Free Children’s Cable Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern: Grace Pullover
A free children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern with all-over cables, perfect for everyday wear, layering, and gift knitting.
This children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern is a free pullover design featuring cables worked throughout the entire sweater for a timeless, textured look. Designed for kids, the Grace Pullover balances warmth, comfort, and durability with thoughtful details like set-in sleeves and a structured turtleneck. Knit using Hobbii Jade yarn, the cables remain well defined while the fabric stays soft enough for everyday wear. This pattern is a great choice for knitters who want to practice cables in a consistent, repeating way across both the body and sleeves. Whether you’re knitting for fall and winter layering, a meaningful handmade gift, or a child’s everyday wardrobe, this sweater is designed to be worn, loved, and used.
Why did I design the Grace Pullover?
The Grace Pullover came from wanting a sweater that felt special but still practical. I wanted cables that made the knitting interesting without turning the sweater into something too delicate or stiff for a child. The first version was knit for my four-year-old daughter in a bright pink ombre, and it quickly became one of those sweaters she reached for without being reminded.
This children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern is meant to feel timeless and sturdy—something that works just as well for everyday wear as it does for special occasions.
What makes this children’s cable turtleneck sweater unique?
This sweater uses cables as part of the fabric itself, not just as an accent. The cable pattern runs throughout the entire sweater, giving it a cohesive, balanced look from top to bottom. Instead of breaking up the design, the cables unify the whole piece.
The set-in sleeves create a clean shoulder line, while the turtleneck adds warmth without feeling bulky. The construction is traditional and familiar, making it enjoyable for knitters who like a steady rhythm and a polished result. If you enjoy projects similar to the Youth Granite Sweater or browsing the Free Sweater Knitting Patterns page, this one will feel right at home.
What materials do I need to knit this sweater?
You’ll need the following materials to knit the Grace Pullover, all of which are used throughout the pattern:
- Yarn: Hobbii Jade yarn (affiliate link)
- Knitting Needles: Sizes needed to meet gauge, straight or circular
- Cable Needle: Used consistently for the all-over cables
- Stitch Markers: Helpful for tracking cable repeats and shaping
- Tapestry Needle: For seaming and finishing
- Measuring Tape: For checking fit and gauge
Hobbii Jade yarn (affiliate link) works especially well here because it shows cable texture clearly while remaining comfortable for kids to wear.
How is this sweater meant to fit?
This children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern is designed with a classic, comfortable fit that allows for movement. The cables naturally add structure, helping the sweater hold its shape without feeling tight or restrictive.
The turtleneck sits neatly around the neck without feeling stiff, and the set-in sleeves help the sweater stay in place during everyday activity.
If you’re looking for another sweater with a similar feel, the Youth Turtleneck Pullover is a great option to explore alongside this pattern, especially if you enjoy classic fits and warm winter layers.
How do I choose the right size?
The pattern includes multiple children’s sizes. Rather than choosing based on age, it’s best to select a size using chest measurements and desired ease. Finished measurements are included so you can adjust length or width if needed.
If sizing for kids ever feels uncertain, the post How to Adjust Sweater Length for Growing Kids (look for this post on Monday January 26th) pairs well with this pattern.
Why was Hobbii Jade yarn chosen?
Hobbii Jade yarn (affiliate link) was chosen because it balances softness with excellent stitch definition. The cables remain crisp and visible without feeling stiff, and the yarn is durable enough for frequent wear.
The bright pink ombre version shows how well the cables hold their shape even when color changes are involved.
Can I substitute a different yarn?
Yes, but yarn choice matters with all-over cables. Look for:
- A similar weight and fiber blend
- Smooth texture for clear stitch definition
- Minimal fuzz that won’t hide cables
You can find more guidance in Shop My Knitting Bag.
Why is gauge especially important for this pattern?
Gauge matters more than usual in this children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern because cables change the density of the fabric. Always knit and block a gauge swatch using your needles and Hobbii Jade yarn (affiliate link) before starting.
Even a small difference in gauge can noticeably affect fit.
What skills do I need to knit this sweater?
This pattern includes:
- Knit and purl stitches
- Cable stitches worked in a repeating pattern
- Increases and decreases
- Set-in sleeve construction
- Picking up stitches for the turtleneck
While cables are used throughout, they repeat predictably, making this a great confidence-building project. If you’ve knit a sweater before—especially something like the Youth Damask Cardigan—you’ll feel comfortable here.
