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Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern

Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern
4.3β˜… Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.2K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journeyβ€”perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

πŸ‘•

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern

This pattern creates the Crossbill men's cable sweater worked from the bottom up in the round to the armholes, then split and finished flat for the neck and shoulders. It features a textured center panel, mirrored side panels, and charted cable details for crisp definition. The sleeves are worked in the round with increases to shape a set-in sleeve cap with short rows for a professional finish.

Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Includes full charts for body and sleeve patterns, step-by-step shaping, and a neckline finishing section. Suitable for knitters comfortable reading charts and working cable crossings and lifted increases.

Why You'll Love This Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the cable texture reads beautifully and gives a refined, masculine look without being fussy. I enjoy how the charts provide a reliable roadmap so the cables stay symmetrical and balanced. The constructionβ€”bottom-up in the round, then split for the neckβ€”makes fitting adjustments straightforward and adaptable. Sewing the shoulders with the three-needle bind-off gives such a clean professional finish that I find really satisfying.

Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern step 1 - construction progress Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to customize this Crossbill sweater by changing the yarn color or weight; try a heathered DK for a rugged feel or a soft single ply for a drapey look.

If you want a wider or slimmer fit, change needle sizes and knit a gauge swatch; moving up one needle size yields a looser fabric, while smaller needles tighten the stitch and reduce size.

To make a shorter or longer body, measure from cast-on and stop repeating the chart rounds earlier for a cropped style or continue additional repeats for more length.

Swap the center cable for a simpler 8-st cable or a mock cable if you prefer less cable work; the side panels will still frame the center nicely.

I sometimes add elbow patches or a small chest pocket for a utilitarian twistβ€”use contrasting yarn for an on-trend detail.

Want to make this as a pullover for a woman or a child? Reduce or increase overall stitch count proportionally after checking gauge, and adjust sleeve cap shaping to fit the armhole depth.

Try working the rib at the hem narrower (k1,p1) for a denser edge or keep p2,k2 for a chunkier, more elastic hem as written.

Embellish with subtle duplicate stitch monograms or add a leather label at the hem for a handmade brand finish that looks professional.

I occasionally make the collar shorterβ€”work fewer rib repeats before binding off to reduce collar height if you prefer less bulk around the neck.

If you want more drape in the body, consider knitting the body one size larger or use a lighter DK yarn and block generously to soften the fabric and highlight the cable definition.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

βœ— Skipping placement of BoR and section markers can make dividing Front and Back confusing later; place markers carefully and move them exactly as instructed. βœ— Changing needle size without checking gauge can alter fit drastically; knit a 10x10 cm gauge swatch in the main pattern on 4 mm and adjust needle size until gauge matches. βœ— Neglecting to follow the chart set-up rows for WS/RS can shift cable alignment; read charts from bottom to top and follow RS/WS orientation exactly. βœ— Not transferring Back stitches to a holder when instructed will make separation impossible; transfer the exact stitch counts to a spare cord or holder as stated.

Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern

Make a timeless cable-knit men's sweater with the Crossbill pattern. This design guides you through bottom-up construction, charted cables, and set-in sleeve shaping so you can create a cozy, classic pullover. Follow clear instructions, charts, and finishing notes to achieve a professional result you'll be proud to wear.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Crossbill Men's sweater Pattern

β€” Main Fabric

  • 01
    Merino DK by cowgirlblues (100% merino wool); 50 g = 85 m [1.75 oz = 93 yds] - as suggested yarn option
  • 02
    Quince and Co. Lark (100% wool); 50 g = 123 m [1.75 oz = 134 yds] - alternative yarn option
  • 03
    Mondial Superwool (100% merino wool); 50 g = 125 m [1.75 oz = 137 yds] - alternative yarn option
  • 04
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 34-36 = 600 g [21.2 oz]
  • 05
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 38-40 = 650 g [23 oz]
  • 06
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 42-44 = 700 g [25 oz]
  • 07
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 46-48 = 750 g [26.5 oz]
  • 08
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 50-52 = 800 g [28.2 oz]
  • 09
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 54-56 = 850 g [29.9 oz]
  • 10
    Total yarn amounts by size: Size 58-60 = 900 g [31.7 oz]

