Free Knit Pattern for a Stylish Short & Long Sleeve Sweater

Knitting enthusiasts & lovers of free knit patterns, rejoice! If you’re looking for a versatile and stylish short-sleeve sweater to add to your handmade wardrobe, the Peach Tea pullover is just what you need.

This cropped sweater offers endless customization options, making it the perfect project for knitters who love to experiment with colors, textures, and lengths. Whether you want a scrappy marled fade or bold color blocks, this size inclusive pattern has been meticulously tech-edited and tested for a flawless fit.

Why You’ll Love the Peach Tea Sweater

The Peach Tea pullover isn’t just another free knitting pattern—it’s a chance to craft something truly unique. Here’s why this sweater will be your next favorite make:

Choose Your Perfect Sleeve Length

One of the standout features of the Peach Tea sweater is its adaptability. With three different sleeve lengths to choose from, you can customize your sweater to suit your style, climate, and personal preference. Whether you’re looking for a breezy summer knit, a transitional piece for layering, or a cozy winter staple, this pattern has you covered.

If you’re knitting for warmer weather, the short sleeves provide a lightweight and breathable option, making it perfect for spring and summer wear. This version pairs beautifully with high-waisted skirts, jeans, or even layered over a dress for a chic, effortless look.

For a versatile, year-round choice, the ¾-length sleeves offer the best of both worlds. They provide just the right amount of coverage while still feeling light and wearable. This sleeve length is great for transitional seasons when you need an extra layer but don’t want to overheat.

And for those chilly months, the long sleeves add warmth and comfort, making this sweater a go-to cozy essential. Whether you’re lounging at home, layering under a jacket, or heading out on a crisp day, the long sleeve version will keep you feeling snug and stylish. No matter which option you choose, the pattern is designed to provide a smooth and seamless transition between sleeve lengths, ensuring a polished and professional finish.

Customize Your Sweater with Endless Color Possibilities

One of the best things about the Peach Tea sweater is its incredible versatility when it comes to color and texture. Whether you want a subtle gradient or a bold statement piece, this pattern gives you the freedom to experiment and express your creativity.

If you love a blended, artistic look, try holding fingering weight yarn double to create a beautiful marled fade. By combining two different shades, you can achieve a soft, painterly transition of colors that makes your sweater truly unique. This technique is perfect for those who love subtle color changes or want to use up leftover yarn in their stash.

For a more structured and defined appearance, opt for DK weight yarn in bold color blocks. This method allows you to play with striking contrasts, creating a sweater with a modern and graphic feel. Whether you choose classic neutrals or vibrant hues, the DK option offers clean lines and a polished finish.

Another fun way to make this sweater your own is by embracing a scrappy marled fade using leftover yarn from past projects. Not only does this add a touch of personality to your sweater, but it’s also a sustainable, eco-friendly way to knit. However you decide to customize it, the Peach Tea sweater is designed to showcase your creativity and style!

Thoughtful Design for a Flawless Finish

Every detail of the Peach Tea sweater has been carefully crafted to create a polished and stylish final product. Whether you’re a fan of refined edges, subtle texture, or a customized fit, this pattern offers features that will make your knitting experience both enjoyable and rewarding.

One of the standout details is the optional tubular cast-on and bind-off, which gives your sweater a professional, seamless edge. This technique creates a clean and stretchy finish, making the neckline, cuffs, and hem look refined and well-structured.

Additionally, the pattern incorporates delicate 1/1 cables, adding just the right amount of texture without overpowering the overall design. These small but impactful details elevate the sweater, giving it a handcrafted yet sophisticated look.

For those who love a tailored fit, the pattern includes optional waist shaping, allowing you to create a silhouette that flatters your body shape. Whether you prefer a fitted style or a more relaxed look, the customization options ensure that your finished sweater will feel like it was made just for you!

Sizing & Fit Guide for the Free Knit Sweater Pattern

Finding the right size is essential for a perfect fit. The Peach Tea sweater is available in the following sizes:

• Finished Bust Circumference: 32 (36, 40, 44) 48, 52, 56, 60 inches / 81.5 (91.5, 101.5, 112) 122, 132, 142, 152.5 cm.