When and how can this sweater be worn?
The Grace Pullover works well for:
- Everyday school and play
- Fall and winter layering
- Family photos or special outings
- Thoughtful handmade gifts
Because the cables are worked throughout, the sweater looks finished and intentional from every angle, no matter how it’s styled.
Frequently Asked Questions
They repeat evenly and become muscle memory after a few rows.
Yes, especially if you’ve already knit at least one garment.
Yes, the height can be adjusted if preferred.
Yes, blocking helps the cables relax and improves fit.
The cable fabric provides structure, helping it keep its shape. My daughter’s has been washed several times and it’s holding it’s shape very well.
Grace Pullover Free Pattern
MATERIALS AND INFO
Size: 0-3m, 3-6m (6-12m, 12m) 18m, 24m (3/4y, 5/6y) 7/8y, 9/10y (11/12y, 13/14yrs)
Materials: Approximately 310, 365 (420, 460) 510, 550 (625, 720) 830, 965 (1095, 1240) yds of Hobbii Jade 328yds/100g, yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm circular needles and dpn, 5(US) 3.75mm circular and dpn
Gauge (tension): 22.5sts & 28 rows to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles working in the charted stitch pattern
Chest Measurement: 41, 44 (47, 50), 52, 54 (57, 61) 66, 72 (78, 84) cm or 16, 17.25 (18.5, 19.5) 20.5, 21 (22.5, 24) 26, 28.25 (30.75, 33) ins
METHOD
Grace Pullover is bottom-up set in sleeve pullover in an easy-care yarn. It is worked in the round until the sleeves. The sleeves are worked flat. Created for our 8th child, she wanted something soft and comfortable for winter to layer over dresses for our frigid Montana winters.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Note: choose size based on chest measurement for best fit. Measurements above are measurement of the person not sweater measurements.
1X1 RIB PATTERN
Row 1 (right side row) – (k1, p1) across
Row 2 – knit all the knit stitches, purl all the purl stitches.
STITCH CHART
Row Instructions
Row 1 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 2 – k1, p6, k1, p6
Row 3 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 4 – k1, p6, k1, p6
Row 5 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 6 – k1, p6, k1, p6
Row 7 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 8 – k1, p6, k1, p6
Row 9 – cb3/3, p1, cf3/3, p1
Row 10 – k1, p6, k1, p6
In the Round Instructions
Row 1 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 2 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 3 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 4 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 5 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 6 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 7 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 8 – k6, p1, k6, p1
Row 9 – cb3/3, p1, cf3/3, p1
Row 10 – k6, p1, k6, p1
BODY
Cast on using smaller circular needle: 112, 126 (140, 140) 140, 154 (154, 168) 182, 196 (196, 210) sts. Join in the round.
Work in 1×1 ribbing for 2.5, 2.5 (3, 3) 3, 3 (4, 4) 4, 4 (4, 4)cms or 1, 1 (1.25, 1.25) 1.25, 1.25 (1.5, 1.5) 1.5, 1.5 (1.5, 1.5)ins.
Switch to larger needles.
Work in charted stitch pattern until piece measures 14, 15 (17.5, 19.5) 21, 22.5 (24, 26) 28.5, 30 (34, 36) cm or 5.5, 6 (7, 7.75) 8.5, 9 (9.5, 10.5) 11.5, 12 (13.5, 14.5) measuring from cast on.
On the last round before sleeves separation work 56, 63 (70, 70) 70, 77 (77, 84) 91, 98 (98, 105) sts place remaining 56, 63 (70, 70) 70, 77 (77, 83) 91, 98 (98, 105) sts on holder.
SEPARATE FOR ARMHOLE
You will now work flat.
Cast off 3, 4 (4, 4) 4, 5 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. [50, 55 (62, 62) 62, 67 (69, 76) 81, 88 (88, 93) sts]
Then decrease 1 sts at each end of the following 1, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 2) rows. [48, 51 (58, 58) 58, 63 (65, 72) 77, 82 (82, 89) sts]
Then decrease 1 sts at each end of every other right side row 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) times. [44, 47 (54, 54) 54, 59 (61, 68) 73, 78 (78, 85) sts]
Work in stitch chart pattern until piece measures 22.5, 24 (25, 28.5) 31, 32.5 (36, 40) 43.5, 47.5 (51, 55) cms or 9, 9.5 (10.5, 11.5) 12.5, 13 (14.5, 16) 17.5, 19 (20.5, 22) ins from cast on bottom edge.
