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    September 24, 2021

    Long Stripe Pullover – Free Crochet Sweater Pattern + Video

    Learn how to crochet a striped sweater! With a simple silhouette and relaxed easy fit, the Breton Sweater is the perfect legging length pullover for fall!

    Scroll down for the free crochet sweater pattern and step-by-step video tutorial, or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.

    close up on model wearing linen stitch crochet sweater with half double crochet ribbing

    This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.

    Thank you to WeCrochet for providing the yarn for this free crochet sweater pattern! As always all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own 🙂

    The Breton Stripe Sweater combines a simple round, loose balloon sleeves, oversized fit and stripe details to create an effortlessly chic and comfy sweater! The length of the sweater and stripes can all be altered to fit any style or colour palette. For a more minimalist look, you can crochet solid coloured sweater or colour block for a statement look!

    woman wearing long crochet stripe sweater in grey and navy

    The majority of this design is worked up in the Linen Stitch (aka the Moss Stitch) which has incredible drape and movement. This stitch is also used in the Aria Button Cardigan!

    Made up of single crochets and chains, this beginner-friendly stitch follows an easy 2 row repeat. The chains create a fine ‘mesh’ look when the sweater is worn making it the perfect weight for any season.

    This sweater is crocheted in 5 pieces – front, back, 2 sleeves and neckline ribbing. The body panels and sleeves begin with the ribbing and are worked from the bottom up.

    We’ll start by crocheting back loop half double crochet ribbing. Using the linen stitch, we’ll crochet along the long edge of the ribbing to create the body and sleeves.

    back view of long stripe crochet pullover

    I decided to opt for very thin contrasting stripes for that French Bateau look, but you can choose any stripe combination you want! Once you’ve crocheted the main pieces, we’ll sew everything together then crochet the neckline ribbing at the end.

    If find that crocheting the ribbing after you’ve assembled the sweater results in the neatest look! This way you can check that the ribbing is the correct length for your neckline opening which allows the ribbing to lay nicely when worn.

    Since back loop half double crochet ribbing is very stretchy, it’s better for your ribbing to be slightly smaller than the opening as it will stretch to fit. If you have too much ribbing the opening will ruffle and the ribbing will stand up instead of lying flat.

    moss stitch crochet sweater with navy stripes

    Design Inspiration

    September is my favourite month of the year for crochet! I’m in full fall + winter crochet prep but it’s still cold enough in enough to enjoy wearing all the things I’ve crocheted 🙂

    I realised it’s been a while (more than a year!?) since I last crocheted a long pullover style sweater (for more long sweater patterns, check out the Ocean Breeze Sweater or Weekend Snuggle Sweater).

    My last pattern was a long chunky cardigan, so I decided I wanted to crochet a long sweater but with a lighter yarn so it could easily be layered under heavier items.

    If you’ve been following along for a while you’ll probably have noticed that most of my patterns tend to only use one colour. When it comes to designing, colour definitely isn’t my strong suit but I love this neutral combo of dark midnight navy and a soft dove grey 🙂

    Looking for more free crochet patterns?

    emerald slouchy crochet sweater, white textured crochet cardigan and oversized cardigan with pockets

    1. Weekend Snuggle Sweater / 2. In The Clouds Cardigan / 3. Briar Pocket Cardigan

    flat lay of crochet moss stitch swatch in grey and navy abby alpaca yarn

    Yarn

    The Breton Sweater uses WeCrochet Andean Treasure which is 100% Baby Alpaca. I absolutely love this yarn (I used it for the Amalfi Sweater and Pompeii Cardigan) because of its incredible drape! When it comes to crocheting wearable, modern sweater the yarn you choose can make all the difference!

    Since Andean Treasure is made up of baby alpaca this fibre is naturally so soft, light and fluffy but the key is that it has been spun to have an airy almost ‘hollowness’ in the yarn. If you use a stiff yarn that’s been spun very tightly, it you’ll end up with a very stiff and awkward looking sweater, regardless of the fibre content.

    Andean Treasure comes in a wide range of shades but it’s classified as a sport/5ply/fine(2) yarn when I think has the same gauge as a DK yarn. As always, make sure to check your gauge before starting the pattern!

    Pin me for later!

    pinterest graphic featuring striped linen stitch crochet sweater

    I love to see your finished projects! Use #forthefrills and tag me on Instagram @forthefrills !

    Video Tutorial

    Add the Breton Sweater your Ravelry queue!

    Breton Stripe Sweater - Ad-free, printable pdf version here!

    Pattern Notes:

    *Sample is a size small shown on a 5’3” model with a 32” bust.

    *The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL)(2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL). E.g. “SC 81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149) means SC 81 for XS, SC 89 for Small, SC 97 for Medium, SC 105 for Large, SC 113 for XL, SC 121 for 2XL, SC 129 for 3XL, SC 141 for 4XL and SC 149 for 5XL.” If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

    *"SC 10" means SC into the next 10 stitches.

    *The turning chain, ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch. Otherwise ch 1 does count as a stitch.

    *Total stitches are indicated between < >.

    *This pattern uses US crochet terms.

    *The sample sweater uses WeCrochet Andean Treasure which is classified as a Sport/Fine(2) yarn. However, if you want to substitute this yarn, it’s closer to a thick DK/Light(3) or a very thin Worsted/Medium(4).

    *The majority of this crochet sweater is crocheted in the Linen Stitch (moss stitch) which follows a 2-row repeat comprising of 2 different types of rows which are referred to as LINEN A and LINEN B.

    *This crochet sweater is constructed from 5 pieces – front, back, 2 sleeves and neckline ribbing.

    *The body panel and sleeves are crocheted from the bottom up. The ribbing is crocheted lengthways and the body and sleeves are crocheted directly onto the long edge of the ribbing. The neckline ribbing is crocheted separately and sewn onto the sweater.

    *All pieces are sewn together with the RS on the inside and the WS facing outwards.

    *The sample sweater has 9 thin stripes across the body and a solid grey portion at the tops of the shoulders. For the same look, follow the pattern instructions.

    *You can alter the length of the sweater, stripe placement and thickness. Just keep in mind that if you want thicker stripes/more stripes, you’ll need more yardage in the CC and less in the MC.

    LEVEL: Easy+

    Materials

    Yarn – WeCrochet Andean Treasure – Sport / Fine (2), 100m/50g, 110yds/1.75oz, 100% Baby Alpaca
    MC (finley heather): approx. 495(545, 600, 665, 745)(810, 870, 980, 1035)g
    CC (midnight heather): approx. 65(70, 70, 75, 80)(85, 90, 95, 100)g
    total approx. 560(615, 670, 740, 820)(890, 960, 1075, 1135)g

    5.5mm (US H) Crochet Hook

    6mm (US J) Crochet Hook

    Darning Needle

    Scissors

    2 Stitch Markers

    Stitches & Abbreviations

    Ch = Chain
    SC = Single Crochet
    SC2tog = Single Crochet 2 Stitches Together
    HDC = Half Double Crochet
    BLO = Back Loop
    ch-sp = Chain Space

    St(s) = Stitch(es)
    Rep = Repeat
    Sk = Skip
    RS = Right Side
    WS = Wrong Side
    MC = Main Colour
    CC = Contrasting Colour (stripes)

    Measurements cm:
    To fit Bust: 76(86, 96, 106, 117)(127, 137, 147, 158)
    Back Width: 45(50, 54, 58, 63)(68, 72, 78, 83)
    Armhole: 14(15, 16, 18, 19)(20, 22, 23, 24)
    Sleeve length: 37(38, 38, 38, 40)(40, 40, 42, 42)
    Length: 59(59, 60, 62, 64)(66, 67, 69, 69)

    Measurements inches:
    To fit Bust: 30(34, 38, 42, 46)(50, 54, 58, 62)
    Back Width: 17.5(19.5, 21, 23, 25)(27, 28.5, 30.5, 32.5)
    Armhole: 5.5(6, 6.5, 7, 7.5)(8, 8.5, 9, 9.5)
    Sleeve length: 14.5(15, 15, 15, 16)(16, 16, 16.5, 16.5)
    Length: 23(23, 23.5, 24, 25)(26, 26.5, 27, 27)

    GAUGE: 10cm/4” square = 18 stitches wide x 19 rows tall in linen stitch pattern with 5.5mm hook

    Linen Crochet Stitch Pattern

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Chain an even number of chains.

    ROW 1: SC in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1 ch, SC; rep from * until end, turn.

    ROW 2 (LINEN A): Ch 1, SC in 1st st, SC in ch-sp, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.

    ROW 3 (LINEN B): Ch 1, SC in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until 2 sts left, ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in last st, turn.

    Repeat ROWS 2 – 3 until you reach desired length.

