Vintage Revival Sweater Patterns
The Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater Free Pattern
Anonymous
•
July 02, 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. Perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe, this sweater combines texture and color in a truly unique way. With its cozy, slightly oversized silhouette and soft pastel colors, this sweater is not only stylish but also a fun project for knitters of all levels, especially beginners!
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in pastel colors (such as blush pink, mint green, and baby blue)
- 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 your US 8 (5mm) knitting needles.
- Work the first four rows in ribbing:
- Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2*; repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
- Row 2: Repeat Row 1.
- Row 3: Repeat Row 1.
- Row 4: Repeat Row 1.
- Row 5: Begin the popcorn stitch pattern:
- *Knit 4, make a popcorn stitch (knit into the front, back, and front of the next stitch, turn your work, purl 3, turn your work, knit 3 together)*; repeat from * to * across the row.
- Continue in the popcorn stitch pattern until the piece measures 20 inches.
- To shape the shoulders, bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
- Bind off the remaining stitches.
Front Panel
- Repeat the instructions for the back panel.
- When the piece measures 18 inches, begin neckline shaping:
- Bind off the center 10 stitches.
- Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every other row, for a total of 5 times.
- Continue until all stitches are bound off.
Sleeves
- Cast on 50 stitches.
- Work in ribbing for 4 inches:
- Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2*; repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
- Row 2: Repeat Row 1.
- Continue until you have completed 4 inches of ribbing.
- Switch to the popcorn stitch pattern:
- Increase 1 stitch at each end every 6th row until you have 70 stitches.
- Knit until the sleeve measures 18 inches.
- Bind off all stitches.
Assembly
- Sew the shoulder seams together.
- Set in the sleeves and sew the side and sleeve seams.
- Pick up stitches around the neckline and knit 1 inch of ribbing.
- Bind off loosely to finish the neckline.
Congratulations! You have now completed your Retro Popcorn Stitch Sweater. Enjoy wearing your beautiful, handmade piece that adds a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe!