Finding a pattern that truly fits and flatters all body types can be a challenge, but the Peach Tea sweater has been thoughtfully designed with inclusivity in mind. With sizes ranging from 1 to 8, this pattern ensures that every knitter can create a piece that fits them perfectly.

The structured yet flexible design allows for modifications so that you can customize the fit to your body’s shape and comfort level. Plus, the optional waist shaping means you can achieve a more tailored or relaxed look, depending on your preference. For an even more a looser fit, consider sizing up or experimenting with a different gauge.

Materials & Yarn Requirements

Yarn Options for the Free Knit Pattern

To create your Peach Tea pullover free knit pattern, you’ll need either:

• Fingering Weight Yarn Held Double: 1500 (1620, 1790, 1950) 2190, 2460, 2610 yds / 1370 (1480, 1640, 1780) 2000, 2100, 2250, 2390 m
• DK Weight Yarn: 750 (810, 895, 975) 1095, 1150, 1230, 1305 yds / 685 (740, 820, 890) 1000, 1050, 1125, 1195 m

Suggested Yarn:

• La Bien Aimee Merino Super Sock (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon) – Coral Crush, Glimmer, Lazy Dazy (exclusive Stephen & Penelope colorways)

Pro Tip: Yarn estimates are for ¾-length sleeves with waist shaping. Adjust accordingly:

• Short sleeves? Subtract about 10% from the total yarn.
• Long sleeves? Add about 10% more yarn.
• No waist shaping? Add about 15% more yarn.
• Not sure? Always grab an extra skein to be safe!

Needle & Notions for the Free Knit Pattern Sweater

To achieve the correct gauge and create a beautifully finished sweater, you’ll need:

• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.50 mm) – 40”/100 cm and 32”/80 cm circular needles
  • US 7 (4.50 mm) DPNs or Magic Loop for small circumference knitting
  • US 6 (4.00 mm) – 32”/80 cm circular needles
  • US 6 (4.00 mm) DPNs or Magic Loop
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, cable needle (optional).

Gauge & Techniques

Achieving the right gauge is crucial for a well-fitting sweater. Be sure to swatch before starting this free knit pattern!

• Stockinette Gauge: 21 stitches & 31 rounds = 4”/10 cm (after blocking) using the larger needle.
• Motif Gauge: 2 motifs: 32 stitches = 5”/12.5 cm & 42 rows = 5.25”/13 cm (using the largest needle).

This free knit pattern includes a variety of techniques to challenge and delight knitters:

• Tubular Cast-On & Bind-Off (optional but recommended for a professional look)
• 1/1 Ribbing for a structured and polished finish
• YO and KFB Increases to shape the sweater seamlessly
• 1/1 Cables for a touch of elegance
• Waist Shaping (optional) for a flattering silhouette

Glossary for Free Knit Pattern: Knitted Tee

Special Techniques in the Free Sweater Knitting Pattern

Free Knit Sweater Pattern Schematic

Notes for Free Knit Sweater Pattern

How to Fade in Knitting

This free knit sweater pattern uses a marled fading technique. It can be used with 2, 3, or 20 colors. To begin, hold two strands of color A together. When you’re ready to switch to the next color, hold one strand of A and one strand of B together. After working several rows, hold two strands of B together. I do not include line-by-line instructions on when to change colors because I believe in using up skeins of yarn! I worked A until I had about 10% of the skein left. Then I worked as many rows as I could until I ran out of A. You can use full skeins or all the bits and bobs you’ve got laying around. It’s all up to your stash and your preferences! 

Reading Your Knitting + Cables

This is a great free knit pattern to practice “reading” your knitting. The crosses will form a pattern that looks exactly like the chart. Try starting the next cross round without checking the chart—you can do it! I believe in you! After doing the first repeat, take a peek. I bet you got it right. If not, no worries! You can try again next round. Reading your knitting is a great way to grow your confidence! You’ll spend less time counting and more time knitting, which I know is always a plus for me! 

Want to skip the cable needle? I did and it worked up so much faster! Check out Knitting with Suzanne Bryan’s YouTube video Cabling Without a Cable Needle – a Comparison of Two Methods. I used the first method, but you can use whatever works for you! 

Use Your Favorite CO & BO

Not a fan of the tubular CO or BO? No problem! Use whatever CO or BO you prefer. However, if using a looser CO consider picking up the neckline at the end! This will help hold it tight to your neck. 

