We’ve pored through Etsy, LoveCrafts, Instagram, and some of the biggest knitting websites on the web to bring you a collection of the best cropped sweater knitting patterns out there.
Some of these cropped jumper patterns are free, while others come at a small cost – but they’ve all been chosen carefully based on style, value, difficulty level, and the latest trends.
We’ve chosen a range of projects to make sure there are options for all skill levels, but most of these knitting patterns are for beginners. You’ll find turtlenecks, cable knit jumpers, vintage cropped sweaters, and a range of different yarns including merino and mohair.
Most of these patterns use heavy weight chunky yarn, which makes them simple to knit and perfect for beginners.
Regardless of your skill level, we’ve made sure to pick only the best cropped sweaters and cardigans that come with a short length and a boxy fit.
16 Curated Cropped Sweater Knitting Patterns
Most of the following patterns require only the basic knit and purl stitches. They all come with step-by-step instructions and measurements in both centimetres and inches.
You’ll find a few free cropped sweater knitting patterns in this list as well as a large selection of paid patterns from popular designers. Each recommendation comes with details on the techniques and materials required, as well as suggestions for the best chunky yarn suppliers.
1. Cozy Mock Neck Sweater
| Price | $8.79/£6.45 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 1×1 Rib Stitch, Stockinette Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Cozy Mock Neck Sweater – WellLovedKnits on Etsy |
This comfy cropped sweater from WellLovedKnits on Etsy is an easy pattern to follow that’s perfect for beginners. Some customers have reported difficulty knitting the sleeves, but overall the pattern has received excellent feedback on Etsy.
The pattern starts from the bottom up, and is then worked back and forth in 1×1 stockinette and ribbing stitch. After knitting the first two body panels, you simply stitch them together and move onto the sleeves, which are knitted with circular needles in the round.
The pattern has a boxy, cropped silhouette and can be knitted a size up for an oversized fit. We recommend knitting a small swatch first to test out the chunky yarn you’re using.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | 12mm/US Size 17 Circular Needles 15mm/US Size 19 Circular Needles (40cm & 60cm cables) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 80m = 200g/Super Chunky (4 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | S: 5 skeins M: 5 skeins L: 6 skeins + 1 skein in a contrasting color |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang The Wool – We Are Knitters |
2. Oversized Cropped Turtleneck Sweater
| Price | $6.32/£4.59 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 15 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Shaker’s Rib Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Chunky Turtleneck Sweater – DaisyandPeace on Etsy |
This chunky knit sweater is oversized and designed with a thick turtleneck. Like many others from this Etsy shop, the design is both modern and fashionable.
Based on customer feedback, this pattern is excellent for novices that haven’t yet started their first jumper.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | 3.5mm Circular Needles (40cm-60cm Cable) 4.5mm Circular Needles (60cm-80cm Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Bulky/120m = 100g |
| Yarn Quantity | 900g–1050g |
| Suggested Yarn | Nako Sport Wool – Ravelry |
3. Boring Sweater “01”
| Price | $8.57/£6.26 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 17 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Stockinette Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Boring Sweater 01 – Boring Knits |
Boring Sweater 01 is a new addition to this list that couldn’t be missed. It’s a lightly cropped sweater pattern with a drop shoulder that is knit using 100% organic wool. The pattern includes instructions for six sizes and requires two sets of circular needles. For more patterns from Boring Knits, take a look at our collection of dress knitting patterns.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6mm Circular Needles (80cm) US Size 4/3.5mm Circular Needles (60cm) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 80m = 50g |
| Yarn Quantity | 500g-600g |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A |
4. Olann Cropped Turtleneck Sweater
| Price | $8.74/£6.41 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 18 Hours |
| Techniques Used | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | KNITTnyc – Etsy |
KnittNYC is a fantastic source of independently-designed modern knitting patterns, as well as some one-off items of clothing.
This cropped turtleneck sweater knitting pattern is no different. Its puffy sleeves, thick collar and boxy silhouette will look incredible on just about anyone.
The pattern is one size fits all, but the neck, body, and sleeves can all be made longer or shorter depending on your preferences.
Another pattern that calls for chunky yarn, this is a gorgeous, squishy sweater with tons of bounce. There’s not much additional information out there, but all of the details can be found once you download the pattern.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Chunky/Bulky |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
5. “Stay Home” Cropped Sweater Pattern
| Price | $6.34/£4.60 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 10 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 1×1 Rib Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Whip Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | “Stay Home” Sweater – aHoneyKnits on Etsy |
This cropped mohair sweater is a one-size-fits-all pattern, but there are instructions within if you want to change the measurements to your preference.
The silhouette is classic; with a wider body, short length, and big sleeves. Thanks to the suggested mohair yarn, the texture is fluffy and it’s very slightly transparent. This jumper is a favourite of ours – there’s a reason aHoneyKnits features in our recommendations for knitting instagram accounts!
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles (32in Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Aran/Worsted (100m = 50g) |
| Yarn Quantity | 5 skeins (109 yards per skein) |
| Suggested Yarn | Take Care Mohair – Wool and the Gang |
6. The Bubblegum Jumper
| Price | $8.27/£6.00 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 15-20 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Rib Stitch, Bubble Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Bubblegum Jumper – AlizaKnits on Etsy |
This Bubblegum Jumper is a best seller on Etsy. It uses super chunky yarn and archives a comfy, bouncy texture with slightly cropped fit and balloon sleeves.
The sweater is knit in the round from the bottom up using bubble stitch. It’s possible for an advanced beginner, but more suited to knitters of an intermediate level. Novice knitters might have difficulty picking up stitches for the arms.
For full sizing information, see the designer’s page on Etsy.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles US Size 19/15mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky/130m = 50g |
| Yarn Quantity | S: 480m M: 560m L: 590m |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang Heal the Wool – Wool and the Gang |
7. “Frankie’s” Cropped Sweater by aHoneyKnits
| Price | $7.50/£5.84 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 1×1 Rib, Stockinette, Knit, Purl, Mattress Seam |
| Designer’s Website | Frankie’s Cropped Sweater – aHoneyKnits on Etsy |
Previously known as “The Perfect Cropped Sweater”, this customizable sweater pattern is heavy, boxy, and great for winter.
Knitted with chunky yarn in flat panels, this sweater looks excellent when paired with high-waisted jeans and is super simple for beginners.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles US Size 19/15mm Circular or Straight Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 80m = 200g/Super Chunky (4 wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | S: 5 skeins M: 5 skeins L: 6 skeins (88 Yards per Skein) |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang The Wool – We Are Knitters |
8. “Hazy Skies” Cropped Sweater Pattern
| Price | $8.24/£5.98 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 1×1 Rib, Stockinette, Knit, Purl, Waffle, Seed Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | “Hazy Skies” Sweater – aHoneyKnits on Etsy |
This is a great pattern regardless of your knitting level. The designer’s instructions are detailed, but you can add extra rows to the sleeves, front, and back based on your measurements and fit preferences.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles US Size 19/15mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Worsted/Aran (140m = 100g) |
| Yarn Quantity | 6 Skeins (153 yards per skein) |
| Suggested Yarn | Petite Wool – We Are Knitters |
9. Rowan Cropped Sweater 016
| Price | $5.45/£4.00 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 14 Hours |
| Techniques Used | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | 016 Cropped Sweater by Rowan |
This cropped crew neck sweater from Rowan is classy and smooth. Using one shade of a unique blend of alpaca and virgin wool, its yarn requirements are simple, though the pattern may be tough for absolute beginners.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | N/A – See Pattern |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | N/A – See Pattern |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Alpaca Soft DK – Rowan |
10. Balloon Sleeved Cropped Women’s Sweater
| Price | $6.33/£4.60 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Balloon Sleeved Sweater – BeEweniqueBoutique on Etsy |
This cropped pullover is incredibly stylish and perfect with high waisted jeans (and even leggings). The short body length is balanced well with wider balloon sleeves and a chunkier collar.
The effect in the pictures shown is created using eyelash yarn, but any chunky yarn will also do. As per the designer’s instructions, it’s recommended to choose a size that is 4-6 inches larger than your typical chest measurement.
Slightly harder than some other beginner sweaters in this list, we love the way this pattern looks but recommend it for knitters at an intermediate level with a little more experience.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10.5/6.5mm Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Chunky |
| Yarn Quantity | 495m – 885m |
| Suggested Yarn | Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky – LoveCrafts King Cole “Moments DK” Eyelash Yarn – Wool Warehouse |
11. “Jellybean” Cropped Sweater Pattern
| Price | $7.22/£5.33 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 12-16 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Rib Stitch, Intarsia |
| Designer’s Website | “Jellybean” Sweater – ShopVickyKnits on Etsy |
This chunky cropped jumper is slightly oversized, super comfortable, and easy to work up in a week or two. Suitable for advanced beginners who are familiar with intarsia knitting patterns and ribbing, the sweater is knit in 4 panels using 5 different colors of super chunky yarn and two sets of circular needles.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Bulky (200g = 80m) |
| Yarn Quantity | 7 Balls |
| Suggested Yarn | Crazy Sexy Wool – Wool and the Gang |
“12. Night and Day” Cropped Cardigan (80’s Style)
| Price | $8.42/£6.12 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner/Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 1×1 Rib Stitch, Knit Stitch, Purl Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Night & Day Cropped Cardigan – ShopVickyKnits on Etsy |
If you’re a beginner that loves vintage knitting patterns and is looking for a challenge, the “Night and Day” cropped cardigan is for you.
Though the pictured cardigan is a size small, the instructions include details for sizes XS to 5XL, all of which have an oversized silhouette. The pattern instructions also come with photos, videos, and measurements for different weights of yarn for you to follow throughout.
Whichever size you go for, this is a fun design that yields a beautiful 80s style cardigan with two colors and long puffy sleeves to roll up. For similar projects, you can check out our dedicated collection of chunky cardigan knitting patterns, too.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10/6.5mm Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 130m = 50g |
| Yarn Quantity | 3 Skeins of 1 Colour, 3 Skeins of Another |
| Suggested Yarn | Feeling Good Yarn – Wool and the Gang |
13. The “I’m Obsessed” Jumper
| Price | $10.45/£7.71 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 12 Hours |
| Techniques Used | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | “I’m Obsessed” Jumper – BrendaMadeThis on Etsy |
This pattern is an excellent choice for ambitious beginners. Designed with a cropped and slightly oversized fit, the sweater features a classic turtleneck that’s spiced up with loose balloon sleeves.
Simple to knit with chunky wool, you’ll find instructions for 6 sizes and details for knitting the jumper longer or shorter according to your preference.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 10.5/6.5mm Circular Needles US Size 11/8mm Circular Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | Super Chunky (100g = 100m) |
| Yarn Quantity | 6-11 Skeins |
| Suggested Yarn | N/A – See Pattern |
14. Raglan Turtleneck “Sable” Sweater
| Price | $8.93/£6.49 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Completion Time | 10 Hours |
| Techniques Used | 2×2 Rib Stitch, Stockinette Stitch, Slip Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Sable Sweater – WellLovedKnits on Etsy |
This cropped raglan sweater is a timeless classic. A chunky design yet still lightweight, it has a classic high neck and wide sleeves shaped for comfort.
Though the pattern comes cropped by default, you can adjust the pattern to your desired length as you knit from the top down.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 15/10mm Circular Needles US Size 17/12mm Circular Needles (40cm & 60cm cables) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 130m = 50g Aran/Worsted (9wpi) |
| Yarn Quantity | S: 250g M: 275g L: 350g |
| Suggested Yarn | Feeling Good Yarn – Wool and the Gang |
15. Diamond Fair Isle Sweater
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Completion Time | 15 Hours |
| Techniques Used | N/A – See Pattern |
| Designer’s Website | Diamond Fair Isle Sweater – LoveCrafts |
This free cropped sweater pattern is a great option for intermediate knitters. It uses both Fair Isle and diamond textured stitches to create a beautiful pattern with stylish colorwork.
It’s slightly more difficult, but this cute short jumper is an excellent option for knitters looking to play with color and choose their shades.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | US Size 6/4mm Needles US Size 6/4mm Circular Needles (40in Cable) |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 302yds = 100g |
| Suggested Yarn | Paintbox Yarns Simply DK – LoveCrafts |
16. The “Knit Mix & Match” Sweater Version 1
| Price | $7.08/£5.22 |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
| Completion Time | 18 Hours |
| Techniques Used | Stockinette Stitch |
| Designer’s Website | Sweater Version 1 – TheKnitMix on Etsy |
The “Knit Mix & Match” sweater comes in multiple variations. This particular knitting pattern features a chic crew neck sweater with balloon sleeves, dropped shoulders, and a cropped body.
Like many of the jumpers in this list, this sweater uses chunky yarn, straight needles, and a combination of easy techniques including stockinette stitch and rib stitch to create a classic cropped jumper with a comfortable, slouchy fit.
Recommended Materials
To knit this pattern, you will need the following materials:
| Needle Size | 7mm Straight Needles |
|---|---|
| Yarn Weight | 100g = 136m |
| Yarn Quantity | N/A – See Pattern |
| Suggested Yarn | Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky – LoveCrafts |
How Do You Knit a Cropped Sweater?
Cropped sweaters are typically easy to knit, but exactly how will depend on the pattern you’re using. As usual, you’ll need several skeins of yarn, normal knitting needles, a darning needle, and some scissors.
The short length of these patterns make them relatively quick to knit for a vintage silhouette that’s timeless.
Once you’ve picked your size, most cropped sweaters are knit in several sections – the two body panels, followed by the collar and the two sleeves. The body panels are usually knit from the top down and attached, while the sleeves are knit separately onto the armhole and shaped with short rows.
Though these rules apply generally, consult the exact pattern you’re thinking of knitting for full instructions.
Can a Beginner Knit a Cropped Sweater?
Knitting your first sweater can be intimidating if you’re just starting. Truthfully, it’s much easier than it seems. Without any experience, you can create a beautiful sweater by following basic instructions in a knitting pattern.
Cropped sweaters are extra simple because they’re short and they typically use chunky, easy yarn and big needles. You can learn more about the relationship between yarn weight and needle diameter in our guide to knitting needle sizes.
Some patterns can be knit flat, too, which makes them easier to construct. In the majority of cases, you’ll only need to know how to use the knit stitch and the purl stitch.
How Much Yarn Will it Take to Knit a Cropped Sweater?
A cropped sweater will usually require less yarn than a full sweater, because of the sizing differences. On average, a typical cropped knitted sweater will require between 800-100 yards of chunky yarn. If you’re looking for a knitting project that uses even less yarn, check out our list of V-neck vest knitting patterns.
Follow the requirements of the pattern you have chosen. If you want to play it safe, always purchase an extra 10% so you can change the measurements to your preferences.
Can You Knit a Jumper With Straight Needles?
There are several different methods of knitting a sweater, and each one will require different needles. You can knit it in the round, but for this you will need circular needles.
Alternatively, you can knit each part of the sweater (back panel, front panel, sleeves) separately on straight needles and then sew these panels together. It’s also possible to work the pattern flat and seamlessly knit the entire sweater at once.
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