his classic Ladies Aran Sweater pattern is a timeless, textured knit featuring traditional moss stitch and cable elements. Worked flat in pieces and seamed, the sweater includes a fold-over neckband, set-in sleeves, and shaped armholes and shoulders for a polished fit. Techniques include ribbing, moss stitch, cable decreases, increases, shaping, and finishing work. Ideal for knitters ready to explore structured Aran textures, this pattern delivers a beautiful, sturdy sweater with traditional lines and modern comfort.
Finished Measurements
| Size (Chest to Fit) | 28 in / 71 cm | 30 in / 76 cm | 32 in / 81 cm | 34 in / 86 cm | 36 in / 92 cm | 38 in / 97 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length from Shoulder | 24 in / 42 cm | 24 in / 43 cm | 25 in / 45 cm | 25 in / 45 cm | 26 in / 45 cm | 26 in / 45 cm |
| Sleeve Seam Length | 16 in / 41 cm | 17 in / 43 cm | 17 in / 43 cm | 17 in / 43 cm | 17.5 in / 44 cm | 17.5 in / 44 cm |
Materials
- Worsted/Aran weight yarn (see yarn amounts on original leaflet)
- Needles:
- 3.25 mm (UK 10 / US 3)
- 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7)
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
Tension
- Cable Pattern: 20 sts × 30 rows = 10 cm (4 in) on 4.5 mm needles
- Moss Stitch: 18 sts × 24 rows = 10 cm (4 in) on 4.5 mm needles
Make a tension square.
If your stitches are too large, use a smaller needle; if too small, use a larger needle.
Abbreviations
k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
beg – beginning
inc – increase
dec – decrease
sl1 – slip 1 stitch
psso – pass slipped stitch over
yrn – yarn round needle
st st – stocking stitch
Back and Front (Worked Alike)
Ribbing
With 3.25 mm needles, cast on:
67 (73, 77, 81, 85, 91) sts.
1st row: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
2nd row: *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Repeat these two rows until rib measures 6.5 cm, ending with Row 1.
Increase Row
Next row:
Purl to the first increase point, inc 1 purlwise, purl to next increase point, inc, and continue across.
You should finish with:
85 (91, 97, 103) sts.
Begin Pattern – Switch to 4.5 mm needles
Important:
The first pattern row includes decreases; the second row increases. Do not count the temporarily changed stitch count at the end of Row 1.
Pattern Stitch (4-Row Repeat)
Row 1 (RS):
p1, k1, *sl1, k2, psso, k1; rep from * to last st, p1.
Row 2:
p1, k1, p1, yrn, *(p1, k1) twice; rep from * to last 4 sts, p1, yrn, p1, k1, p1.
Row 3:
p1, *k5; rep from * to last st, p1.
Row 4:
p1, k1, p3, k1, *p1, k1, p3, k1; rep to last 5 sts, p3, k1, p1.
These four rows form the pattern.
Work Body
Continue in pattern until work measures:
43 (44, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5) cm from cast-on, ending with Row 2.
Shape Armholes
Cast off 4 (5, 4, 5, 4, 4) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Then work 3 (4, 8, 8, 12, 14) rows, decreasing 1 st at each end of every row.
Remaining sts:
59 (61, 61, 65, 65, 67)
Note: If shaping cuts into a cable, work the remaining stitches in moss stitch along the edges.
Continue straight until the armhole measures:
17.5 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20.5, 21) cm
End with Row 2.
Shape Shoulders
Cast off as follows, keeping pattern:
- Next 2 rows: cast off 3 (4, 4, 3, 3, 4) sts at the beginning of each row
- Following 2 rows: cast off 3 sts at the beginning of each row
Sts remaining:
47 (47, 47, 53, 53, 53)
Neckband Extension (Front and Back)
Work 13 rows in pattern, decreasing 1 st at each end of this row and every 4th row.
Sts remaining:
39 (39, 39, 45, 45, 45)
Next row: Knit (fold line).
Work 14 rows in stocking stitch (starting with a knit row), increasing 1 st at each end of this row and every 4th row.
Sts after increase:
47 (47, 47, 53, 53, 53)
Cast off loosely.
Sleeves
Ribbing
With 3.25 mm needles, cast on:
35 (35, 37, 37, 37, 39) sts.
Work rib as for body (k1, p1), for 6.5 cm, ending with Row 2.
Begin Moss Stitch
Switch to 4.5 mm needles.
Row 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
(You are now in moss stitch. Continue this pattern throughout.)
Sleeve Increases
Increase 1 st at each end of:
- Row 2
- Then every following 8th row
Continue until you have: 43 (45, 49, 49, 53, 51) sts.
Then inc 1 st at each end of every 6th row until you have:
59 (59, 61, 61, 63, 63) sts.
Work straight until sleeve measures:
42 (43, 45, 45, 45, 45) cm
End with a WS row.
Shape Sleeve Cap
Cast off 1 st at the beginning of every row until:
39 (35, 35, 35, 35, 31) sts remain.
Then cast off 2 sts at the beginning of every row until 19 sts remain.
Cast off all sts.
Making Up
- Press pieces lightly following yarn band instructions.
- Join shoulder seams, including neckband and facing.
- Fold neckband facing to the WS along the fold line and slip-stitch in place.
- Join side seams.
- Sew sleeve seams.
- Set sleeves into armholes.
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