The need to dress warmly is dictated by the harsh climate of Russia, and the best sign of attention for a loved one is a men's sweater, knitted with needles by yourself. The variety of patterns, various schemes with descriptions allow both an experienced knitter and a student to please their loved one. The main task is to choose the right materials and follow the instructions set out in the materials.
What needs to be prepared – tools, materials
Preparation for needlework is a necessary component for a quick and comfortable process. The first stage is choosing a model and style. Next is choosing a clear and easy-to-read pattern. Traditionally, it indicates the type of yarn needed, but sometimes it can be replaced with another.
The market offers threads of natural and synthetic origin:
- Fleece. Warm, resistant to moisture, may form pellets when rubbed.
- Merino. Perfectly retains heat, very light, has a high price.
- Alpaca. Resistant to stretching, does not gather into pellets. Depending on the knitting density, both thick warm sweaters and light pullovers can be created.
- Mohair – fibers obtained from the down of Angora goats. Very warm, but items made from this yarn require careful care.
- Cashmere – skeins of yarn enter the market mixed with other types of wool due to the high susceptibility of cashmere to external factors.
- Angora – the balls contain about 40% of this wool, which is soft and airy.
- Acrylic – synthetic fibers, close in quality to natural wool. Resistant to friction, durable, lightweight.
The next step is to prepare the necessary needles. The required number is also indicated in the diagram.
Next steps:
- take precise measurements to ensure the sweater fits your figure;
- knit a sample - this will allow you to determine the knitting density and the pattern.
Simple model for beginners
Experts recommend that beginners choose a simple option with a wide elastic band for their first experience. The result will be a regular everyday sweater, so the yarn color should be neutral. The suggested size of the product is 48/50. It is recommended to buy yarn made from sheep wool and without impurities, weighing 650 g.
You will need 2 types of knitting needles:
- straight;
- circular number 5.
The principle of knitting the pattern: first make 4 front loops, then 2 back loops.
The work is divided into 4 stages:
- Making the back.
- Knitting the front part.
- Sleeves.
- Assembling the finished product.
The first row of the back consists of 90 loops.
Knitting principle:
- The first loop is always an edge loop.
- Next one is purl.
- 14 repetitions of the main pattern loops.
- Purl stitch.
- Finishing - edge.
It is necessary to knit 98 rows in this way. Then it is necessary to prepare the armholes. To do this, it is necessary to close 2 loops and perform a similar action in each subsequent 2 rows. When 46 rows with armholes are ready, it is necessary to do the shoulder bevel, closing 6 loops. At the same time, 32 central loops for the neck are closed. The subsequent rows on the sides are knitted separately.
To round off, close 1 loop at a time, doing this in the second rows. In the last one, there should be 7 loops left. The second part should be finished by mirroring. The front should be knitted according to the same pattern. The only difference is a deeper neckline. To knit it, you need to close the central 26 loops on the 38th row of armholes. The rest of the steps are similar.
The first row of the sleeve is done in the same way as the front and back. The difference is that you will only need to repeat the main pattern 6 times. To make the bevels, you need to add 1 loop to every 6th row. On the 104th row from the initial one, close 2 loops for the armhole. In each subsequent row, decrease the number of loops. They should be closed when there are 14 left.
Before assembling, each piece must be wetted, pinned to the pattern and left to dry.
Next, you need to make the shoulder seams. Using circular knitting needles, cast on 74 stitches along the edge of the neck and knit 44 rows. Sew the product on the sides, then do the same with the sleeves and attach them to the finished knitted product.
Knitting with English elastic
To make a men's sweater with knitting needles yourself, the patterns with descriptions of which are widely presented on many handicraft sites, it is important to decide whether you need an elegant or a sporty product, the main purpose of which is to keep you warm in frosty weather. Knitting with English elastic allows you to make clothes as warm as possible, while a man in such a sweater looks respectable.
For a product of size 50-52, you need to purchase wool yarn of 2 colors - 700 g of the main color and 400 g of the additional color.
To ensure that the main pattern is correct, you need to carefully follow the knitting order of the rows:
- In the 1st row the loops alternate, the first one is the front one.
- The 2nd row also begins, but the purl stitch must be removed with a yarn over.
