Both sweaters are a celebration of timeless cabling, offering distinct styles united by the irresistible allure of hand-knitted texture. Which one will you cast on first?
NOTE: this is a translation from a Russian pattern.
On the left, discover a classic crew-neck masterpiece, rich in intricate detail. This stunning pullover features bold, intertwining cables running vertically, flanked by sophisticated diamond cable patterns. Worked in a beautiful, earthy brown hue, its tailored fit and elegant texture make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe, perfect for layering over a delicate blouse or pairing with your favorite plaid.
To the right, a relaxed yet refined turtleneck pullover in a gorgeous, speckled mustard gold yarn. This piece highlights a simpler, more organic cable design, creating a wonderfully textured surface that’s both visually appealing and incredibly soft. Its slouchy cowl neck and generous fit offer ultimate comfort without sacrificing style, making it ideal for relaxed weekends or adding a touch of laid-back luxury to your everyday look.
2. Mohair Cable and Diamond Sweater
This elegant Mohair Cable and Diamond Sweater combines rich texture and classic shaping to create a sophisticated piece for cooler days. Worked in a soft mohair–wool–polyamide blend in a warm brass mélange tone, the design features alternating ribbed cables and diamond panels across the body, framed by ribbed borders for a refined finish. The fitted silhouette and structured shoulder shaping give it a tailored look, while the double-folded ribbed turtleneck collar adds both warmth and luxury. A timeless hand-knit piece that brings craftsmanship and comfort together.
Sizes: 36/38 (40/42)
Materials:
Mohair–wool–polyamide yarn (length 155 m/50 g) in brass mélange — 400 (450) g.
Straight needles size 4.5 mm and a circular needle size 4 mm.
Stitch Patterns
Stockinette Stitch (RS smooth):
Right-side rows – knit; wrong-side rows – purl.
Reverse Stockinette Stitch (WS smooth):
Right-side rows – purl; wrong-side rows – knit.
Rib Pattern:
Edge stitch, then 3 stitches in stockinette, 1 in reverse stockinette, repeat, ending with 3 stitches in stockinette and an edge stitch.
Ribbed Cable Pattern A:
Number of stitches divisible by 3 + 1.
Right-side rows: Cross 2 stitches to the left (knit the 2nd stitch first, then the 1st stitch), repeat, ending with 1 purl stitch.
Wrong-side rows: work stitches as they appear.
Ribbed Cable Pattern B:
Same as Pattern A, but cross 2 stitches to the right (knit the 2nd stitch after the 1st stitch).
Cable (over 10 sts):
Work according to Chart 1. Only right-side rows are shown; on wrong-side rows, work stitches as they appear. Repeat rows 1–12.
Diamond (over 20 sts):
Work as for the cable, but follow Chart 2. Repeat rows 1–22.
Gauge:
Ribbed cable pattern: 21.5 sts and 28 rows = 10 x 10 cm.
Cable width: 4 cm.
Diamond width: 10 cm.
Back:
Cast on 104 (116) sts.
Work 1 wrong-side row in knit (this row is not included in further calculations).
Continue as follows:
1 edge st, 31 (37) sts in ribbed cable pattern A, 10 sts in cable, 20 sts in diamond, 10 sts in cable, 31 (37) sts in ribbed cable pattern B, 1 edge st.
At 33 cm (92 rows / 32 cm = 90 rows) from the start, shape the armholes by binding off on both sides every 2nd row: 2 sts once, 1 st three times = 90 (102) sts remain.
For shoulder shaping at 53 cm (148 rows) from the start, bind off on both sides every 2nd row: 5 (6) sts four times.
At the same time, bind off the center 22 sts for the neckline, and work both sides separately.
For neckline rounding, bind off at each inner edge every 2nd row: 4 sts once, 2 sts twice.
Bind off remaining 6 (8) sts for each shoulder at 56 cm (156 rows) from the start.
Front:
Work as for the back, but with a deeper neckline.
At 51 cm (142 rows) from the start, bind off the center 18 sts, then every 2nd row: 3 sts once, 2 sts twice, and 1 st three times.
Sleeves:
Cast on 56 (62) sts.
Work 1 wrong-side row in knit.
Then continue:
1 edge st, 22 (25) sts in ribbed cable pattern A, 10 sts in cable, 22 (25) sts in ribbed cable pattern B, 1 edge st.
For sleeve shaping, increase 1 st on each side:
– every 10th row 4 times,
– every 8th row 3 times,
– every 6th row 3 times,
– every 4th row 13 times = 82 (88) sts.
Include the new sts into the established pattern.
For sleeve cap, at 43 cm (120 rows) from the start, bind off on both sides:
2 sts once, 3 sts twice, 4 sts twice, 5 sts twice, and 6 sts once.
Bind off remaining 18 (24) sts at 49 cm (136 rows) from the start.
Finishing:
Sew shoulder seams.
For the collar, pick up approximately 121 sts evenly around the neckline using the circular needle and work in rib pattern, ensuring that one purl stitch is placed at the shoulder seam and marked.