    Breton Stripe Sweater Pattern

    Back Panel

    Back Panel Ribbing

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: With MC and 6mm(US J) hook, ch 12.

    ROW 1: HDC in 2nd ch from hook, HDC in each st until end, turn.
    <11>

    ROW 2: Ch 1, BLO HDC 10, HDC in last st, turn.
    <11>

    crochet along edge of back loop half double crochet ribbing

    Repeat ROW 2 until ROW 43(47, 51, 55, 59)(63, 67, 73, 77).

    Do not fasten off! We will now work along the long edge of the ribbing.

    Swap the 6mm(US J) hook for the 5.5mm(US H) hook.

    ROW 1: Ch 1, SC in each of first 3 rows, *ch 1, SC in next row; rep from * until 2 rows left, SC in last 2 rows, turn.
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>

    first row of linen stitch across crochet ribbing

    ROW 2: Ch 1, SC 2, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in next st; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>

    ROW 3 (LINEN B): Ch 1, SC in 1st st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until 2 sts left, ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in last st, turn.
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>

    ROW 4 (LINEN A): Ch 1, SC in 1st st, SC in ch-sp, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>

    Solid Sweater Back Panel

    Repeat rows LINEN B - A until ROW 100(100, 102, 106, 110)(112, 114, 118, 118).
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>
    *You can add/remove rows to make your sweater longer/shorter.

    Fasten off.

    Stripe Sweater Back Panel

    *You can add/remove rows to make your sweater longer/shorter. Keep in mind that the stripe placement may change depending on the length of the sweater. E.g. if you decide to remove the solid colour portion at the top of the sweater, the stripes will start from the tops of the shoulders instead of across the chest.

    ROW 5: As Linen B.

    ROW 6: As Linen A.

    ROW 7: With CC, rep Linen B.

    ROW 8: As Linen A.

    ROW 9: As Linen B.

    ROW 10: As Linen A.

    ROW 11: As Linen B.

    ROW 12: As Linen A.

    ROW 13: As Linen B.

    ROW 14: As Linen A.

    ROW 15: With CC, rep Linen B.

    Repeat ROWS 8 – 15 until ROW 71.
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>

    Do not fasten off! With MC only, repeat Linen A – Linen B until ROW 100(100, 102, 106, 110)(112, 114, 118, 118).

    Fasten off.

    flat lay of striped crochet sweater back panel

    Front Panel

    Repeat BACK PANEL instructions until ROW 90(90, 92, 96, 100)(102, 104, 108, 108).
    <81(89, 97, 105, 113)(121, 129, 141, 149)>
    *If you altered the length of the back panel, crochet until you are 10 rows short of the total rows in your back panel. E.g. if you crocheted 54 rows for the back panel, crochet 44 rows for the front panel.

    Do not fasten off! We’ll now crochet the shoulder shaping.

    Shoulder Shaping Side 1

    Counting from your crochet hook, skip 32(36, 40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 62, 66) sts, place SM in next st.
    *The stitch marker should be in a ch-sp, not a SC.

    row 1 first shoulder shaping of crochet pullover

    ROW 1: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, ch 1, sk 1 st, *SC in ch-sp, ch 1, sk 1 st; rep from * until 2 sts from the st marker, SC2tog, turn.
    <31(35, 39, 43, 47)(51, 55, 61, 65)>

    close up on single crochet two stitches together

    ROW 2: Ch 1, sk 1st st, SC in ch-sp, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.
    <30(34, 38, 42, 46)(50, 54, 60, 64)>
    *If you have trouble spotting the beginning/end of a row, you can place a SM in the first st.

    place a stitch marker in the first stitch of row 2

    ROW 3: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, ch 1, sk 1 st, *SC in ch-sp, ch 1, sk 1 st; rep from * until 2 sts left in row, SC2tog, turn.
    <29(33, 37, 41, 45)(49, 53, 59, 63)>

    ROW 4: As ROW 2.
    <28(32, 36, 40, 44)(48, 52, 58, 62)>

    ROW 5: As ROW 3.
    <27(31, 35, 39, 43)(47, 51, 57, 61)>

    ROW 6: As ROW 2.
    <26(30, 34, 38, 42)(46, 50, 56, 60)>

    close up on decreases along neckline of crochet sweater

    ROWS 7 - 10: Ch 1, SC, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until last st, SC in last st, turn.
    <26(30, 34, 38, 42)(46, 50, 56, 60)>

    Fasten off.