- Row 3 – knit a yarn over and a front loop at the same time, which gives a twisted effect.
- Next, you need to knit the last 2 rows sequentially along the entire length of the product.
The alternation of colors is done according to the following scheme: 17 rows of the main shade, 1 row of additional, alternation on the front and back shelves occurs 4 times. Then the knitting looks like this: 18 rows of additional color, 18 rows of the main color and again 1 row of additional.
The armhole is made like this: along the edge of the last strip of the main shade, you need to decrease 6 cm. The sleeves are knitted in the same color scheme as the front and back.
Making the neck:
- The initial row is knitted with auxiliary color threads, the loops are front loops.
- Several rows, depending on the desired height of the collar, - the main color, technique - garter stitch.
- Several rows of English rib pattern.
- A row of knit stitches in a complementary color.
- Sewn to the main product using a loop stitch.
Assemble all parts of the sweater in the usual way.
Semi-wool model
For the semi-wool model you will need:
- knitting needles No. 4 regular;
- circular also No. 4;
- 900 g of yarn.
In the process of work, two types of patterns are used:
- Front surface - the same loops are used for the front side, and the same for the back side.
- "Long rice" is done in 4 rows:
- Alternating 2 types of loops, starting with the front ones.
- According to the pattern of the canvas.
- Almost like the first one, only you need to start with the purl type of loops.
- Like the second one.
The first 5 cm of the back are knitted with a rib pattern, 115 loops are cast on.
The next row is distributed as follows:
- The first and last loops are always edge loops.
- 10 loops of the “long rice” pattern before and after the edge loop, 17 in the center.
- 41 stitches in stockinette stitch between the “rice grains”.
After the fabric is 68 cm long, close 31 central loops. In every second row, decrease 3 loops once and 1 loop once. The next second row is closing the shoulder loops. The front part of the product should be knitted in the same way, but start preparing the collar 20 mm lower than on the back of the sweater. To knit a sleeve, you need 45 loops.
7 cm – elastic, 13 loops are added to the final row. Then it is necessary to repeat 10 loops of the “rice pattern” and 20 in the “front surface” technique. In every 6th row, a loop is added along the edges. Repeat 20 times. The loops are closed after 55 cm of fabric has been knitted. The neck is knitted with an elastic band, the height is 12 cm. All the details of the sweater are sewn together.
Sweater made of thick yarn
A men's sweater knitted from thick yarn with knitting needles turns out voluminous and warm. Patterns with descriptions of such products are often developed for knitting in 2 threads of different colors, which increases the elegance of the clothes.
To work you need to prepare:
- balls of thread weighing 500 and 400 g in the desired colors;
- knitting needles. You will need 3 straight needles - 7-9, circular needles - 40 cm long, No. 8.
The basic knitting pattern is constructed as follows:
- 1 row – edge loop, 1 purl, remove 3 loops, repeat the last 2 steps several times, edge.
- 2nd row – edge, 1 front loop, 3 back loops, perform these 2 steps the required number of repetitions, edge.
Making the back. Cast on 63 stitches on #7 knitting needles and knit the elastic with 2 threads of the main color. After 13 rows, take #9 knitting needles. Knit 16 rows of the main pattern with 2 threads of different colors, use #8 knitting needles for the front surface - 56 stitches, 19 rows. Alternate patterns. Upon reaching row 74, 4 stitches must be closed for the armholes. After 38 rows from this action, 13 stitches are closed for the neck.
Each side is knitted separately. From the inner edge, close 2 loops in the 2nd row and 19 loops for the shoulder. The second side is finished in a mirror image. The front of the sweater is done in the same way, but the neck should be closed on the 26th row from the armholes - the central 5 loops in the 12th row of the strip, knitted with the front surface.
The cuff is knitted in the same color as the elastic of the future sweater. 35 loops are cast on with knitting needles No. 7. After 13 rows, the main pattern is started with knitting needles No. 9 – 16 rows and 14 – with the front surface. 3 repetitions are required. Then the finished product is assembled. The collar is knitted in the main color. The pattern is elastic, 32 rows, with circular knitting needles.
Seamless top to bottom method
Most often, the Irish pullover is knitted in this way, the distinctive detail of which is wide shoulder straps that hide the shoulder seam. According to the rules, seamless knitting begins with the neck, which is done with circular knitting needles with a rib pattern.
