The Cozy Alpine Star Sweater: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Yoked Pullover

Wrap Yourself in Alpine Warmth: The Cozy Alpine Star Sweater

Imagine the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and the feeling of being wrapped in the softest, warmest hug. That's the magic of the Cozy Alpine Star Sweater. This free knitting pattern is designed to bring that alpine-inspired comfort into your everyday life. Featuring a stunning, all-over star stitch pattern, this textured pullover is more than just a garment—it's a cozy statement piece. The rich, deep forest green alpaca blend yarn creates a plush, modern sweater that's perfect for chilly days, whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fire or taking a brisk autumn walk. With its classic, slightly oversized fit and round neckline, this sweater is a timeless addition to any handmade wardrobe. Let's get started on creating your own piece of alpine luxury.

Materials Needed

To bring the Cozy Alpine Star Sweater to life, you'll need the following materials. All specifications are crucial for achieving the correct fit and texture.

• Yarn: Worsted weight alpaca blend yarn (approx 1200-1500 yards for sizes S-2XL). The sample uses a rich, deep forest green.
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch and 32-inch circular needles (for ribbing)
  • US 8 (5mm) 16-inch and 32-inch circular needles (for main body)
  • Double-pointed needles (DPNs) in US 8 (5mm) (for sleeves)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles. Accurate gauge is essential for proper sizing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, yarn needle, stitch holders or waste yarn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL). The finished chest measurements are 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches. Follow the instructions for your size carefully.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• ssk = slip slip knit
• yo = yarn over
• m1L = make one left (increase)
• m1R = make one right (increase)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Special Stitch: Star Stitch (worked over 2 sts)

This is the core of the sweater's texture. Insert the right needle into the second stitch on the left needle as if to knit, then into the first stitch, yarn over and pull through both stitches, drop both stitches off the left needle. (1 stitch made). Practice this on a swatch to get comfortable with the motion.

Yoke

1. Cast On: With smaller needles (US 7), cast on 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
2. Neck Ribbing: Work k1, p1 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
3. Switch to Larger Needles: Change to US 8 needles.
4. Increase Round 1: *K8 (9, 10, 11, 12), m1L, repeat from * around. (90, 96, 100, 104, 108 sts)
5. Work 3 rounds in stockinette (knit every round).
6. Increase Round 2: *K9 (10, 11, 12, 13), m1L, repeat from * around. (100, 108, 112, 116, 120 sts)
7. Work 3 rounds stockinette.
8. Begin Star Stitch Pattern:
   • Round 1: *Work star stitch over next 2 sts, k1, repeat from * around.
   • Round 2: Knit all sts.
   • Round 3: *K1, work star stitch over next 2 sts, repeat from * around.
   • Round 4: Knit all sts.
   • Repeat these 4 rounds for pattern.
9. Work even in pattern for 2 inches.
10. Increase Round 3: *Work in pattern for 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) sts, m1L, repeat from * around. (110, 120, 128, 136, 144 sts)
11. Work 3 rounds even in pattern.
12. Increase Round 4: *Work in pattern for 11 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts, m1L, repeat from * around. (120, 132, 140, 148, 156 sts)
13. Continue Increasing: Continue increasing every 4th round, adding 1 st between increases each time, until you have 200 (220, 240, 260, 280) sts.
14. Work even in pattern until yoke measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches from cast-on.

Separate Body and Sleeves

1. Knit across next 30 (33, 36, 39, 42) sts for back, place next 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts on holder for right sleeve, cast on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts for underarm, knit across next 60 (66, 72, 78, 84) sts for front, place next 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts on holder for left sleeve, cast on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts for underarm, knit across remaining 30 (33, 36, 39, 42) sts for back. (132, 148, 164, 180, 196 sts for body)

Body

1. Continue in star stitch pattern (working in the round) until body measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from underarm.
2. Switch to smaller needles (US 7) and work k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

1. Place 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts from holder onto DPNs or shorter circular needle. Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts from underarm. (46, 52, 58, 64, 70 sts)
2. Place marker for beginning of round.
3. Work in star stitch pattern in the round for 2 inches.
4. Decrease Round: K1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
5. Work 5 rounds even.
6. Repeat decrease round every 6 rounds until 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) sts remain.
7. Work even until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) inches from underarm.
8. Switch to smaller needles (US 7) and work k1, p1 ribbing for 1.5 inches. Bind off loosely.
9. Repeat for second sleeve.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a yarn needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements to open up the star stitch pattern and ensure a professional finish. Your Cozy Alpine Star Sweater is now ready to wear!