Woven Palm Sweater

Woven Palm Sweater by KNITTnyc

What Is Being Made

The Woven Palm Sweater is a loose-fitting knit sweater designed with a slight batwing silhouette and beautiful drape. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer KNITTnyc offers a contemporary take on a classic pullover, available in multiple sizes ranging from S/M through 4XL/5XL (with sizes 2XL/3XL and larger noted as untested). The sweater features a relaxed fit with approximately 4–6 inches of ease, making it suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Construction Method

This sweater is knit cuff to cuff, a construction technique that begins at one cuff, continues across the body, and finishes at the opposite cuff. This method creates seamless sleeves and a continuous fabric flow, reducing the need for seaming and offering a more integrated garment structure.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Waffle Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the entire sweater, creating a textured, dimensional fabric with excellent drape and visual interest
• Cast On: Basic cast-on technique required to begin the project
• Knit and Purl: Fundamental stitches used in combination to create the waffle stitch pattern
• Cast On Stitches at the Beginning of a Row: Increases worked at row beginnings to shape the batwing sleeves
• Tubular Cast Off: A professional finishing technique used to bind off stitches with an invisible, elastic edge

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

This pattern is rated intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping and specialty finishing techniques. The pattern requires consistent attention to maintaining the waffle stitch throughout, with instructions to continue the stitch pattern based on the previous row to ensure continuity and proper fabric structure.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Weight: Aran weight yarn is recommended, offering a medium-heavy gauge that works well for drape and structure. The pattern specifies Illimani Amelie (a blend of Mulberry Silk, Baby Alpaca, and Merino) as the yarn used in the sample garment, though any aran-weight yarn of similar fiber content and yardage will work.

Yardage Requirements: Approximately 550 yards (S/M) to 1,150 yards (4XL/5XL), depending on size selected.

Needles: US 1 needles are required to achieve the proper gauge of 11 stitches and 17 rows over 4 inches in blocked waffle stitch.

Finished Measurements

• Body Length: 20–26 inches (blocked), depending on size
• Sleeve Length from Shoulder: 22–26 inches (blocked)
• Bust Circumference: 38–62 inches (blocked)
• Forearm Circumference: 12–14 inches (blocked)

All measurements are taken after blocking, which is essential for achieving accurate fit and allowing the waffle stitch texture to fully develop and settle.