A pattern is not required for such a model, but frequent fittings are necessary to be able to quickly correct any defects that arise.
After the neck is ready, it is time to knit the shoulder straps, for which half of the loops on the sides are used, the rest are fixed with pins. The traditional pattern for this part of the sweater is braids.
The next stage is knitting the back and front separately, while the armhole is being knitted. Then circular knitting needles are used to finish the product. The highest level of skill is the absence of seams on the sleeves, so loops of shoulder straps, front and back are used to make them.
Raglan with a neck
Making a men's raglan sweater requires the following preparation:
- 550 g of yarn, preferably with a high merino content;
- needles 6.5.
Patterns used:
- Double elastic.
- Smooth.
The basic principle of knitting the front and back is simple. 
It is necessary to knit a rib, and then use a satin stitch. An important condition in this model is the correct knitting of the sleeves.
After 45 cm from the edge, you need to close 3 loops on both sides. After the first 3 rows and before the last 3, you need to remove 1 loop in even rows.
The sleeves themselves are knitted according to the following pattern:
- You will need to cast on 46 stitches and, using the elastic pattern, knit 7 cm of fabric.
- They use the "smooth stitch" technique.
- In every 7th row add 1 loop.
- The raglan line is formed when 52 cm of fabric is knitted.
- Close 3 loops on each side.
- Remove 1 in every second row, having knitted the first 3 rows. Finish decreasing when there are also 3 remaining.
- Set aside 22 loops after 76 cm.
The collar is knitted with a rib pattern, row 32. The last step is to sew all the sweater parts together.
With deer
A men's sweater with a popular "deer" pattern is also knitted.
According to the instructions in the diagram with descriptions, you will need:
- knitting needles No. 8;
- yarn made of pure wool, synthetic additives are allowed. Colors – contrasting. Weight of skeins – 550 and 100 g.
The product uses rib knitting and stockinette stitch. The main difficulty is knitting the pattern, which is located on the back, front and sleeves. To make it, you need a diagram indicating the location of the colors.
The general principle of knitting is as follows. For the front, you need to cast on 67 loops and knit a 7 cm long strip with an elastic band. The next 37 cm are knitted with the front surface, after which you need to resort to a pattern with a pattern that uses an additional color. After 39 cm, you should prepare the shoulder slopes - you need to close 3 loops and then decrease 1 loop in every second row.
When the pattern is ready, continue knitting with the main color and stocking stitch until the length is 62 cm. For the neck, you need to close the middle 9 loops and then every 2nd row, 2 loops. Repeat three times. The back is knitted using the same principle. At a height of 65 cm, the remaining loops should be set aside for the neck and not knitted. For the sleeves, you will need 35 loops. Using the "rib" pattern, knit until the cuff is ready at 9 cm.
Next is the front surface. After 14 cm, add 1 loop on 2 sides every 4th row 8 times and every 2nd row – 5 times. The pattern according to the diagram is done at a height of 44 cm. At 46 cm, you need to close 3 loops for the sleeves, then decrease 1 loop every 2nd row. As soon as the pattern is complete, use only the main color. Put the loops aside at a height of 72 cm.
Sew the parts together, knit the neck with an elastic band - you will need 60 loops on the knitting needles. The height depends on the desire of the needlewoman.
With Norwegian pattern
The classic sweater with a Norwegian pattern is knitted identically to the sweater with deer. The main task for the knitter is to choose a suitable Scandinavian pattern. For work, you will need 700 and 100-150 g of yarn in contrasting colors. Traditionally, white threads are used for the pattern itself. When using skeins containing 50-60% wool, experts advise using knitting needles No. 3 or 4.
In the process of work, the techniques "elastic band" and "face stitch" are used.. The features of working with armholes and sleeves are similar to the sweater decorated with deer. Experienced needlewomen recommend starting to knit the Scandinavian ornament after 100 rows of satin stitch, however, additional details depend on the size of the selected pattern.
Youth sweater
A men's sweater suitable for a young man does not necessarily have to be bought in a store. The fashionable product is knitted with knitting needles, and the available patterns with descriptions allow you to choose the optimal model.
For a spectacular youth pullover you will need:
- yarn – a mixture of wool and acrylic, 0.6 kg of the main color and 0.1 kg of the additional;
- knitting needles No. 3.
The techniques used in the pattern are ribbing and garter stitch. The design involves stripes.
To get them, you need to follow the instructions:
- The alternation of stripes begins with the auxiliary color.
- The principle of changing tones: 2, 2, 2, 8, 8, 8, 2, 2, 2. The numbers are the number of rows.
For the back, you will need 90 loops. Knit the elastic until it reaches a length of 5 cm, using the main shade. Then knit the pattern with garter stitch, using the main color. After the fabric is ready in 25 cm, begin to add a loop in every 4th row. Perform the increase six times.
When the fabric reaches 45 cm in height, close 6 loops for the armhole once and 1 loop three times. Knit another 26 cm and close 30 loops for the neck. Then knit the halves separately - for the neck, close 3 loops twice, for the shoulder slope - 7 loops three times.
The front is made in this way:
- After 15 cm you need to introduce a pattern with stripes.
- Then repeat after 40 cm.
- After 58 cm, you need to close 20 loops for the neck.
Sleeves: cast on 50 stitches and knit a 5 cm rib cuff. The alternation of stripes should be introduced at the same distance as on the front of the sweater. 15 times in every 6th row add 1 stitch. When 45 cm of fabric is ready, begin preparing the shoulder cap: close 6 stitches, then 3 and in the 21st row - one at a time. After 20 cm, the 20 remaining stitches are closed.
For the neck, knit 10 rows, casting on 100 stitches. Assemble the sweater parts.
With a hood
Having a hood is a youth trend.
To knit a sweater like this, you will need:
- sheep wool yarn – 1100 g;
- knitting needles No. 5;
- Circular knitting needles 40 cm long – No. 4.
The work uses:
- Rubber.
- Smooth.
Back: cast on 100 stitches, knit 7 cm with a rib pattern. Close the neck after 148 rows - the central 20 stitches. To round the collar, close 2 stitches twice in every second row. After 156 rows, close 33 shoulder stitches. The front is knitted similarly, for the neck, close 12 stitches after 139 rows. Next - 2 stitches 4 times in each row and 1 stitch 4 times.
Knit a cuff with a rib pattern on 44 loops. Height – 6 cm. In each 6th row, add 1 loop 17 times. Close after 108 rows.
To make the hood, you need to sew the sweater parts together in the shoulder area and cast on 137 stitches on circular knitting needles along the edge of the neck.
Guidelines: start at 8 cm from the center of the front part, end also at 8 cm. Knit 46 rows.
Cast off 44 outer loops and work the center 49. You should have a total of 110 rows.
For assembly, you must use circular knitting needles..
Having cast on 95 stitches, begin knitting using the "rib" pattern. It is necessary to provide a drawstring where the cord is inserted. Sew the sweater parts.
With arans
Men's Aran sweater is a product made using the ancient Irish knitting technique. Existing patterns with detailed descriptions help knitters to reproduce the chosen pattern in detail, however, it is difficult for beginning craftswomen to understand the intricacies of the ornament.
It is important to follow these guidelines when choosing a style with Aran:
- Follow the diagram carefully and attentively.
- Use the basic principle of moving the loops, when first the second is knitted, and then the first, which forms slopes and, as a result, graceful and intricate patterns.
- Use the wrap-around loop technique.
- Knit cones.
With braids
The "braid" pattern is used in various models of men's sweaters, adding elegance to the finished item.
The simplest braid pattern is knitted according to the following pattern:
- It is necessary to knit the initial row - loops alternate by 3. Finish with purl.
- In each even row, you should take into account the correspondence of the type of loops below and repeat them.
- Row 3 – 3 purl, 3 knit, remove 3, 3 purl, return removed, finish with purl.
- Similarly to the first, you need to knit rows No. 5 and 9.
- In the 7th row, the angle of inclination changes - 3 loops are removed, the same number of front loops are knitted, the removed loops are knitted as purl loops, and the front loops are repeated.
Starting from the tenth row, the braid pattern must be repeated.
With jacquard pattern
Jacquard pattern has been used for a long time and involves the use of 2 colors. With this technique, not only geometric patterns are obtained, but also stylized landscapes. The main condition for high-quality knitting is the choice of threads of identical quality.
