novice sweater - Petite Knit

The Novice Sweater by PetiteKnit is one of those patterns that keeps earning its name. Simple, timeless, and genuinely beginner-friendly, it’s the kind of sweater many knitters finish and immediately want to cast on again.

Worked seamlessly from the top down, you’ll begin with the neckband before moving into the yoke, body, and sleeves. The sweater is knitted primarily in stockinette stitch, with classic rib edging at the neckline, cuffs, and hem.

The round yoke is shaped with four evenly spaced increase rounds, creating a clean and wearable silhouette that suits almost everyone.

✨ Our Favourite Yarn Pairing for This Pattern
We absolutely love the Novice Sweater knitted in Outlaw Yarn Rebel Worsted held together with a laceweight mohair or alpaca yarn.

This combination creates a fabric much closer to the original Scandinavian-style look PetiteKnit is known for — soft, airy, cosy, and beautifully lightweight despite the thicker gauge.

Holding Rebel together with a laceweight yarn adds:
• softness and halo
• extra loft and warmth
• a more cloud-like fabric
• beautiful drape
• that relaxed, slightly fluffy finish that works so well in this design

It’s a fantastic option for knitters who want the warmth and stitch definition of Rebel Worsted while still achieving that soft, modern PetiteKnit feel.

If you’d prefer less fluff, Rebel Worsted can also work beautifully on its own — just make sure to swatch carefully.

Construction
The Novice Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. You’ll begin with the neckband, followed by the yoke, body, and finally the sleeves. Because it’s knitted top down, it’s easy to try on as you go and adjust the length if desired.

Sizing & Fit
The Novice Sweater is designed to have approximately 5–10 cm / 2–4” of positive ease.

Sizes
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL

Finished Bust Measurements
91 (98) 103 (109) 116 (128) 138 (149) 161 cm

Designed to fit bust measurements approximately:
80–85 (85–90) 90–95 (95–100) 100–110 (110–120) 120–130 (130–140) 140–150 cm

Length
Measured mid-back excluding neckband:
54 (55) 57 (60) 62 (64) 65 (66) 68 cm

Gauge
16 stitches x 21 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 6 mm needles

Suggested Needles
• 5.5 mm circular needles
• 6 mm circular needles
• 40 cm and 80–100 cm cables
• DPNs or Magic Loop for sleeves

Suggested Yarn Quantities
Approximate quantities for Outlaw Yarn Rebel Worsted held together with a laceweight yarn:

Rebel Worsted
3 (4) 4 (5) 5 (6) 6 (7) 8 skeins

Laceweight Mohair or Alpaca
4 (4) 5 (5) 5 (6) 6 (6) 7 balls

Please note these quantities are approximate and can vary depending on your personal gauge and any length adjustments.

✨ Why We Love This Pattern
• A genuinely beginner-friendly sweater pattern
• No seaming required
• Relaxed, wearable fit
• Easy-to-follow shaping
• A perfect first garment project
• Beautiful dressed up or down

Please note: This listing is for a printed knitting pattern only. Yarn is sold separately.

Need help choosing yarn colours or working out quantities? Pop into The Wool Shop or get in touch — we’re always happy to help with yarn substitutions and project planning.