SHAPE BACK SHOULDERS
Bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts at beginning of the next 2 rows.
Bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts at beginning of row, work in pattern for 7, 7 (8, 8) 7, 8 (8, 8) 9, 9 (10, 11) [8, 8 (9, 9) 8, 9 (9, 9) 10, 10 (11, 12) sts on right needle].
Put remaining sts on stitch holder.
Turn, bind off 3sts, work to end of row.
Turn, bind off remaining 5, 5 (6, 6) 5, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (8, 9) sts
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to stitches on hold, bind off 12, 15 (20, 20) 18, 21 (23, 26) 29, 30 (28, 31) knit remaining 12, 12 (13, 13) 13, 14 (14, 15) 16, 17 (18, 19) sts.
Turn, bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts work to end of row
Turn, bind off 3sts
Turn, bind off 5, 5 (6, 6) 5, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (8, 9) sts
SHAPE FRONT ARMHOLES
With larger needle pick up the 56, 63 (70, 70) 70, 77 (77, 84) 91, 98 (98, 105) sts on hold.
Cast off 3, 4 (4, 4) 4, 5 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. [50, 55 (62, 62) 62, 67 (69, 76) 81, 88 (88, 93) sts]
Then decrease 1 sts at each end of the following 1, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 2) rows. [48, 51 (58, 58) 58, 63 (65, 72) 77, 82 (82, 89) sts]
Work 1 row.
Then decrease 1 sts at each end of every other right side row 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) times. [44, 47 (54, 54) 54, 59 (61, 68) 73, 78 (78, 85) sts]
Work in stitch chart pattern until you have worked 20, 21 (24, 26) 29, 30 (34, 36) 40, 44 (47.5, 51) cm or 8, 8.5 (9.5, 10.5) 11.5, 12 (13.5, 14.5) 16, 17.5 (19, 20.5) measuring from cast on.
LEFT FRONT NECK SHAPING
Work 10, 16 (17, 18) 19, 20 (20, 22) 23, 26 (27, 29) sts, put remaining sts on holder, turn.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge of next 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 4) rows.
Then decrease 1 st at neck edge of each right-side row 1, 1 (1, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) times.
12, 13 (14, 14) 15, 16 (16, 18) 19, 21 (22, 23) sts remain.
Continue without shaping until work measures 22.5, 24 (25, 28.5) 31, 32.5 (36, 40) 43.5, 47.5 (51, 55) cms or 9, 9.5 (10.5, 11.5) 12.5, 13 (14.5, 16) 17.5, 19 (20.5, 22) ins from cast on bottom edge.
LEFT FRONT SHOULDER SHAPING
Starting on a right-side row, bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts, work across remains sts, turn.
Work 1 row with no decreases, turn.
Bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts, work across remains sts, turn.
Work 1 row with no decreases, turn.
Bind off remaining 5, 5 (6, 6) 5, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (8, 9) sts.
RIGHT FRONT NECK SHAPING
Rejoin yarn to work on stitch holder and bind off 12, 15 (20, 18) 16, 19 (21, 24) 27, 26 (24, 25) sts
Work to the end of the row.
Decrease 1 st at neck edge of next 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 4) rows.
Then decrease 1 st at neck edge of each right-side row 1, 1 (1, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) times.
12, 13 (14, 14) 15, 16 (16, 18) 19, 21 (22, 23) sts remain.
Continue without shaping until work measures 22.5, 24 (25, 28.5) 31, 32.5 (36, 40) 43.5, 47.5 (51, 55) cms or 9, 9.5 (10.5, 11.5) 12.5, 13 (14.5, 16) 17.5, 19 (20.5, 22) ins from cast on bottom edge.
RIGHT FRONT SHOULDER SHAPING
Starting on a wrong-side row, bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts, work across remains sts, turn.
Work 1 row with no decreases, turn.
Bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 7 (7, 7) sts, work across remains sts, turn.
Work 1 row with no decreases, turn.
