Knitted Aran Sweater Pattern

Knitted Aran Sweater Pattern by Lion Brand

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand produces a classic Fishermen's Wool Aran Sweater (Item #1101A) available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. The finished chest measurements range from 40 inches to 52 inches, with lengths between 24.5 and 25.5 inches. The pattern also includes instructions for a coordinating tam (knit hat), making this a complete set for traditional Irish-inspired knitwear.

Techniques Used

This Aran sweater pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques characteristic of traditional Aran knitting. The garment features cable work throughout, utilizing a cable needle to create the signature twisted and braided effects that define Aran sweaters. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging at the hem and cuffs, worked in a k2, p2 (knit two, purl two) rib pattern over 3 inches. The construction begins with smaller needles for the ribbed sections before transitioning to larger needles for the main body, a standard technique for creating neat, elastic edges.

The sweater uses stitch patterning to create distinct design panels across the front and back. Increases are worked evenly across the transition from ribbing to the main body, and the pattern requires careful attention to maintaining stitch patterns during increases and decreases. The garment is worked in pieces (back, front, and sleeves) rather than in the round, though a circular needle is included for finishing techniques.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates multiple stitch types to create visual interest and texture:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the pattern, used in various combinations throughout
• Ribbing (k2, p2): Creates the elastic edging at the hem and cuffs
• Double Seed Stitch: A textured stitch used in sections of the sweater, worked over the gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches
• Cable Stitches: Multiple cable variations are featured, including Cable A, Cable B, Cable C, and Panel A and Panel B cables. These cables are created by slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, and then working stitches in a specific order before working the held stitches. For example, one cable instruction reads: "sl 1 to cn and hold to back of work, k2, then p1 from cn"
• Selvage Stitches: Single stitches worked at the edges to create neat finishing

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool (Art. No. 150), available in 8-ounce skeins. For the Small size, 3 skeins are required; larger sizes need 3 to 4 skeins depending on the finished dimensions. The yarn is available in Natural (#098) or other colors of the knitter's choice.

Essential tools include two sizes of straight needles: size 7 U.S. (4.50 mm) for ribbing and size 8 U.S. (5.00 mm) for the main body, selected to achieve the specified gauge. Additionally, the pattern requires a size 7 circular needle measuring 16 inches long for finishing techniques, a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, stitch markers to denote pattern sections, and stitch holders to temporarily secure stitches during construction.

Pattern Construction Details

The back piece begins by casting on 98 to 122 stitches (depending on size) and working the k2, p2 ribbing for 3 inches. On the final row of ribbing, 22 stitches are increased evenly across, bringing the stitch count to 120 to 144 stitches. The pattern then transitions to the larger needles and establishes the cable and textured stitch panels. The back measures approximately 20.5 to 21.5 inches above the ribbing before shaping begins. The pattern requires careful gauge checking to ensure proper finished dimensions, with the specified gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in Double Seed Stitch on the larger needles.