β€” Tools Required

  • 01
    Circular knitting needles 3 mm [US2.5]
  • 02
    Circular knitting needles 4 mm [US6]
  • 03
    Cable needle
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Tapestry needle
  • 06
    Stitch holder or spare cord
  • 07
    Spare circular needle or extra cords
  • 08
    Scissors
  • 09
    Measuring tape
  • 10
    Blocking tools (pins, mat)
  • 11
    Piece of auxiliary yarn for holding sts

Progress Tracker

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β€” Needles and Materials :

Info :

Yarn: Merino DK by cowgirlblues (100% merino wool; 50 g = 85 m [1.75 oz = 93 yds]) or Quince and Co. Lark (100% wool; 50 g = 123 m [1.75 oz = 134 yds]) or Mondial Superwool (100% merino wool; 50 g = 125 m [1.75 oz = 137 yds]). Needles: circular knitting needles 3 mm [US2.5] and 4 mm [US6] or other appropriate size to obtain gauge. Also: stitch markers; cable needle; tapestry needle; stitch holder; spare circular; extra cords or a piece of auxiliary yarn.

Info :

Sizes available: 34-36 (38-40; 42-44; 46-48) (50-52; 54-56; 58-60). Gauge: 28 sts and 32 rows/rounds = 10x10 cm [4x4 in] in Main Pattern on 4 mm [US6] needles after blocking and stretched.

β€” Main Pattern notes :

Info :

Main Pattern charts: Charts indicate the order of work. Charts show all rows. Read charts from bottom to top and from right to left in the round; in rows, RS rows from right to left, WS rows from left to right.

Info :

Side Panel stitch counts: For sizes 34-36, 42-44, 50-52 = k2, p1, k2, p1, k2 = 8 sts. For sizes 38-40, 46-48, 54-56, 58-60 = k2, p3, k2, p3, k2 = 12 sts.

Info :

Definitions: RLI = right-leaning lifted increase. LLI = left-leaning lifted increase. pfb = purl the same stitch through front and back (1 increased). BoR = beginning of the round. k2tog = knit 2 stitches together. RS = right side. WS = wrong side.

β€” Order of Work :

Info :

This pattern contains instructions for the following sizes in the indicated order: 34-36 (38-40; 42-44; 46-48) (50-52; 54-56; 58-69). The Main Part is worked from the bottom up in the round to armhole level. At armhole level, work is divided into Front and Back, which are finished separately. Shoulder seams are closed using the three-needle bind-off method. Sleeves are worked separately from the bottom up in the round, then sewn in.

β€” Begin of work :

Round 1 :

Using 3 mm [US2.5] needles and preferred cast-on method, cast on 268 (292; 316; 340) (364; 388; 412) sts, place BoR marker to indicate the beginning of the round, and join into the round without twisting.

Info :

While working the next round, place markers at the same time as follows to divide the round into sections: Front: Work the 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 1 of Chart #1 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times width-wise, work Row 1 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 1 of Chart #2 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

Back: Work the 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 1 of Chart #1 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work Row 1 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 1 of Chart #2 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

Continue in the established order, repeating the Ribbing round according to the chart a total of 20 (20; 20; 20) (24; 24; 24) times, then work Decrease Round as described in the following text for Front and Back.

β€” Decrease Round and continuing :

Info :

Front: Work the 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 2 of Chart #1 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work 22 sts for Row 2 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 2 of Chart #2 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

Back: Work the 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 2 of Chart #1 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work 22 sts for Row 2 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 2 of Chart #2 a total of 4(4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

Change to 4 mm [US6] needles and continue in earlier established pattern, following the appropriate charts. You should now have a total of 312 (336; 368; 392) (424; 448; 480) sts.