To knit a sweater using a similar pattern, you will need a diagram that shows all the transitions in detail.
The basic principles of this technique are:
- Cast on the required number of stitches onto the knitting needles, according to the pattern and measurements.
- Knit rows with the main shade, then introduce additional colors.
- Count the stitches carefully.
- Purl stitches should not pull the fabric together.
- The thread that is not involved in the work remains on the wrong side.
- For even rows, knit stitches are used, and for odd rows, purl stitches are used.
- The method with stretches is recommended to be used if the alternation of colors occurs at short distances.
With a diamond pattern
A men's sweater with a diamond pattern is an enduring classic of knitting. Choosing a pattern with descriptions is the first stage of work due to the fact that there are many options for such an ornament.
Diamonds are used in knitting a wide variety of patterns.For the simplest option, you should choose a casual sweater or pullover that is knitted with a regular garter stitch and decorate it with a similar voluminous pattern.
With lightning
Men's sweater with a zipper is made using various patterns. An important aspect of this model is knitting taking into account the future sewing in of a metal fastener. The back and sleeves should be knitted according to the selected pattern.
With the width of the back part being 107 loops, to knit the left shelf you need:
- Knit 16 rows, having previously cast on 62 loops.
- Then continue working according to the selected scheme and patterns.
- At a height of 42 cm from the armhole, in every 2nd row, remove 1 loop 9 times.
- After 4 rows, remove the loop again.
- When 63 cm of fabric is knitted, close 6 loops in every second row, then 4, then twice 3 loops, once 2 loops and 2 more times one loop.
- At 5 cm from the beginning of the neck, to form the shoulder bevel, close 7 loops three times in every 2nd row and 8 loops twice.
The right shelf is made in a mirror image. For the collar, cast on 77 stitches and knit with a rib pattern until the fabric is 8 cm high. Assemble the jacket parts and sew in the zipper.
Men's sweater in a sporty style
The sporty style requires pockets and a polo collar, which require special attention. The back and sleeves should be made in the usual way, using the selected pattern.
To knit the pocket openings, you need:
- Divide the knitting into 3 parts - right, left, and middle.
- To complete the work over 36 rows, decrease 1 loop in the side parts, and add 1 on each side in the central part. These actions must be performed every second row.
- Connect the fabric and continue knitting it continuously.
To prepare the neck for sewing in the zipper, you need to close 9 middle loops at the required level - depending on the size, this is approximately 58-60 cm, then knit separately. When the sweater is completely ready, you should knit the fabric at the neck, according to the proposed pattern, and sew in the zipper.
With a pattern of slipped loops
Patterns with removed loops create an openwork effect and are considered a feminine ornament. However, it is also possible to choose a stylish and discreet option for a men's sweater to create a casual style product.
Experienced knitters recommend using a pattern for men's items that is knitted in the following way:
- You will need 2 colors.
- You need to knit 14 rows.
- Rows 1, 2 and 9-14 require the main color, 3-8 – the auxiliary color.
- For odd rows, you need to make 10 loops, called front loops.
- Even - the same number of purl stitches.
- Starting from the third row, add the removed loops.
- Row 3 – remove 2-5 loops.
- Shift 1 to the left to form a diagonal.
- Having started knitting row 9, shift to the right, the removed loops are similar to row 3.
To repeat the pattern, use the rapport from rows 3 to 14.
Ribbed
The ribbed pattern is one of the simplest options. The basic principle of knitting is doubling the loops in one row and reducing their number in another. Due to this technique, voluminous stripes appear on the knitted fabric, which gave the pattern its name.
Using it, even an inexperienced craftswoman will be able to knit a men's sweater. The main thing is to choose detailed and clear patterns with descriptions for the first experiments. It is important that the information is as clear as possible and does not raise additional questions, and the symbols are deciphered.
A jumper or pullover made with your own hands is a great alternative to store-bought ones. Handmade allows you to knit clothes exactly to your figure, choose your favorite colors, find a pattern that your husband or loved one will like. The most important thing is to buy high-quality materials, then the sweater will serve its owner for many years.
Video: men's sweater knitting needles. Patterns with descriptions
Men's sweater with an original pattern, see the video:
Knitting a men's raglan: