; sewing needle; matching thread; scissors

Gauge: 10 sts and 15 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking

Size: Finished Bust Size 37 (40, 43, 46, 50)” to fit bust 34 (37, 40, 43, 47)”
3” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 37”

Skill Level: Easy

SPECIAL STITCHES

K2, P2 Rib

Row 1: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Rep Row 1 for patt.

PATTERN

Back

Ribbing

With smaller needles, CO 44 (48, 52, 56, 60) sts.

Work in K2, P2 Rib for 2½”.

Inc 2 sts evenly across row – 46 (50, 54, 58, 62) sts.

Body

Change to larger needles.

Work even in St st for 42 (42, 46, 46, 48) rows.

Shape Armholes

BO 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) sts at beg of next 2 rows – 42 (46, 48, 52, 56) sts.

Dec 1 st each side every 3rd row 4 (4, 6, 4, 0) times, every 2nd row 7 (7, 6, 10, 15) times – 20 (24, 24, 24, 26) sts.

Neck Shaping

Maint est patt, work 4 (5, 5, 5, 5) sts, sl next 12 (14, 14, 14, 16) sts to holder, join new ball of yarn and work next 4 (5, 5, 5, 5) sts.

Dec 1 st at Neck and Armhole edge – 2 (3, 3, 3, 3) sts.

Size 40 (43, 46, 50)” only

Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 2 sts.

All sizes

BO all sts.

Front

Work same as Back to Armholes – 46 (50, 54, 58, 62) sts.

Shape Armholes

BO 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) sts at beg of next 2 rows – 42 (46, 48, 52, 56) sts.

Dec 1 st each side every 3rd row 4 (4, 6, 4, 0) times, every 2nd row 1 (2, 1, 4, 5) times – 32 (34, 34, 36, 36) sts.

Neck Shaping

Row 1: Maint est patt, work next 12 (13, 13, 14, 14) sts, sl next 8 sts to holder, join new ball of yarn and work next 12 (13, 13, 14, 14) sts.

Row 2: Dec 1 st each side – 10 (11, 11, 12, 12) sts.

Row 3: Dec 1 st at Neck edge – 9 (10, 10, 11, 11) sts.

Row 4: Dec 1 st each side – 7 (8, 8, 9, 9) sts.

Row 5: Dec 1 st at Neck edge – 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) sts.

Row 6: Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts.

Row 7: Work even in St st.

Row 8: Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 4 (5, 5, 6, 6) sts.

Row 9: Work even in St st.

Row 10: Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5) sts.

Row 11: Work even in St st.

Row 12: Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 2 (3, 3, 4, 4) sts.

Size 40 (43)” only

Dec 1 st at Armhole edge – 2 sts.

Size 46 (50)” only

Dec 1 st at Neck and Armhole edge – 2 sts.

All sizes

BO all sts.

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Sleeves (make 2)

Ribbing

With smaller needles, CO 20 (20, 20, 24, 24) sts.

Work in K2, P2 Rib for 2”.

Inc 2 (3, 4, 0, 2) sts evenly across – 22 (23, 24, 24, 26) sts.

Change to larger needles.

Inc 1 st each end every 7th row 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) times – 34 (37, 38, 40, 42) sts.

Work even in St st for 6 (7, 9, 2, 2) rows.

Shape Cap

BO 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) sts at beg of next 2 rows – 30 (33, 32, 34, 36) sts.

Dec 1 st each side every 2nd (2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd) row 12 (16, 6, 4, 4) times, then every 2 (1, 1, 2, 2) row 2 (0, 9, 12, 13) times – 2 (1, 2, 2, 2) sts.

BO all sts.

Finishing

Sew left Sleeve to Front and Back. Sew right Sleeve to Front only.

Collar

With RS of work facing and smaller needles, pick up and k2 (2, 2, 2, 2) sts from Right Back Neck Edge, 12 (14, 14, 14, 16) sts from Back Neck holder, 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) sts from Left Back Neck Edge, 10 (11, 11, 12, 12) sts from Left Front Neck Edge, 8 sts from Front holder, 10 (11, 11, 12, 12) sts from Right Front Neck Edge – 44 (48, 48, 52, 52) sts.

Work in K2P2 rib for 4 rows.

BO all sts loosely in patt.

Sew right Sleeve to Back and sew side seams.

Sew Elbow Patches, using photos as a guide.

Weave in ends.

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Today we learned how to work up an easy knit sweater pattern – with elbow patches! I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Happy Knitting!
Amanda