Info :

Repeat Rounds 4-7 of the appropriate charts until the piece has either reached a height of 48 (50; 51; 52) (53; 54; 56) cm [19 (19.7; 20; 20.5) (20.9; 21; 22) in], or is 5 cm [2 in] shorter than desired overall garment length from cast-on edge to division into Front and Back, ending with a Round 4.

β€” Continue with Side Panel increases :

Info :

Front: Work 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel from the increase chart for the size worked (see pages 14-15), work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 5 of Chart #1 a total of 4 (4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work 22 sts for Row 5 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 5 of Chart #2 a total of 4 (4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

Back: Work 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel from the increase chart, work (p2, k2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s), work Row 5 of Chart #1 a total of 4 (4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work 22 sts for Row 5 of Body Center Pattern Chart, work Row 5 of Chart #2 a total of 4 (4; 5; 5) (6; 6; 7) times, work (k2, p2) a total of 1; (2; 1; 2) (1; 2; 1) time(s).

Info :

During the last round, divide work into Front and Back as follows: Remove BoR marker, work 11 (13; 11; 13) (11; 13; 11) sts of the Side Panel, transfer the next 170 (182; 198; 210) (226; 238; 254) sts (Back) to a stitch holder, piece of auxiliary yarn or spare cord for holding. Continue to work over the sts of the only Front in the following order, working a WS row next.

Row :

Work 11 (13; 11; 13) (11; 13; 11) sts according to Increase Chart #3 (5; 3; 5) (3; 5; 3) (working on the WS begins with the Set-Up row of the chart), work the following 148 (156; 176; 184) (204; 212; 232) sts in earlier established pattern, Row 5 of Body Center Pattern Chart and Charts #1 and #2, work 11 (13; 11; 13) (11; 13; 11) sts according to Increase Chart #4 (6; 4; 6) (4; 6; 4) (working on the WS begins with the Set-Up row of the chart).

Info :

From here on, continue in back-and-forth rows with turning, repeating Rows 4-7 of Body Center Pattern Chart and Charts #1 and #2 and following Charts #3 (5; 3; 5) (3; 5; 3) and #4 (6; 4; 6) (4; 6; 4) for increases at the beginning and end of the row – in Rows 20-23.

Info :

Work over the sts of the Front in the established pattern to a height of 18 (19; 22; 23) (24; 25; 26) cm [7 (7.5; 8.7; 9.1) (9.45; 9.8; 10.2) in] from division into Front and Back.

Info :

At the same time, when piece has reached a height of 10 (11; 14; 15) (16; 17; 18) cm [4 (4.3; 5.5; 5.9) (6.3; 6.7; 7) in] from division, bind off the middle 16 (16; 16; 18) (18; 18; 20) sts for the neckline, then finish up the resulting pieces separately, working both at the same time and each from its own ball of yarn. You should now have 83 (87; 97; 100) (110; 114; 123) sts for each one of the two shoulders.

Info :

Bind off sts for neckline shaping as follows: For the left half of the Front: at the beginning of every WS row. For the right half of the Front: at the beginning of every RS row. 4 sts – once, 3 sts – three times, 2 sts – three times, 1 st – two times. You should now have 62 (66; 76; 79) (89; 93; 102) sts for each shoulder.

β€” Shoulder sloping (Front) :

Info :

At a height of 18 (19; 22; 23) (24; 25; 26) cm from division into Front and Back, begin shaping the shoulder sloping. Note: While working the shoulder sloping, you can instead of the cable crossings for 2/2 cables just work 4 knit sts.

Row 1 (RS) :

For the right half of the Front: work 12 (14; 16; 17) (19; 21; 22) sts in established pattern, turn work to wrong side. Slip 1 stitch purl-wise to the right needle, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle.

Row 2 (WS) :

Continue on the WS of the fabric, work to the end of the row in earlier established pattern.