For the Love of Boat Necks

Find you love the look of the boat neck but it’s grown? Some of the testers found this too! It’s often a result of yarn fiber or ply. But don’t worry! You can still fix it even after the free knit sweater pattern is finished. Just check out this tutorial by Olive Knits: Fix a Sweater that Slides Off!

Peach Tea: Free Knit Pattern for Short Sleeve Sweater

Collar 

Using the tubular CO and smaller needles, CO 144 (152, 170, 170) [168, 160, 174, 182] sts. Pm and join in the round. 

Round 1: * K1, p1, rep from * around. 

Repeat Round 1 for 1.5”/4 cm from CO edge.

Yoke Set Up for Free Knit Pattern

Size 1 ONLY: 

Round 1: * Kfb, p1, kfb, p1, k1, p1, rep from * around – 192 sts. 

Sizes 2 (3, 4) ONLY: 

Round 1: [Kfb, p1] 4 times, * kfb, p1, kfb, p1, k1, p1, rep from * around – 204 (228, 228) sts.

Size 5 ONLY: 

Round 1: * Kfb, p1, rep from * around – 252 sts. 

Sizes 6 [7] ONLY: 

Round 1: [Kfb, p1]10 times, * [Kfb, p1] 5 times, kfb, p1, k1, p1, rep from * around – 230 [250] sts. 

Size 8 ONLY: 

Round 1: * [Kfb, p1] 5 times, kfb, p1, k1, p1, rep from * around – 260 sts.

All Sizes Resume for Yoke Section 1. 

Yoke Section 1 

Switch to larger needle. 

Rounds 1-5: K around. 

Short Row Section (optional)

The Short Row Section is worked back and forth across the BOR to tilt the neckline forward 1.5”/4 cm. If you wish the sweater to sit straight on your shoulders, you can skip this section. 

Short Row 1 (RS): K6, w&t. 

Short Row 2 (WS): P12, w&t. 

Short Row 3: K to prev w&t, k the stitch together with its wrap, k8 (9, 10, 10) [12, 13, 15, 15], w&t.  

Short Row 4: P to prev w&t, p the stitch together with its wrap, p8 (9, 10, 10) [12, 13, 15, 15], w&t. 

Repeat Short Rows 3 & 4 three more times. 

Short Row 5: K to m. 

Rounds 6: K around (taking care to knit each wrap together with its stitch in Round 5). 

Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4) [5] ONLY: 

Round 7: * K4, yo, k4, yo, k4, rep from * around – 224 (238, 266, 266) [294] sts. 

Rounds 8-14: K around. 

Skip to Yoke Section 2. 

Sizes 6 [7, 8] ONLY: 

Round 7: * K3, yo, k4, yo, k3, rep from * around – 276 [300, 312] sts. 

Rounds 8-14: K around. 

Round 15: * K4, yo, k4, yo, k4, * around – 322 [350, 364] sts. 

All Sizes Resume for Yoke Section 2.

Yoke Section 2 (Motif) 

Round 1: * 1/1 LC, k10, 1/1 RC, rep from * around.

Round 2 (and every even round): K around. 

Round 3: * K1, 1/1 LC, k8, 1/1 RC, k1, rep from * around. 

Round 5: * K2, 1/1 LC, k6, 1/1 RC, k2, rep from * around.

Round 7: * K3, 1/1 LC, k4, 1/1 RC, k3, rep from * around.

Round 9: * K4, 1/1 LC, k2, 1/1 RC, k4, rep from * around 

Round 11: * K5, 1/1 LC 1/1 RC, k5, rep from * around.

Round 13: * K3, yo, k3, 1/1 LC, k3, yo, k3, rep from * around – 256 (272, 304, 304) [336, 368, 400, 416] sts. 

Round 15: * 1/1 LC, k4, 1/1 RC, rep from * around.

Round 17: K1, *  1/1 LC, k2, 1/1 RC, k2, 1/1 LC, k2, 1/1 RC, 1/1 RC, rep from * to 1 st past the BOR (place BOR m in the middle of the cross).

Round 19: * 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k4, 1/1 LC 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, rep from * around.

Round 21: K1, * 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, k6, rep from 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, * to 1 st past the BOR. 

Round 23: * 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, k4, 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, rep from * around.

Round 25: * K1, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, k2, 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k1, rep from * around.

Round 27: * K2, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k2, rep from * around.

Round 29: * K3, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k3, rep from * around.

Round 31: * K4, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k4, rep from * around.

Round 33: * K3, yo, k2, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, 1/1 RC, k2, yo, k3 rep from * around – 288 (306, 342, 342) [378, 414, 450, 468] sts. 

Round 35: * K7, 1/1 LC, 1/1 RC, k7, rep from * around.

Round 37: * K8, 1/1 RC, k8, rep from * around.

Round 38: K around. 

Sizes 1 (2, 3) ONLY: 

If doing Short Sleeves, proceed to Short Sleeves section. Otherwise: 

Round 1-4: K around. 

Proceed to Armhole Division. 

Sizes 4 [5, 6 7, 8] ONLY: 

Rounds 1-4: K around. 

Round 5: * K5, yo, k8, yo, k5, rep from * around – 380 [420, 460, 500, 520] sts.

If doing Short Sleeves, proceed to Short Sleeves section. Otherwise:

K around until piece measures 9.25 [9.75, 10.25, 10.75, 11.25]”/ 23 [25, 26, 27.5, 28.5, 30] cm from CO edge in front. 

Armhole Division for Free Knit pattern

All Sizes Resume for Armhole Division (Short Sleeves skip this section).

The sweater is divided so that there is 2”/5 cm more fabric on the front than on the back to account for the bust. 

Round 1: K 39 (43, 49, 55) [60, 65, 71, 76], place 60 (61, 67, 75) [85, 94, 102, 102] sts on a stitch holder, using a cable cast on CO 0 (3, 1, 1) [1, 0, 0, 0] sts, k90 (98, 110, 121) [131, 142, 154, 164], place 60 (61, 67, 75) [85, 94, 102, 102] sts on a stitch holder, using a cable cast on CO 0 (3, 1, 1) [1, 0, 0, 0] sts, k39 (43, 49, 54) [59, 65, 71, 76] – 168 (190, 210, 232) [252, 272, 296, 316] sts rem on needles. 

Proceed to Body of free knit pattern. 

For Short Sleeves ONLY (pictured):

Round 1: K 39 (43, 49, 55) [60, 65, 71, 76], pm, [k1, p1] for 60 (61, 67, 75) [85, 94, 102, 102] sts, pm, k90 (98, 110, 121) [131, 142, 154, 164], pm, [k1, p1] for 60 (61, 67, 75) [85, 94, 102, 102] sts, pm k39 (43, 49, 54) [59, 65, 71, 76].

Rounds 2-4: * K to m, [k1, p1] to m, rep from * one more time, k to end. 

Round 5 (Armhole Division Round): * K to m, BO 60 (61, 67, 75) [85, 94, 102, 102] sts in patt, rep from * one more time, k to end — 168 (184, 208, 230) [250, 272, 296, 316] sts rem on needles. 

Round 6: * K to m, using a cable cast on CO 0 (3, 1, 1) [1, 0, 0, 0] sts, * one more time, k to end – 168 (190, 210, 232) [252, 272, 296, 316] sts.

Proceed to Body.

Body – Without Shaping

K around until sweater reaches 6.25 (6.5, 6.75, 6.75) [6.5, 6.25, 6, 5.75]”/ 16 (16.5, 17, 17) [16.5, 16, 15, 14.5] cm from armhole division round or 2”/5 cm less than desired length. Skip to Hem. 

Body – With Shaping (Pictured) 

Waist shaping will be worked along 4 bust darts at different rates for the front and back since the front has 2”/5 cm extra for the bust. This means the front will have double the decreases that the back has. We’ll be working 2 decrease rounds, one which will decrease at all 4 darts and one which will decrease at only the front darts. To distinguish between the darts, we will number the 4 markers – m1 (back), m2 & m3 (front), and m4 (back). (I found it helpful to use different colors for the front and back markers.) 

Set Up Round: K14 (16, 18, 19) [21, 23, 25, 26], pm, k49 (55, 61, 68) [73, 79, 86, 92], pm, k42 (48, 52, 58) [64, 68, 74, 80], pm, k49 (55, 61, 68) [73, 79, 86, 92], pm, k to end. 

STOP – Take a moment to try it on! 

The darts (markers) are intended to be under the points of each breast. Try it on now and adjust the fit by moving the markers. Moving both front markers away from the center by 3 sts will result in the points spaced a little more than +1” apart. Moving both front markers toward the center by 3 sts will result in the points spaced a little less than -1” apart. The front and back can be adjusted at the same rate or separately. 

Decrease Set

Decrease Round 1: K to 2 sts before m1, k2tog, sm, k to m2, sm, ssk, k to 2 sts before m3, k2tog, sm, k to m4, sm, ssk, k to end – 164 (186, 206, 228) [248, 268, 292, 312] sts. 

Sizes 1-2 ONLY: K 3 rounds. 

Sizes 3-7 ONLY: K 2 rounds. 

Size 8 ONLY: K 1 round. 

Decrease Round 2: K to m2, sm, ssk, k to 2 sts before m3, k2tog, sm, k to end – 162 (184, 204, 226) [246 266, 2290, 310] sts. 

Sizes 1-4 ONLY: K 2 rounds. 

Sizes 5-8 ONLY: K 1 round. 

Repeat Decrease Set three more times – 144 (166, 186, 208) [228, 248, 272, 292] sts. 

K around until sweater reaches 6.25 (6.5, 6.75, 6.75) [6.5, 6.25, 6, 5.75]”/ 16 (16.5, 17, 17) [16.5, 16, 15, 14.5] cm from armhole division round or 2”/5 cm less than desired length. 

Hem

Switch to smaller needles. 

Round 1: * K1, p1, rep from * around. 

Repeat Round 1 for 2”/5 cm. BO using the Tubular BO (also known as the Invisible Ribbed Bind Off) or preferred stretchy BO method. 

Congratulations Short Sleevers, you’re done! Everyone else, proceed to Sleeves. 

¾ and Long Sleeves (Make 2) 

Return sleeve sts to needles. Starting at the middle of the underarm, pick up 0 (2, 1, 1) [1, 0, 0, 0] sts, k around, pick up 0 (1, 0, 0) [0, 0, 0, 0] sts – 60 (64, 68, 76) [86, 94, 102, 102] sts. Pm and join in the round. 

Decrease Round: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1 – 58 (62, 66, 74) [84, 92, 100, 100] sts. 

Repeat Decrease Round every 8 (8, 8, 6) [5, 4, 4, 4]th round. 

For ¾ Sleeves ONLY: 

Repeat Decrease Round 7 (7, 8, 10) [13, 17, 18, 18] times – 44 (48, 52, 54) [58, 58, 64, 64] sts. 

Continue knitting around until sleeve reaches 9 (9, 9.5, 9.5) [10, 10, 10.5, 10.5]”/23 (23, 24, 24) [25.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5] cm or 2”/5 cm less than the desired length. Proceed to Cuff. 

For Long Sleeves ONLY: 

Repeat Decrease Round 11 (11, 12, 15) [20, 22, 25, 24] more times – 36 (40, 42, 44) [44, 48, 50, 52] sts. 

Continue knitting around until sleeve reaches 14 (14, 14.5, 14.5) [15, 15, 15.5, 15.5]”/ 35.5 (35.5, 37, 37) [38, 38, 39.5, 39.5] cm or 3”/7.5 cm less than the desired length. 

Cuff 

Switch to smaller needles. 

Round 1: * K1, p1, rep from * around. 

For short- and ¾-sleeves, repeat Round 1 for 2”/5 cm. For long sleeves, repeat Round 1 for 3”/7.5 cm. 

BO using the Tubular BO (also known as the Invisible Ribbed Bind Off) or preferred stretchy BO method. Weave in ends, block to measurements, and enjoy!

Get the PDF of the Peach Tea Pullover

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Get Started on Your Peach Tea Pullover!

Ready to cast on? Grab your yarn, needles, and a cozy cup of tea, and enjoy knitting this stunning short-sleeve sweater. With its thoughtful design, inclusive sizing, and endless customization options, the Peach Tea pullover is bound to become a favorite in your handmade wardrobe. Happy knitting!