Daydream Sweater - Free Jumper Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Chenille by Paintbox Yarns

Daydream Sweater: Free Chunky Chenille Cable Knitting Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The Daydream Sweater is a free, downloadable women's jumper knitting pattern designed by Paintbox Yarns, rated at an intermediate difficulty level. It is a cosy, textured pullover sweater worked in luxurious chunky chenille yarn, featuring beautiful cable detailing that gives the finished garment a rich, dimensional surface. This pattern is an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and are ready to explore the satisfying world of cable knitting on a wearable, stylish project.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's pullover sweater (jumper) worked in a chunky weight chenille yarn. The sweater is designed with a relaxed, comfortable fit and is available in seven sizes, fitting chest measurements from 32–34 inches up to 56–58 inches (81–147 cm). Finished chest measurements range from 38¼ inches (97 cm) to 61¾ inches (157 cm), and finished lengths range from approximately 17¾ inches to 19¾ inches, making it a classic cropped-to-standard length everyday sweater. The generous size range makes this pattern accessible to a wide variety of body types.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: The sweater pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, meaning each piece — typically the front, back, and sleeves — is worked back and forth in rows.
• Seamed construction: Once all pieces are complete, they are joined together using a seaming method. The pattern specifically recommends using scraps of DK yarn in similar colors for seaming, which is a practical tip for working with chenille, as the yarn itself can be tricky to unpick if used for seams.
• Cable knitting: The sweater features cable panels, a classic technique in which groups of stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like or braided textures on the fabric surface. Cables add visual interest and a tactile quality that is especially striking in chenille yarn.
• Loose cast-on and bind-off: The pattern includes an important note that when working with chenille yarn, it is essential to cast on and bind (cast) off very loosely. Knitters may find it helpful to use a larger needle size specifically for these steps to ensure the edges remain flexible and do not pucker.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (stocking stitch): The main body fabric is worked in stockinette stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric. Gauge is measured over this stitch: 10 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) using US 10 (6mm) needles.
• Cable stitches: A cable and 3-stitch repeat panel is incorporated into the design. The cable repeat measures 2½ inches (6.5 cm) wide, giving a defined, structured look to the sweater's texture. Cables are worked using a dedicated cable needle to hold stitches to the front or back while others are knitted.
• Knit and purl combinations: As is standard in flat knitting with cable panels, the pattern uses knit and purl stitches in combination to set off the cable motifs and create the background fabric.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Chenille, a chunky weight yarn sold in 3¼oz (100g) balls. The sample shown uses the colorway Lemon. Yarn quantities range from 7 balls for the smallest size up to 12 balls for the largest size. Paintbox Yarns Chenille is exclusively available at lovecrafts.com. The pattern notes that Paintbox Yarns cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if any yarn other than the recommended yarn is used, which is particularly relevant with chenille, as its unique velvety pile and stretch characteristics directly affect gauge and drape. Additionally, scraps of DK weight yarn in similar colors are needed for seaming the finished pieces together.

Needles