Row 3 :

Work in earlier established pattern to the Double Stitch, knit both legs of the Double Stitch together as one, work 12 (14; 16; 17) (19; 21; 22) sts in earlier established pattern, turn work to wrong side. Slip 1 stitch purl-wise to the right needle, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle.

Row 4 :

Continue on the WS of the fabric, work to the end of the row in earlier established pattern.

Info :

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 once more. In the next RS row, work in earlier established pattern, knitting both legs of the Double Stitch together as one. Work the next WS row in established pattern. Place the shoulder sts on a stitch holder or spare cord, and put them temporarily aside.

Info :

For the left half of the Front: Row 1 (RS): work the row in earlier established pattern, turn work to wrong side. Row 2 (WS): work 36 (42; 48; 51) (57; 63; 66) sts in established pattern, turn work to right side. Slip 1 stitch knit-wise, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle. Row 3: Continue on the RS of the fabric, work to the end of the row in earlier established pattern. Row 4: work 24 (28; 32; 34) (38; 42; 44) sts in established pattern, turn work to right side. Slip 1 stitch knit-wise, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle. Row 5: Continue on the RS of the fabric, work to the end of the row in earlier established pattern. Row 6: work 12 (14; 16; 17) (19; 21; 22) sts in established pattern, turn work to right side. Slip 1 stitch knit-wise, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle. Row 7: Continue on the RS of the fabric, work to the end of the row in earlier established pattern.

Info :

In the next WS row, work in earlier established pattern to the end of the row, purling both legs of the Double Stitch together as one. Place the shoulder sts on a stitch holder or spare cord, and put them temporarily aside.

β€” Back shaping and shoulders :

Info :

Continue to work over the sts of the only Back, working a WS row next. Join new working yarn at the beginning of the row, then and continue working in the following order: Work 11 (13; 11; 13) (11; 13; 11) sts according to Increase Chart #3 (5; 3; 5) (3; 5; 3) (working on the WS begins with the Set-Up row of the chart), work the next 148 (156; 176; 184) (204; 212; 232) in earlier established pattern, Row 5 of Body Center Pattern Chart and Charts #1 and #2, work 11 (13; 11; 13) (11; 13; 11) sts according to Increase Chart #4 (6; 4; 6) (4; 6; 4) sts.

Info :

From here on, continue in back-and-forth rows with turning, repeating Rows 4-7 of Body Center Pattern Chart and Charts #1 and #2 and following Charts #3 and #4 for increases at the beginning and end of the row – in Rows 20-23. Work over the sts of the Back in the established pattern to a height of 18 (19; 22; 23) (24; 25; 26) cm from division into Front and Back.

Info :

At the same time, when piece has reached a height of 17 (18; 21; 22) (23; 24; 25) cm from division, bind off the middle 54 (54; 54; 56) (56; 56; 58) sts for the neckline, then finish up the resulting pieces separately, working both at the same time and each from its own ball of yarn. You should now have 64 (68; 78; 81) (91; 95; 104) sts for each shoulder.

Info :

Bind off sts for neckline shaping as follows: For the left half of the Back: at the beginning of every RS row. For the right half of the Back: at the beginning of every WS row. 2 sts – once. You should now have 62 (66; 76; 79) (89; 93; 102) sts for each shoulder.

Info :

At a height of 18 (19; 22; 23) (24; 25; 26) cm from division into Front and Back, begin shaping the shoulder sloping for the Back, following mirrored instructions to the Front. While working the shoulder sloping, you can instead of the cable crossings for 2/2 cables just work 4 knit sts.

β€” Close the shoulder seams :

Info :

Close the shoulder seams using the 3-needle bind-off method: Place the two needles with the stitches that need to be joined parallel to each other wrong sides facing each other and right sides out. Insert a third needle into the first stitch of the front needle and the first stitch of the back needle at the same time and knit these 2 sts together as one. *Knit both next sts (on the front and back needle) the same way. Pass the first stitch over the second one. Repeat from * until only 1 stitch remains on the third (right) needle. Break the working yarn, and pull the tail through the last loop to secure the stitch.

β€” Right Sleeve :

Round 1 :

Using 3 mm [US2.5] needles and preferred cast-on method, cast on 62 (66; 66; 70) (72; 74; 74) sts, place BoR marker to indicate the beginning of the round, and join into the round without twisting.

Info :

While working the next round, place markers at the same time as follows to divide the round into sections: Work 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, place marker 1, then work (p2, k2) – 3 (3; 3; 3) (4; 4; 4) times = 12 (12; 12; 12) (16; 16; 16) sts; purl 1 (1; 2; 2) (1; 1; 2); place marker 2; work 28 (28; 30; 30) (30; 28; 30) sts in pattern for the center of the sleeve (Row 1 of Chart #1 (1; 2; 2) (2; 1; 2)); place marker 3; purl 1 (1; 2; 2) (1; 1; 2); work (k2, p2) – 3 (3; 3; 3) (4; 4; 4) times = 12 (12; 12; 12) (16; 16; 16) sts.

Info :

Continue working in established pattern, repeating Row 1 of Center of the Sleeve Pattern from Chart #1 (1; 2; 2) (2; 1; 2). After having worked in this manner for 20 (20; 20; 20) (24; 24; 24) rounds, work Increase Round (Row 2 of Chart #1 (1; 2; 2) (2; 1; 2)), then work Row 3, then change to 4 mm [US6] needles and continue. You should now have a total of 68 (72; 72; 76) (78; 80; 80) sts.

Info :

Work in the following order: Slip BoR marker to right needle, work 8 (12; 8; 12) (8; 12; 8) sts of the Side Panel, slip marker 1 to right needle, work in established pattern to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 34 (34; 36; 36) (36; 34; 36) sts in pattern for the center of the sleeve (Row 4 of the appropriate chart), slip marker 3 to right needle, work in established pattern to BoR marker.

β€” Increase Rounds (Sleeve) :

Info :

Increase Rounds 1-5: work in earlier established pattern, work the center pattern of the sleeve from the appropriate following row of the chart.

Increase Round 6 :

Slip BoR marker to right needle, work the sts of the Side Panel in earlier established pattern, slip marker 1 to right needle, pfb, work in established pattern to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 34 (34; 36; 36) (36; 34; 36) sts of the center of the sleeve pattern from the appropriate row of the chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, continue in established pattern to 2 sts before BoR marker, pfb, p1.

Info :

Repeat Increase Rounds 1-6 another 2 times.

Increase Round 7 :

Slip BoR marker to right needle, work the sts of the Side Panel in earlier established pattern, slip marker 1 to right needle, p2, k1, p2, work in established pattern to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 34 (34; 36; 36) (36; 34; 36) sts of the center of the sleeve pattern from the appropriate row of the chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, continue in established pattern to 5 sts before BoR marker, p2, k1, p2.

Info :

Increase Rounds 8-11: work in earlier established pattern, work the center pattern of the sleeve from the appropriate following row of the chart.

Increase Round 12 :

Slip BoR marker to right needle, work the sts of the Side Panel in earlier established pattern, slip marker 1 to right needle, p2, k1, LLI, work in established pattern to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 34 (34; 36; 36) (36; 34; 36) sts of the center of the sleeve pattern from the appropriate row of the chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, continue in established pattern to 3 sts before BoR marker, RLI, k1, p2. Move BoR marker 4 sts to the right, and marker 1 – 4 sts to the left.

Info :

Repeat Increase Rounds 1-12, as noted between asterisks, until there are 96 (102; 118; 124) (130; 136; 142) sts on the needles, then continue in the established order over an unchanged stitch count without further increases.

β€” Sleeve cap shaping (short rows) :

Info :

When sleeve has either reached a length of 45 (47; 50; 52) (54; 54; 56) cm [17.7 (18.5; 20; 20.5) (21; 21; 22) in] from begin of work, or is 4 cm [1.6 in] shorter than desired sleeve length, work sleeve cap with short-row-shaping as follows:

Row 1 (RS) :

Work in established pattern to 7 sts before BoR marker, turn work to wrong side, slip 1 stitch purl-wise to the right needle, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle, then continue on the WS of the fabric.

Row 2 (WS) :

Work in established pattern to 7 sts before marker 1, turn work to right side. Slip 1 stitch knit-wise, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle, then continue on the RS of the fabric.

Row 3 :

Work in established pattern to 5 sts before the Double Stitch, turn work to wrong side, slip 1 stitch purl-wise to the right needle, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle, then continue on the WS of the fabric.

Row 4 :

Work in established pattern to 5 sts before the Double Stitch, turn work to right side. Slip 1 stitch knit-wise, lead the working yarn behind the stitch, over the right needle. Pull the working yarn taut so both legs of the stitch sit on the right needle, then continue on the RS of the fabric.

Info :

While shaping the sleeve cap with short rows, you can omit the last 2/2 cable crossings and instead work 4 knit sts. Repeat Rows 3 and 4 once more, then resume working in the round in established pattern. Remove markers, work 6 rounds even over an unchanged stitch count, then bind off all sts. Work the Left Sleeve the same way.

β€” Neckline Finishing :

Info :

Using 3 mm [US2.5] needles, pick up and knit a multiple of 5 sts around the neckline. Continue working in the following order: *(p3, k2) repeat from * to end of round. Work 3 cm [1.2 in] in established pattern.

Round :

Work the next round as follows: *(p2tog, p1, k2, p3, k2) repeat from * to end of round.

Round :

In the following round, work all sts as they appear – knit sts in knit, and purl sts in purl. Work the next round as follows: *(p2, k2, p2tog, p1, k2) repeat from * to end of round.

Info :

From here on, work 'p2, k2' ribbing until collar has either reached a height of 20 cm [8 in] or other desired height. To retain neckline elasticity, use a sewn bind-off to bind off the neckline sts. Moisten the sweater, and block it until completely dry. Hide all ends. Happy knitting!

β€” Chart for Stitch Pattern #1 :

Row/Round 1 :

p2, k1, p1, k2, p1, k1, p2, k2.

Row/Round 2 :

p2, k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1, p2, k2.

Row/Round 3 :

p2, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p2, k2.

Row/Round 4 :

p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, p2, k2.

Rows/Rounds 5-7 :

p2, k8, p2, k2.

β€” Chart for Stitch Pattern #2 :

Row/Round 1 :

k2, p2, k1, p1, k2, p1, k1, p2.

Row/Round 2 :

k2, p2, k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1, p2.

Row/Round 3 :

k2, p2, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p2.

Row/Round 4 :

k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, p2.

Rows/Rounds 5-7 :

k2, p2, k8, p2.

β€” Body Center Pattern Chart :

Row/Round 1 :

p2, k1, p1, (k2, p1) work 5 times, k1, p2.

Row/Round 2 :

p2, k1, LLI, p1, k1, (k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1) work 2 times, k1, p1, RLI, k1, p2.

Row/Round 3 :

p2, k2, p1, k1, (k1, p1, k4, p1, k1) work 2 times, k1, p1, k2, p2.

Row/Round 4 :

p2, (4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle), 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle) work 3 times, p2.

Rows/Rounds 5-7 :

p2, k24, p2.

β€” Knitting symbols and notes :

Info :

Symbols: filled square = knit, dash = purl, shaded = no stitch. 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle. 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle. RLI and LLI explained earlier. pfb = purl front and back.

β€” Side Panel Increase Chart for sizes 34-36, 42-44, 50-52 :

Row/Round 1 :

k2, p1, k2, p1, k2.

Row/Round 2 :

k2, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k2.

Row/Round 3 :

k3, p1, k2, p1, k3.

Row/Round 4 :

k3, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k3.

Row/Round 5 :

k4, p1, k2, p1, k4.

Row/Round 6 :

k4, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k4.

Row/Round 7 :

k5, p1, k2, p1, k5.

Row/Round 8 :

k5, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k5.

Row/Round 9 :

k6, p1, k2, p1, k6.

Row/Round 10 :

k6, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k6.

Row/Round 11 :

k7, p1, k2, p1, k7.

Row/Round 12 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, k3, LLI, p1, k2, p1, RLI, k3, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

β€” Side Panel Increase Chart for sizes 38-40, 46-48, 54-56, 58-60 :

Row/Round 1 :

k2, p3, k2, p3, k2.

Row/Round 2 :

k2, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k2.

Row/Round 3 :

k3, p3, k2, p3, k3.

Row/Round 4 :

k3, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k3.

Row/Round 5 :

k4, p3, k2, p3, k4.

Row/Round 6 :

k4, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k4.

Row/Round 7 :

k5, p3, k2, p3, k5.

Row/Round 8 :

k5, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k5.

Row/Round 9 :

k6, p3, k2, p3, k6.

Row/Round 10 :

k6, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k6.

Row/Round 11 :

k7, p3, k2, p3, k7.

Row/Round 12 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, k3, LLI, p3, k2, p3, RLI, k3, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

β€” Chart #3 :

Set-Up Row (WS) :

p8, k3.

Row/Round 1 (RS) :

p3, k8.

Row/Round 2 (WS) :

p8, k3.

Row/Round 3 :

p2, pfb, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Row/Round 4 :

p8, k2, p1, k2.

Row/Round 5 :

p3, pfb, k8.

Row/Round 6 :

p8, k5.

Row/Round 7 :

p2, k1, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Row/Round 8 :

p8, k2, p1, k2.

Row/Round 9 :

p2, RLI, k1, p2, k8.

Row/Round 10 :

p8, k2, p2, k2.

Row/Round 11 :

p1, pfb, k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Row/Round 12 :

p8, k2, p2, k3.

Row/Round 13 :

p3, k2, p2, k8.

Row/Round 14 :

p8, k2, p2, k3.

Row/Round 15 :

p2, pfb, k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Row/Round 16 :

p8, k2, p2, k4.

Row/Round 17 :

p4, k2, p2, k8.

Row/Round 18 :

p8, k2, p2, k4.

Row/Round 19 :

p3, pfb, k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Row/Round 20 :

p8, k2, p2, k5.

Row/Round 21 :

p5, k2, p2, k8.

Row/Round 22 :

p8, k2, p2, k5.

Row/Round 23 :

p5, k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

β€” Chart #4 :

Set-Up Row (WS) :

k3, p8.

Row 1 (RS) :

k8, p3.

Row 2 (WS) :

k3, p8.

Row/Round 3 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, pfb, p2.

Row/Round 4 :

k4, p8.

Row/Round 5 :

k8, pfb, p3.

Row/Round 6 :

k5, p8.

Row/Round 7 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, p2, k1, p2.

Row/Round 8 :

k2, p1, k2, p8.

Row/Round 9 :

k8, p2, k1, LLI, p2.

Row/Round 10 :

k2, p2, k2, p8.

Row/Round 11 :

k8, p2, k2, p2, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, p2, k2, pfb, p1.

Row/Round 12 :

k3, p2, k2, p8.

Row/Round 13 :

k8, p2, k2, p3.

Row/Round 14 :

k3, p2, k2, p8.

Row/Round 15 :

k3, p2, k2, p8 - continued with cable instructions and crossings up to Row 23 as in chart.

β€” Chart #5 :

Set-Up Row (WS) :

p8, k5.

Row 1 (RS) :

p5, k8.

Row 2 (WS) :

p8, k5.

Row/Round 3 :

p4, pfb, 4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle.

Rows/Rounds 4-23 :

Follow charted rows for pattern repeats including pfb, RLI, LLI, cable crossings and purl/knit sections as written for Chart #5.

β€” Chart #6 :

Set-Up Row (WS) :

k5, p8.

Row 1 (RS) :

k8, p5.

Row 2 (WS) :

k5, p8.

Rows/Rounds 3-23 :

Follow charted rows for pattern repeats including cable crossings, LLI, RLI and pfb as noted in Chart #6.

β€” Center of Sleeve Pattern Chart #1 :

Row/Round 1 :

k1, p1, k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1.

Row/Round 2 :

k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1, p1.

Row/Round 3 :

k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1.

Row/Round 4 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle. Rows/Rounds 5-7: k8, p1, k2, p2, k8, p2, k2, p1, k8, etc.

β€” Center of Sleeve Pattern Chart #2 :

Row/Round 1 :

(k1, p1, k2, p1, k1, p2, k2, p2) work 2 times, k1, p1, k2, p1, k1.

Row/Round 2 :

(k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1, p2, k2, p2) work 2 times, k1, p1, RLI, k2, LLI, p1, k1.

Row/Round 3 :

(k1, p1, k4, p1, k1, p2, k2, p2) work 2 times, k1, p1, k4, p1, k1.

Row/Round 4 :

4-st RC = hold 2 sts on cn BEHIND work, k2, then k2 from cable needle, 4-st LC = hold 2 sts on cn IN FRONT OF work, k2, then k2 from cable needle. Rows/Rounds 5-7: (k8, p2, k2, p2) work 2 times, k8.

β€” Finishing :

Info :

Close shoulder seams with 3-needle bind-off. Set sleeves into armholes and sew with mattress stitch or preferred seaming technique. Pick up stitches for neckline, work rib as instructed, and bind off with sewn bind-off to retain elasticity. Moistening and blocking recommended; hide all ends. Happy knitting!

Assembly Instructions

  • Close shoulder seams using the three-needle bind-off method, joining front and back shoulder stitches with the third needle and passing the first stitch over the second until one stitch remains.
  • Set sleeves into armholes by matching underarm seams and aligning sleeve cap center with shoulder seam; sew in place using mattress stitch for an invisible join.
  • Pick up and knit a multiple of 5 stitches around the neckline on 3 mm [US2.5] needles, work p3,k2 rib, then follow shaping rounds and finish with a sewn bind-off to retain elasticity.
  • Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle, moisten and block the sweater to measurements, and allow to dry completely for best drape and fit.

Important Notes

  • πŸ’‘Place and adjust BoR and section markers carefully to divide front, center and back sections; incorrect marker placement will cause chart misalignment.
  • πŸ’‘Switch to 4 mm [US6] needles when instructed to achieve the main pattern gauge; always check your gauge after changing needle size.
  • πŸ’‘When working charts, read RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right, and follow the set-up rows where noted to maintain pattern alignment.
  • πŸ’‘Transfer the specified number of Back stitches to a holder exactly as instructed to allow working Front and Back separately without losing stitch order.

This Crossbill men's sweater pattern combines classic cable textures with modern shaping for a timeless wardrobe staple. The charted patterns and clear shaping instructions guide you from cast-on to finishing with confidence. Perfect for weekend knitting projects or thoughtful handmade gifts. 🧢✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The pattern provides multiple sizes from 34-36 through 58-60; finished measurements and yarn amounts are shown in the size table so you can choose the correct size before starting.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

You can substitute another yarn but this will change the gauge and final size; be sure to knit a 10x10 cm gauge swatch in the main pattern on 4 mm [US6] needles and adjust needle size accordingly.

Do I need experience reading charts and working cables?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses chart reading, cable crossings, and lifted increases, so basic chart-reading and cable-knitting experience is recommended.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most knitters will complete the project in 12-15 hours, though time will vary based on experience, size chosen, and how comfortable you are with cables and charted knitting.