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Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern

Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern
4.0★ Rating
12+ Hours Time Needed
3.3K 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 journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

👕

Casual Chic

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

About This Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern

This pattern creates a men's pullover worked seamlessly from the neck down using the contiguous method. It features an intricate braided cable main pattern with matching sleeve and side panel inserts. Detailed charts are included for the body, sleeves, shoulder shaping and ribbing.

Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The design is sized for a broad range and includes exact yarn amounts and needle recommendations. Enjoy clear instructions, charts and shaping notes for professional results.

Why You'll Love This Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because the braided cables create such a timeless, textured surface that looks far more complex than it is to knit. I enjoy the contiguous top-down construction for how seamlessly the yoke and shoulders blend into the body. The charts and written instructions give you flexible guidance so you can follow the stitch pattern or the chart depending on your preference. Working this sweater in luxe yarn like cashmere makes the final garment drape and feel wonderfully soft against the skin.

Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern step 1 - construction progress Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how many ways you can customize this sweater to make it your own — try switching yarn color to create subtle contrasts in the cable ribs or go bold with a strong solid color.

If you want a chunkier, warmer sweater, I often use a bulky yarn and larger needles while keeping the chart repeats, which creates a wonderfully sculptural cable effect.

To make a lighter, summer-friendly version, use a linen or silk blend and slightly smaller needles; the stitch definition still looks beautiful with a softer drape.

I sometimes add elbow patches or a reinforced hem for durability — use a complementary leather or suede patch for a classic look.

Try lengthening or shortening the body by working fewer or more rounds before ribbing to adapt for tunic or cropped styles.

If you prefer a deeper or shallower neckline, alter the number of ribbing rounds at the neck and adjust shaping rounds accordingly; check gauge after changes.

Swap the ribbing pattern at hem and cuffs to a 1x1 rib for a slimmer finish or to a 3x3 rib for a chunkier border — both change the garment silhouette slightly.

I sometimes invert the side panel inserts, swapping Chart #1 and Chart #2 positions to create a mirrored visual effect across the body.

For a sporty touch, add contrast stripes at the hem or cuffs by changing yarn color for a few rounds and carrying the yarn up the inside neatly.

If you want more structure in the shoulders, consider weaving in a small strip of fabric or lightweight interfacing at the shoulder line after blocking to keep the shape crisp.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Ignoring the gauge swatch; it will result in a sweater that fits incorrectly, so always knit and block a swatch before starting. ✗ Not using stitch markers to mark section boundaries; this makes tracking the BoR and sleeve divisions confusing, so place markers as instructed. ✗ Skipping the short-row shaping instructions for the back neck; this will produce a poor neckline fit, so follow the short-row steps carefully and count turns. ✗ Changing needle sizes mid-pattern without checking gauge; switching yarn or needle size affects stitch counts and cable appearance, so adjust and re-swatch if you alter materials.

Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern

This elegant cable men's sweater is worked top-down in the round using the contiguous method, combining classic Aran-style braids with modern shaping. The pattern includes detailed charts for body, sleeves and shoulder shaping so you can follow along with confidence. You'll love the drape and luxurious feel when worked in soft cashmere — perfect for dressing up or cozying down.

Intermediate 12+ Hours

Materials Needed for Theory of braids men's sweater Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Carriaggi Piuma Cashmere (100% cashmere), 100 g – 320 m [350 yards] per skein
  • 02
    Yarn amounts by size: Size 32–34: 500 g (approx), Size 34–36: 550 g, Size 38–40: 570 g, Size 42–44: 600 g, Size 46–48: 630 g, Size 50–52: 650 g, Size 54–56: 700 g, Size 58–60: 750 g

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Circular knitting needles 2.5 mm [US1.5]
  • 02
    Circular knitting needles 4.0 mm [US6]
  • 03
    Cable needles
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Tapestry needle
  • 06
    Stitch holder, spare circular or piece of auxiliary yarn for holding sleeve sts
  • 07
    Extra cords or spare yarn for holding sts
  • 08
    Scissors
  • 09
    Blocking pins and surface for wet blocking

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— Overview :

Info :

'Theory of braids' men's sweater is worked from the neck down completely seamless in the round, using the contiguous method.

Info :

Sizes: 32–34; 34–36 (38–40; 42–44; 46–48) (50–52; 54–56; 58–60) in the indicated order.

— Needles and Materials :

Info :

yarn Carriaggi– Piuma Cashmere (100% cashmere; 100 g – 320 m [3.53 ounces – 350 yards]); circular knitting needles 2.5 mm [US1.5] and 4.0 mm [US6] or other appropriate size to obtain gauge; stitch markers, tapestry needle, stitch holder, spare circular, extra cords or a piece of auxiliary yarn; cable needles.

Info :

Yarn amounts by size (total yarn amount needed g [oz]): 32–34: 500 g; 34–36: 550 g; 38–40: 570 g; 42–44: 600 g; 46–48: 630 g; 50–52: 650 g; 54–56: 700 g; 58–60: 750 g.

— Gauge and Stitch Definitions :

Info :

Gauge: 26 sts and 30 rows/rounds = 10x10 cm [4x4 in], in Main Pattern (Center part chart/Body/Main Part Chart) on 4.0 mm [US6] needles, after blocking and stretched.

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pfb = purl the same stitch through front and back (1 increased).

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RLI = right-leaning lifted increase: insert right needle into stitch one row below next stitch and knit this additional stitch, then work next stitch as indicated.

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RLI-p = right-leaning lifted purl-wise increase: insert right needle into stitch one row below next stitch and purl this additional stitch, then work next stitch as indicated.

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k2tog-L: knit 2 together left-leaning – insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch knit-wise. Still keeping the first stitch on the left needle, insert the right-hand needle into the second stitch and knit it through the back loop. Pull the resulting stitch between the first and the second stitch in front of work. Now, release the first stitch from the left needle, tightening the working yarn so that the new stitch sits tightly next to the adjacent stitch. Let the second stitch slide off of the left needle.

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LLI = left-leaning lifted increase: insert left needle into stitch two rows below the stitch just worked, lift stitch onto left needle and knit this additional stitch.

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LLI-p = left-leaning lifted increase: insert left needle into stitch two rows below the stitch just worked, lift stitch onto left needle and purl this additional stitch.

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BoR = beginning of the round; cn = cable needle; k2tog = knit 2 stitches together; k = knit; p = purl; p2tog = purl 2 stitches together; p2tog-tbl = purl 2 sts together through the back loop; RS = right side (outside) of the fabric; WS = wrong side (inside) of the fabric.

— Order of Work :

Info :

This pattern contains instructions for the following sizes in the indicated order: 32–34; 34–36 (38–40; 42–44; 46–48) (50–52; 54–56; 58–60).

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Begin of work: Using 2.5 mm [US1.5] needles, cast on 132; 132 (132; 132; 148) (148; 148; 148) st(s), join into the round without twisting, and place a BoR marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

— Neckline and Yoke :

Round 1 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, work 20 sts according to sleeve ribbing chart, place marker 1 (left sleeve) p2; 2 (2; 2; 2) (2; 2; 2), ko; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), po; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), work 42 sts according to Body Ribbing Chart, p2; 2 (2; 2; 2) (2; 2; 2), ko; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), po; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), place marker 2, (Back) work 20 sts according to sleeve ribbing chart, place marker 3 (right sleeve) p2; 2 (2; 2; 2) (2; 2; 2), ko; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), po; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), work 42 sts according to Body Ribbing Chart, p2; 2 (2; 2; 2) (2; 2; 2), ko; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), po; 0 (0; 0; 2) (2; 2; 2), (Front).

Info :

Work neckline ribbing in the established pattern according to the respective charts. Work Rounds 1–6 once, then work Round 7 (increases) of the chart. Change to 4.0 mm [US6] needles and continue. Work Round 10 of the appropriate ribbing chart, then proceed with shoulder line shaping as follows:

Row 1 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to Round 1 of the Sleeve Chart (left sleeve), slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work 2; 2 (2; 2; 6) (6; 6; 6) sts according to Round 1 of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size, place marker C1, work 48 sts according to Round 1 of Body/Main Part Chart, place marker C2, work 2; 2 (2; 2; 6) (6; 6; 6) sts according to Round 1 of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to Round 1 of the Sleeve Chart (right sleeve), slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work 2; 2 (2; 2; 6) (6; 6; 6) sts according to Round 1 of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size, place marker C3, work 48 sts according to Round 1 of Body/Main Part Chart, place marker C4, work 2; 2 (2; 2; 6) (6; 6; 6) sts according to Round 1 of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size, RLI.

Row 2 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size to marker 2, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size to marker C3, slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size to BoR marker, RLI.

Info :

Repeat Row 2 another 6 times, working the stitch patterns in the established manner, following either the charts or the respective written-out instructions. Work the stitches gained through increases in the manner shown in the respective chart for the appropriate size.

Info :

For a better fit of the garment, raise the back neck as follows:

Next Row 3 :

continuing shoulder line shaping and begin of short-row shaping to raise the back neck: slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size to marker 2, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work 4; 4 (4; 4; 5) (5; 5; 5) sts of the charted pattern, turn work to wrong side, slip 1 stitch purl-wise to right needle, leading the working yarn in back of the stitch, above the right needle. Tighten the working yarn so that the stitch on the right needle sits on the needle with two legs visible (Double stitch) = 3 sts increased.

Next Row 4 :

Continue working on the wrong side of the fabric. Work in the established pattern to marker 3, RLI-p, slip marker 3 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 2 to right needle, LLI-p, work in the established pattern to marker C2, slip marker C2 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C1 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 1, RLI-p, slip marker 1 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip BoR marker to right needle, LLI-p, work 4; 4 (4; 4; 5) (5; 5; 5) sts of the charted pattern, turn work to right side, slip 1 stitch knit-wise to right needle, leading the working yarn in back of the stitch, above the right needle. Tighten the working yarn so that the stitch on the right needle sits on the needle with two legs visible (Double stitch) = 4 sts increased.

Next Row 5 :

Continue working on the right side of the fabric. Work in the established pattern to BoR marker, RLI, slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 2, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to the Double stitch, knit both legs of the Double stitch together as one, work 1 st of the charted pattern, turn work to wrong side, slip 1 stitch purl-wise to right needle, leading the working yarn in back of the stitch, above the right needle. Tighten the working yarn so that the stitch on the right needle sits on the needle with two legs visible (Double stitch) = 4 sts increased.

Next Row 6 :

Continue working on the wrong side of the fabric. Work in the established pattern to marker 3, RLI-p, slip marker 3 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 2 to right needle, LLI-p, work in the established pattern to marker C2, slip marker C2 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C1 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 1, RLI-p, slip marker 1 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip BoR marker to right needle, LLI-p, then work in the established pattern to the Double stitch, purl both legs of the Double stitch together as one, work 1 st of the charted pattern, turn work to right side, slip 1 stitch knit-wise to right needle, leading the working yarn in back of the stitch, above the right needle. Tighten the working yarn so that the stitch on the right needle sits on the needle with two legs visible (Double stitch) = 4 sts increased.

Info :

Continue shoulder line shaping increases (Rows 5–6), at the same time working short rows to raise the back neck, working more turned rows in steps of: For sizes 32–34; 34–36; 38–40; 42–44: 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 4, 1, 1, 2, 4 st(s).

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For sizes 46–48; 50–52; 54–56; 58–60: 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, 1, 1, 2, 4 st(s).

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In the short row turning spots, slip the respective stitch and later knit or purl its both legs together, depending on the side of the fabric – knit both legs together in knit rows, and purl them together in purl rows.

Info :

Check the number of short rows worked to raise the back neck. After having completed all short rows to raise the back neck, the respective current row on the Back and Front of the sweater should have the same row number in the Body/Main Part Chart.

Next Round 7 :

Continue working on the right side of the fabric. Knit both legs of the Double Stitch together. Work in the established pattern to BoR marker, RLI, slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart. Slip marker C2 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 2, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to marker C3, and while doing so, after having knitted both legs of the second Double Stitch together, place marker N1. slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work in the established pattern to BoR marker, RLI = 5 sts increased.

Info :

While working the short rows, the BoR is shifted. In the following section, marker N1 indicates where to begin working the stitch pattern in the next row. The original BoR marker stays in place since all instructions regarding increases etc. are being continued, but the stitch pattern will begin at marker N1.

Next Round 8 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Left Sleeve chart, slip marker 1 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 2, RLI, slip marker 2 to right needle, work 24 sts according to the respective next round of the Right Sleeve chart, slip marker 3 to right needle, LLI, work in the established pattern to marker C3, slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work in the established pattern to BoR marker, RLI = 4 sts increased.

Info :

Repeat Round 8 another 4; 6 (10; 12; 14) (16; 18; 22) times, working the stitch patterns in the established manner, following either the charts or the respective written-out instructions. Work the stitches gained through increases in the manner shown in the respective chart for the appropriate size.

Info :

You should now have 24 sts each per shoulder, and 128; 132 (140; 144; 158) (162; 166; 174) sts each for Front and Back. Total stitch count – 304; 312 (328; 336; 364) (372; 380; 396) st(s).

— Working the sleeves :

Info :

Work one round even in the established pattern over an unchanged stitch count, moving the BoR marker and marker 2 – 2 sts to the left, and markers 1 and 3 – 2 sts to the right. This yields 20 sts each for each shoulder, while the outmost 2 knit sts at both sides of the shoulder are allocated to the Front and Back.

Round 1 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, LLI, work 20 sts according to Round 1 of the Sleeve Cap Chart for the Left Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 1 to right needle, k2, p1, work in the established pattern to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work in the established pattern to 3 sts before marker 2, p1, k2, slip marker 2 to right needle, LLI, 20 sts according to Round 1 of the Sleeve Cap chart for the Right Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 3 to right needle, k2, p1, work in the established pattern to marker C3, slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work in the established pattern to 3 sts before BoR marker, p1, k2 = 4 sts increased.

Info :

Incorporate the stitches gained through increases into the stitch pattern according to the respective charts for the Left and Right Sleeve Cap.

Round 2 :

work in the established pattern over an unchanged stitch count.

Round 3 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the next round of the Sleeve Cap chart for the Left Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 1 to right needle, k2, p1, work in the established pattern to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work in the established pattern to 3 sts before marker 2, p1, k2, slip marker 2 to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the next round of the Sleeve Cap chart for the Right Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 3 to right needle, k2, p1, work in the established pattern to marker C3, slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work in the established pattern to 3 sts before BoR marker, p1, k2 = 4 sts increased.

Round 4 :

work in the established pattern over an unchanged stitch count.

Info :

Repeat Rounds 3–4 another 16; 20 (21; 21; 24) (25; 27; 27) times.

Info :

Continue shaping the armhole and sleeve cap of the garment according to Shoulder Line Shaping Charts #1 and 2 and Sleeve Cap Chart for the appropriate size. In this section, stitches will be increased not only in the sleeve, but also in the Body of the sweater, to both sides of the sleeve, as shown in the charts.

Round 5 :

slip BoR marker to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the next round of the Sleeve Cap chart for the Left Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 1 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size to marker C1, slip marker C1 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C2 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, LLI, work sts according to the next round of the Sleeve Cap chart for the Right Sleeve, RLI, slip marker 3 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 for the appropriate size to marker C3, slip marker C3 to right needle, work 48 sts according to the respective next round of the Body/Main Part Chart, slip marker C4 to right needle, work sts according to the respective next round of Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #2 for the appropriate size to BoR marker = 8 sts increased.

Round 6 :

work in the established pattern over an unchanged stitch count.

Info :

Repeat Rounds 5–6 another 3; 2; (2; 3; 3) (3; 3; 5) times.

Next Round :

sleeve division: slip BoR marker to right needle, transfer 64; 70 (72; 74; 78) (82; 86; 90) sts (Left Sleeve) to a stitch holder, piece of waste yarn or spare cord for holding, cast on 9; 12 (22; 27; 29) (28; 27; 27) new underarm sts, slip marker 1 to right needle, work in the established pattern to marker 2, slip marker 2 to right needle, transfer 64; 70 (72; 74; 78) (82; 86; 90) sts (Right Sleeve) to a stitch holder, piece of waste yarn or spare cord for holding, cast on 9; 12 (22; 27; 29) (28; 27; 27) new underarm sts, slip marker 3 to right needle, work over the sts of the Front in the established pattern to BoR marker.

Info :

After having divided for the sleeves, you should have 298; 308 (344; 366; 398) (404; 410; 434) st(s).

Info :

Transfer the BoR marker and marker 2 – 2; 2 (5; 2; 0) (2; 2; 2) sts to the right, and markers 1 and 3 –2; 2 (5; 2; 0) (2; 2; 2) sts to the left.

Info :

Continue working in the round in the earlier established pattern, working the sections between the BoR marker and markers 1, 2 and 3 in the Side Panel insert pattern as follows according to size: Size 32–34: Side panel insert Chart #1, p1, Side panel insert Chart #2 = 13 sts; Size 34–36: Side panel insert Chart #1, p4, Side panel insert Chart #2 = 16 sts; Size 38–40: Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2 = 32 sts; Size 42–44: Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1 = 31 sts; Size 46–48: p1, Side panel insert Chart #2, p1, Side panel insert Chart #1, p1, Side panel insert Chart #2, p1, Side panel insert Chart #1, p1 = 29 sts; Size 50–52: Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2 = 32 sts; Size 54–56: Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1 = 31 sts; Size 58–60: Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1, p3, Side panel insert Chart #2, p2, Side panel insert Chart #1 = 31 sts.

Info :

Begin working Side Panel Insert Charts 1 and 2 from Round 4; 4 (2; 6; 4) (2; 8; 8) so that the current round of the Side Panel Insert corresponds to the current round of the Body of the garment.

Info :

Work until piece has either reached a length of 42; 45 (46; 48; 50) (52; 54; 55) cm [16.5; 17.7 (18.1; 18.9; 19.7) (20.5; 21.25; 21.65) in] from sleeve division, or is 5 cm [2 in] shorter than desired length of the garment, remove all markers, in the following odd-numbered round, change to 2.5 mm [US1.5] needles and continue, working 'k2, p2' ribbing in the following manner:

Info :

Over the stitches between marker N1 and the BoR marker, continue the stitch pattern of the previous round.

Info :

work all sts in the established pattern, while in the first round of ribbing, working as follows: work the 6 knit sts as 'k2, p2, k2'; work the 3 purl sts as 'p1, p2tog'; work the 4 purl sts as 'p2tog, p2tog'. When the ribbing has reached a height of 5 cm [2 in], bind off all sts.

— Charts and Stitch Patterns :

Info :

Body ribbing chart and Sleeve ribbing chart are provided as charts. Rounds 1–6, Round 7, Rounds 8–10 and Sleeve chart rounds are detailed in the charts and in the written instructions on the charts pages.

Info :

Center part chart / Body/Main Part Chart and Stitch pattern for upper arm chart are provided on the charts pages, with written round-by-round notes: Round 1, Rounds 2,4,6,8 etc. See charts for cable crossing instructions such as 2/2 RC, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC etc.

— Right sleeve :

Info :

Take up the previously held sleeve sts with 4.0 mm [US6] needles. Right side facing, join new working yarn, place BoR marker, work 9; 12 (22; 27; 29) (28; 27; 27) sts into the corresponding sts of the side insert panel of the sweater, working knit stitches into knit stitches and purl stitches into purl stitches. Place marker 1, work the stitches of the Right Sleeve in the established pattern according to the pattern report in the chart (see pattern repeat framed in Red in Sleeve Cap Chart). Work the newly cast-on underarm sts of the Side Panel in the indicated order for the Side Panel in the appropriate size. You should now have a total of 73; 82 (94, 101, 107) (110, 113, 117) sts.

Info :

Move the BoR marker – 0; 2 (1; 2; 0) (2; 2; 2) st(s) to the right, and marker 1 – 0; 2 (1; 2; 0) (2; 2; 2) st(s) to the left.

Info :

Continue as follows: slip BoR marker to right needle, work the sts of the Side Panel Insert in the established pattern to marker 1, slip marker 1 to right needle, p2; 2 (2; 2; 1) (1; 3; 2), work the sts of the Right Sleeve in the established pattern to 2; 2 (2; 2; 1) (1; 3; 2) sts before BoR marker, p2; 2 (2; 2; 1) (1; 3; 2).

Info :

Work 20 rounds in the established pattern.

Round 1 (decreases) :

slip BoR marker to right needle, work the sts of the Side Panel Insert in the earlier established pattern, slip marker 1 to right needle, p2tog, then work in the established pattern to 2 sts before BoR marker, p2tog-tbl = 2 sts decreased. Work Rounds 2–12 even over an unchanged stitch count in the earlier established pattern.

Info :

Repeat Rounds 1–12 another 3; 4 (4, 5, 5) (5, 6, 6) times. As a result, you should now have a total of 65; 72 (84, 89, 95) (98, 99, 103) sts. Continue in the established pattern until sleeve has either reached a length of 40, 41 (42, 43, 44) (45, 46, 47) cm [15.75, 16.1 (16.5, 17, 17.3) (17.7, 18.15, 18.5) in] from begin of armhole, or is 5 cm [2 in] shorter than desired sleeve length.

Info :

In the following odd-numbered round, change to 2.5 mm [US1.5] needles and continue, working 'k2, p2' ribbing in the following manner: Work all sts in the established pattern, while in the first round of ribbing, working as follows: work the 6 knit sts as 'k2, p2, k2'; work the 3 purl sts as 'p1, p2tog'; work the 4 purl sts as 'p2tog, p2tog'. When the ribbing has reached a height of 5 cm [2 in], bind off all sts.

Info :

Work the Left Sleeve the same way. Moisten the sweater, and block on an even horizontal surface, leaving pinned until completely dry. Happy knitting! 😊

— Charts Reference :

Info :

Body ribbing chart, Sleeve ribbing chart, Center part chart / Body/Main Part Chart, Stitch pattern for upper arm chart, Side panel insert Chart #1 and #2, Shoulder Line Shaping Chart #1 and #2 and Sleeve Cap Chart are provided as graphical charts with written round notes. Follow charts for cable crossing instructions such as RC, LC, RPC, LPC, etc.

Assembly Instructions

  • After dividing for the sleeves, transfer held sleeve stitches to needles and pick up and cast on underarm stitches, then work the sleeve cap according to the Sleeve Cap Chart until the specified stitch count is reached.
  • When sleeve knitting is complete, change to smaller needles for ribbing and bind off after the ribbing reaches 5 cm [2 in], then repeat for the second sleeve.
  • Block the sweater: moisten the finished garment and pin it on an even horizontal surface to the desired measurements, leaving it pinned until completely dry to set stitch patterns and dimensions.
  • Use markers placed during yoke shaping to ensure correct alignment; after finishing the body and sleeves, remove all markers and weave in ends using a tapestry needle.
  • When picking up side panel stitches and joining sleeves, ensure pattern repeats align at seams and use spare cords or waste yarn to hold sts securely while you work adjacent sections.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to mark sleeve boundaries, BoR and pattern repeat points for accurate shaping and easier reading of charts.
  • 💡Always knit and block a gauge swatch in the main pattern on 4.0 mm needles and adjust needle size if necessary to match the stated gauge.
  • 💡When working short rows to raise the back neck, tighten the working yarn when creating the double stitch so the resulting join is neat and unnoticeable.
  • 💡Follow the charts exactly for cable crossings; written rounds are provided for the right-side instructions, but charts show the full sequence in both directions.
  • 💡Change to the smaller needles for the ribbing rounds and check ribbing height before binding off to ensure the cuff and hem sit correctly.

This 'Theory of braids' men's sweater blends classic cable work with contemporary top-down shaping for a flawless fit. The pattern includes comprehensive charts for body, sleeves and shoulder shaping, plus exact yarn amounts and needle guidance. Make it in soft cashmere for an ultra-luxe finish you will reach for again and again. 🧶✨

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The pattern provides multiple sizes from 32–34 up to 58–60; finished measurements depend on size chosen and gauge, so refer to the size table and gauge to determine final dimensions.

What yarn and needle sizes are recommended?

The designer used Carriaggi Piuma Cashmere (100% cashmere) and recommends 2.5 mm [US1.5] and 4.0 mm [US6] circular needles; adjust needle size to achieve the stated gauge of 26 sts x 30 rows = 10x10 cm.

Do I need to know how to read charts?

Yes, charts are essential for the cable patterns and shoulder shaping; written instructions are provided for many rounds, but charts show the full sequence and are used throughout the pattern.

How long does this project typically take?

This is a multi-day project; most knitters should expect to spend more than 12 hours to complete the sweater depending on experience and size.