Bind off remaining 5, 5 (6, 6) 5, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (8, 9) sts.
SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
With smaller needles, cast on 29, 31 (31, 31) 33, 35 (41, 43) 45, 45 (47, 49) sts.
Work for 2.5, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 3, 3 (3, 3) 4, 4 (4, 4) cms or 1, 1 (1, 1) 1.25, 1.25 (1.25, 1.25) 1.5, 1.5 (1.5, 1.5) ins in 1×1 ribbing.
Change to larger needles and begin working in charted stitch pattern as follows:
k0, 1 (1, 1) 2, 3 (3, 0) 1, 1 (2, 3) sts, p1, work charted stitch pattern 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) times, then work first 7 sts of charted stitch pattern 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (1, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) times, k0, 1 (1, 1) 2, 3 (2, 0) 1, 1 (2, 3) .
Work 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (4, 4) 4, 4 (4, 4) row in pattern.
SLEEVE INCREASES
Note: as you increase add more repeats of the stitch pattern as you can
Increase at each end of every other row 2, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) times
Then increase every 4th row 3, 3 (4, 5) 3, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) times
Then increase every 6th row 0, 1 (2, 2) 4, 3 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) times
Then increase every 8th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 3 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 2) times
Then increase every 10th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 5 (7, 7)
Then increase every 12th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 4) 0, 2 (1, 0) times
Then increase every 14th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (4, 1) 4, 0 (0, 0) times
Then increase every 16th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) 1, 0 (0, 0) times
39, 41 (43, 45) 47, 47 (49, 53) 55, 59 (63, 67) sts
Continue working in charted stitch pattern until your work measures 11, 12.5 (16, 17.5) 19, 20 (24, 26) 29, 32.5 (35, 37.5) cms or 4.5, 5 (6.5, 7) 7.5, 8 (9.5, 10.5) 11.5, 13, (14, 15) ins or desired length.
SLEEVE HEAD
Bind off 4, 4 (4, 4) 4, 5 (4, 4) 5, 5 (5, 6) sts of beginning of next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each end of next 1, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 2) rows.
Then every other row 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) times.
Then every 4th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 1) 2, 2 (2, 3) times.
Then every other row 1, 1 (1, 1) 2, 1 (2, 2) 2, 2 (4, 4) times.
Then decrease on the following 3, 3 (4, 4) 4, 4 (5, 5) 3, 4 (3, 3) rows.
Bind off remaining 17, 17 (17, 19) 19, 19 (19, 21) 23, 23 (25, 27) sts.
NECKBAND
Sew shoulder seams.
Pick up and knit 6, 6 (6, 7) 8, 8 (8, 8) 9, 11 (11, 11) sts down left front,
12, 15 (20, 18) 16, 19 (21, 24) 27, 28 (24, 25) sts across neck,
6, 6 (6, 7) 8, 8 (8, 8) 9, 11 (11, 11) sts up right front,
18, 21 (26, 26) 26, 29 (29, 32) 35, 36 (34, 37) sts around back.
Join in the round. 42, 48 (58, 58) 58, 64 (66, 72) 80, 84 (80, 84) sts
Neck rounds – work in k1p1 ribbing around
Continue repeating rounds until the neck measures 10, 10 (10, 12.5) 12.5, 12.5 (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) cms or 4, 4 (4, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) ins.
Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Sew remaining seams, weave in all ends and block as desired.
ABBREVIATIONS
cb3/3 – place the next 3 stitches on a cable needle and hold in back, knit the next 3 stitches, knit the 3 stitches on the cable needle
cf3/3 – place the next 3 stitches on a cable needle and hold in front, knit the next 3 stitches, knit the 3 stitches on the cable needle
CMS – centemeters
INS – inches
K – knit
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
P – purl
PM – place marker
ssk – slip, slip, knit – slip the next stitch as if to knit, slip the next stitch as if to knit, knit the 2 slipped stitches together
SM – slip marker
ST – stitch
STS – stitches
Yo – yarn over
Grace Pullover PDF Download
Want to share your project?
If you knit the Grace Pullover—or you’re planning colors and yarn choices—I’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below and tell me who you’re knitting this children’s cable turtleneck sweater knitting pattern for.
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The post Free Children’s Cable Turtleneck Sweater Knitting Pattern: Grace Pullover appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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