Begin picking up stitches about 2 cm before the front center and end 2 cm after it. The final 4 cm of stitches should be picked up from the previously worked edge at the back.
To shape the collar, in rows 10, 14, 18, and 20, knit together the marked purl stitch with its preceding and following stitches (purlwise).
At 8 cm (22 rows) from the start of the collar, knit 1 row in stockinette for the fold line, then continue in rib pattern.
In rows 26, 28, 32, and 36, increase 1 stitch on each side of the marked stitch.
At 16 cm (45 rows) from the collar start, bind off all sts.
Fold the collar inward along the fold line and sew the short edges together.
Sew in the sleeves, then close the side and sleeve seams.
3. Classic Merino Raglan Sweater with Central Cable Panel
This Classic Merino Raglan Sweater is a warm, structured knit featuring striking central cables framed by textured stitch panels. Worked in soft merino wool blended with microfiber for extra resilience and comfort, this sweater balances elegance and practicality. The raglan shaping gives it a smooth fit through the shoulders, while the symmetrical front and back panels with rich cables and patterned bands create visual depth. A neatly ribbed neckline and cuffs complete the refined design. Perfect for cooler weather, it’s a timeless hand-knit piece that highlights craftsmanship in every detail.
Sizes: 36/38 (40/42)
Materials:
Merino wool with microfiber yarn (length 77 m/50 g) — brown, 850 (900) g.
Straight needles sizes 4.5 mm and 5 mm, and a circular needle size 4.5 mm.
Stitch Patterns
Ribbing (using 4.5 mm needles):
K2, P2 alternately.
All other patterns are worked on 5 mm needles.
Stockinette Stitch (RS smooth):
Right-side rows – knit; wrong-side rows – purl.
Reverse Stockinette Stitch (WS smooth):
Right-side rows – purl; wrong-side rows – knit.
Main Pattern A:
Number of stitches divisible by 8.
Work according to Chart 1. Only right-side rows are shown; on wrong-side rows, work stitches as they appear.
Repeat motif A and rows 1–2 throughout.
Main Pattern B:
Also divisible by 8.
Work as per Chart 1, but repeat motif B and rows 1–2.
Central Pattern (over 32 sts):
Work as per Chart 1, but knit all marked purl stitches as shown.
Repeat rows 1–32.
Cable (over 10 sts):
Work according to Chart 2. Only right-side rows are shown; on wrong-side rows, purl all stitches.
Repeat rows 1–24.
Gauge:
21.5 sts and 25 rows = 10 x 10 cm.
Back:
Cast on 106 (112) sts.
Work 2 cm in rib pattern.
Then continue as follows:
1 edge st, 0 (3) sts stockinette, 2 sts reverse stockinette, 24 sts in Main Pattern A, 10 sts cable, 32 sts central pattern, 10 sts cable, 24 sts Main Pattern B, 2 sts reverse stockinette, 0 (3) sts stockinette, 1 edge st.
For raglan shaping:
At 38.5 cm = 96 rows (or 36 cm = 90 rows) from the ribbing, bind off on both sides every 2nd row: 4 sts once, then 22 (25) times 1 st each.
At 57 cm = 142 rows from the ribbing, bind off the remaining 54 sts for the neckline edge.
Front:
Work as for the back.
Left Sleeve:
Cast on 50 sts.
Work 2 cm in rib pattern, then continue:
1 edge st, 8 sts from cable pattern (end section), 32 sts central pattern, 8 sts cable (beginning section), 1 edge st.
For sleeve increases (to widen), starting from the ribbing:
Increase 1 st each side –
15 (7) times every 6th row,
13 (14) times every 4th row = 86 (92) sts.
Work the newly added stitches into the existing pattern as on the back.
For raglan shaping at 43 cm = 108 rows (or 40.5 cm = 102 rows) from the ribbing, decrease on both sides as for the back.
At 61.5 cm = 154 rows from the ribbing, continue on the remaining 34 sts as a shoulder band.
At 64 cm = 160 rows from the ribbing, divide the work.
Continue first the right shoulder section (back neckline side).
For neckline rounding, bind off at the inner edge every 2nd row: 2 sts once, 1 st twice.
At 74 cm = 184 rows from the ribbing, bind off remaining 13 sts.
To shape the front neckline, work the left shoulder section, and bind off at the inner edge every 2nd row: 4 sts once, 3 sts once, 2 sts three times, 1 st twice.
At 70 cm = 174 rows from the ribbing, bind off remaining 2 sts.
Right Sleeve:
Work the same as the left sleeve, but mirror the pattern placement.
Finishing:
Sew side and sleeve seams.
Join the center seam along the back of the sleeves.
Sew in the sleeves and shoulder bands.
For the neckline band:
Using the circular needle, pick up stitches evenly as follows:
Start 2 cm before the front center, pick up 5 sts to the center, then from the remaining neckline pick up 74 sts, and cast on an additional 5 sts for the overlap = 84 sts total.
Work in rib pattern (K2, P2).
At 4 cm total height, bind off all stitches as they appear.
Secure the overlap neatly.
Original Vintage Sweater Patterns:
