Sweater Knitting Patterns
The Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater Free Pattern
Anonymous
•
July 03, 2026
The Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater Free Pattern
Introduction
Embrace the charm of the past with this Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater, a delightful nod to vintage fashion. This pattern combines texture and nostalgia, making it perfect for adding a playful touch to your wardrobe. With its cozy feel and stylish design, this sweater is an ideal project for knitters looking to create a unique piece that stands out.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in pastel pink, mint green, and cream
- Needles: US 8 (5mm) knitting needles
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Back Panel
- Begin by casting on 90 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.
- Work in 2x2 ribbing for 2 inches.
- Switch to stockinette stitch and knit until the piece measures 15 inches from the cast-on edge.
- Begin the popcorn stitch pattern:
- On the right side (RS), repeat the following sequence: *K3, make popcorn*. To make a popcorn stitch, knit into the front, back, front, back, and front of the next stitch, then turn your work.
- Purl 5 stitches, turn your work again, and knit 5 stitches. Finally, pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the first stitch.
- Repeat from * across the row.
- Continue in the popcorn stitch pattern for 8 inches.
- Shape the shoulders by binding off 10 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
- Bind off the remaining stitches for the neck.
Front Panel
- Repeat steps 1-3 as for the back panel.
- Work in the popcorn stitch pattern for 6 inches.
- Shape the neck by knitting 35 stitches, binding off 20 stitches, and knitting to the end of the row.
- Work each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every other row 3 times.
- Continue until the front matches the back in length.
- Shape the shoulders as you did for the back panel.
Sleeves
- Cast on 50 stitches.
- Work in 2x2 ribbing for 2 inches.
- Increase 1 stitch at each end every 8th row until you have 70 stitches.
- Work in the popcorn stitch pattern for 18 inches or your desired length.
- Bind off all stitches.
Finishing
- Sew the shoulder seams together.
- Pick up and knit stitches around the neck, working in 2x2 ribbing for 1 inch, then bind off loosely.
- Set in the sleeves and sew the side seams to complete your sweater.
Now that you have completed your Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater, enjoy wearing your beautiful, handmade piece that brings a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe!