    Shoulder Shaping Side 2

    Counting from the stitch marker, skip 16 sts, insert hook into next st (hook should be in a SC) and pull up a loop.

    crochet hook inserted along neckline of front panel of crochet sweater

    ROW 1: Ch 1, SC2tog, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until 2 sts left, ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in last st, turn.
    <31(35, 39, 43, 47)(51, 55, 61, 65)>
    *If you have trouble spotting the beginning/end of a row, you can place a SM in the SC2tog.

    row 1 second side of crochet sweater shoulder shaping

    ROW 2: Ch 1, SC 2, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until last ch-sp, turn.
    <30(34, 38, 42, 46)(50, 54, 60, 64)>
    *Don’t crochet into the last st of the row (SC2tog).

    ROW 3: As ROW 1.
    <29(33, 37, 41, 45)(49, 53, 59, 63)>

    ROW 4: As ROW 2.
    <28(32, 36, 40, 44)(48, 52, 58, 62)>

    ROW 5: As ROW 1.
    <27(31, 35, 39, 43)(47, 51, 57, 61)>

    ROW 6: As ROW 2.
    <26(30, 34, 38, 42)(46, 50, 56, 60)>

    ROWS 7 - 10: Ch 1, SC 2, *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until 2 sts left, ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in last st, turn.
    <26(30, 34, 38, 42)(46, 50, 56, 60)>

    Fasten off.

    finished front panel of striped linen stitch crochet sweater

    Sleeves

    *Make 2

    Sleeve Ribbing

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: With MC and 5.5mm(US H) hook, ch 12.

    ROW 1: HDC in 2nd ch from hook, HDC in each st until end, turn.
    <11>

    ROW 2: Ch 1, BLO HDC 10, HDC in last st, turn.
    <11>

    Repeat ROW 2 until ROW 21(21, 23, 23, 25)(25, 27, 27, 29).

    Do not fasten off! We will now work along the long edge of the ribbing.

    sleeve cuff back loop half double crochet ribbing

    ROW 1: Ch 1, SC in 1st row, *ch 1, SC in next row; rep from * until end, turn.
    <41(41, 45, 45, 49)(49, 53, 53, 57)>

    row 1 of linen stitch crochet sleeve

    ROW 2: Ch 1, SC in 1st st, rep [ch 1, SC in next st] 5(7, 7, 9, 11)(13, 13, 15, 15) times,
    *ch 1, sk 1 st, SC in ch-sp; rep from * until 5(7, 7, 9, 11)(13, 13, 15, 15)sts left,
    rep [ch 1, SC in next st] until last st, turn.
    <51(55, 59, 63, 71)(75, 79, 83, 87)>

    row 2 of moss stitch crochet sleeve

    Solid Sweater Sleeve

    Repeat rows Linen A – B until sleeve measures 37(38, 38, 38, 40)(40, 40, 42, 42)cm / 14.5(15, 15, 15, 16)(16, 16, 16.5, 16.5)”.
    <51(55, 59, 63, 71)(75, 79, 83, 87)>

    Fasten off.

    Stripe Sweater Sleeve

    ROW 3: As Linen A.

    ROW 4: As Linen B.

    ROW 5: As Linen A.

    ROW 6: As Linen B.

    moss stitch crochet sleeve in grey baby alpaca yarn

    ROW 7: With CC, rep Linen A.

    contrast navy stripe on crochet sleeve

    ROW 8: As Linen B.

    ROW 9: As Linen A.

    ROW 10: As Linen B.

    ROW 11: As Linen A.

    ROW 12: As Linen B.

    ROW 13: As Linen A.

    ROW 14: As Linen B.

    ROW 15: With CC, rep Linen A.

    Repeat ROWS 8 – 15 until sleeve measures 37(38, 38, 38, 40)(40, 40, 42, 42)cm / 14.5(15, 15, 15, 16)(16, 16, 16.5, 16.5)”.
    <51(55, 59, 63, 69)(73, 77, 83, 87)>

    Fasten off.

    Fold sleeve in half lengthways and whip stitch the long edge of the sleeve together.

    crochet sleeve with long edges to be whip stitched together

    Assembly

    Lay the front panel on top of the back panel.

    assembly of back panel, front panel and sleeves of striped crochet sweater

    Whip stitch the shoulder seams together.

    Whip stitch up the sides of body panels together, leaving a gap for the sleeves.

    Whip stitch the top of the sleeves to the body.

    Neckline Ribbing

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: With MC and 5.5mm(US H) hook, ch 7.

    ROW 1: HDC in 2nd ch from hook, HDC in each st until end, turn.
    <6>

    ROW 2: Ch 1, BLO HDC 5, HDC in last st, turn.
    <6>

    Repeat ROW 2 until measures approx. 43cm/17”.

    *You want the ribbing to be slightly smaller (1-2cm/0.5-1”) than the neck opening as it will stretch to fit and relax after you’ve worn the sweater a few times.

    *If your ribbing is too long for the opening it will ruffle and there will be excess fabric around your neck. If the ribbing is too short, it will pucker and pull on the stitches along the neckline.

    *I suggest pinning the ribbing to the neckline and trying on the sweater to see if you need to adjust the length, before sewing the ribbing into place.

    Whip stitch the neckline ribbing evenly around the open edge of neckline.

    neckline ribbing sewn onto round neck opening of crochet pullover

    Sew the edges of the neckline ribbing together.

    Weave in all of your ends.

    Voilà! You’ve finished your Breton Stripe Sweater 🙂

    finished striped crochet pullover in linen moss stitch

    Ready for your next crochet project?

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    Comments

    1. -Larryn Griffith says

      September 25, 2021 at 1:15 am

      Hi! I made your Briar Pocket Cardigan and absolutely love it! This sweater is also beautiful and a definite one for me to make as well. Thank you so much for sharing another fantastic pattern.

      Reply
    2. Luna says

      September 25, 2021 at 5:00 am

      Hello Grace,
      Hope you are doing well!
      I absolutely love the project it’s very cute and looks cozy!
      But I was wondering, how many yarn balls did you use for this sweater?
      Wish you all the best...

      Reply
    3. Maria says

      September 28, 2021 at 10:09 am

      I want to make this, but I don’t have access to wecrochet… is Drops Puna a good alternative? Will the end piece have the same drape etc? Or maybe a merino yarn?
      Thank you and thanks for the lovely designs!!!

      Reply
      • Ellin says

        March 07, 2022 at 6:46 pm

        I tried using Drops Puna for this project and I found that it was too thin. I used Debbie Bliss Rialto DK (merino wool) and it worked perfectly!

        Reply
      • Liz says

        November 22, 2022 at 3:22 am

        Is the 15” sleeve length including or excluding the ribbed cuff? Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Kelly says

      February 04, 2022 at 6:51 pm

      I am interested in trying this pattern out but as I was reading the directions it said to us a H 5.5 hook but H is normally 5 and I 5.5, just trying to make sure I have everything before I start

      Reply
      • Christy Myers says

        April 07, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        Hi Kelly, I noticed that too and commented, but did not get an answer. My I hook is a 5.25. I have 3 It’s none a 5.5. It resulted in my sweater being a bit smaller than her measurements. I used 11 bales of the main color and 1 and a smidge of the contrasting color. I’ll post comments on Ravelry.

        Reply
    5. Christy Myers says

      March 22, 2022 at 8:03 pm

      I have made several of your patterns and some more than once with it ha I g to adapt my tension or use a different size hook to get the proper measurements. I love your patterns! I began this pattern’s back section with the H hook, which you posted in your pattern, but upon looking more closely I see you had written H5.5mm. An I hook is 5.5mm; an H hook is 5. Which hook size did you use?
      I love the yarn I bought enough variations to make 3 sweaters. Thank you for the fun patterns and always good choice of yarn

      Reply
    6. Jenna says

      September 07, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      I made this sweater in Aurora Heather Andean Treasure (dark green) and Finnley Heather Andean Treasure, and ordered too much yarn. I have a full skein left of the green and about a skein and a half of the gray if anyone wants it! I'm happy to ship for free.

      Reply
      • Jackie says

        January 22, 2023 at 5:53 am

        I know this is an old post, but did you find a home for the yarn?

        Reply
    7. Adaline says

      November 13, 2022 at 4:06 am

      Hello I am trying to make this sweater I've only ever made blankets before. And I'm doing the xs. I did the ribbing for the back panel so 43 rows and am just confused how we go from 43 rows to 81 stitches across those rows? If were doing a sc in each row shouldn't the stitch count be 43?

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        January 01, 2023 at 7:30 pm

        You are doing A chain in between each sc.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Grace!
    An avid crocheter creating modern and wearable crochet patterns. I share my love for crochet designing here on this blog and on YouTube. Learn more →

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