How to Knit a Patriotic-Themed Pullover Sweater

Create a timeless, patriotic look with this intermediate-level knit pullover. This project features a classic striped body and a star-patterned yoke, making it a perfect addition to any wardrobe for holidays or everyday wear.

Project Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Gauge: 17 sts and 22 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in stocking stitch.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Medium weight yarn (such as Red Heart Super Saver, 7 oz/198 g; 364 yds/333 m):

• Main Color (MC) – Royal Blue: 2 balls for XS/S, M, L, XL; 3 balls for 2/3XL, 4/5XL
• Contrast A – Cherry Red: 1 ball for all sizes
• Contrast B – Soft White: 1 ball for XS/S, M, L, XL; 2 balls for 2/3XL, 4/5XL

Tools

• US 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needles, 29″ [75 cm] long
• Set of 4 US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Stitch markers
• 2 stitch holders
• Yarn needle

Sizing Guide

This pattern is designed to fit the following chest measurements:

• XS/S: 28-34″ (Finished chest: 36½”)
• M: 36-38″ (Finished chest: 42″)
• L: 40-42″ (Finished chest: 46″)
• XL: 44-46″ (Finished chest: 49″)
• 2/3XL: 48-54″ (Finished chest: 56″)
• 4/5XL: 56-62″ (Finished chest: 64″)

Knitting Abbreviations

• Approx: Approximately
• Beg: Beginning
• Cont: Continue(ity)
• Kfb: Increase 1 stitch by knitting into front and back of next stitch
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Pat: Pattern
• PM: Place marker
• Rep: Repeat
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• WS: Wrong side

Step-by-Step Instructions

The Stripe Pattern

The body of the sweater follows a specific stripe sequence:

• Using Contrast B (White), knit 10 rounds.
• Using Contrast A (Red), knit 10 rounds.
• These 20 rounds together make up one “Stripe Pat.”

The Body

Using Contrast A and circular needles, cast on 156 (178-196-210-240-274) stitches. Join for working in the round and place a marker (PM) on the first stitch.

1st round: *K1, P1. Repeat from * around. Repeat this ribbing round 9 more times.

Now, proceed with the Stripe Pattern. Knit in rounds until the work from the beginning measures approximately 15″ [38 cm], ending after the 10th round of Contrast A (Red).

Next round: [K78 (89-98-105-120-137). Slip the last 8 (10-8-8-12-16) stitches onto a stitch holder for the underarm] twice. Leave all remaining stitches on a spare needle. Break Contrast A and B.

The Sleeves

Using the Main Color (MC) and double-pointed needles, cast on 36 (46-48-50-54-54) stitches. Divide stitches onto 3 needles, join in the round, and PM on the first stitch.

Work in (K1, P1) ribbing for 2″ [5 cm].

Next round: Kfb. Knit to the last stitch. Kfb.

Knit 7 (7-7-5-3-3) rounds even. Repeat the increase round every 8 (8-8-6-4-4) rounds until there are 58 (66-68-76-84-90) stitches.

Continue knitting even until the sleeve measures 18½ (19-19-18½-18-17½)” [47 (48.5-48.5-47-45.5-44.5) cm] from the beginning.

Next round: K54 (61-64-72-78-82). Slip the last 4 (5-4-4-6-8) stitches and the first 4 (5-4-4-6-8) stitches of the round onto a stitch holder for the underarm. Break MC.

The Yoke

Important Note on Colorwork: When working from the chart, carry the color not in use loosely across the wrong side, but never over more than 5 stitches. If it must pass over more than 5 stitches, weave it over and under the color in use. Do not twist colors around each other.

1st round: With MC, [K50 (56-60-68-72-74) for the Sleeve; K70 (79-90-97-108-121) for the Body. PM on needle] twice. Total stitches: 240 (270-300-330-360-390).

Knit 4 rounds.

Follow the star chart to the end, reading rounds from right to left. Note that the 15-stitch repeat will be worked 16 (18-20-22-24-26) times. You will end with 64 (72-80-88-96-104) stitches.

Tip: Switch to a set of 4 needles when the stitch count becomes small enough.

For sizes L, XL, 2/3XL, and 4/5XL only: Next round: With MC, *K(8-9-4-2). K2tog. Repeat from * around. Total stitches: (72-80-80-78).

All Sizes: With MC, work 2″ [5 cm] in (K1, P1) ribbing. Cast off.

Finishing Touches

To complete the pullover, graft the underarm stitches together using a yarn needle for a seamless finish