12 Christmas Crochet Sweater Free Patterns
A handmade Christmas sweater is the kind of thing you pull out every December for years. These are not joke sweaters. They are cozy, festive designs you will actually want to wear to dinner, on Christmas morning, or in the family photo.
We checked every pattern below and confirmed it is free. You will find Fair Isle-style yokes, candy cane stripes, a reindeer pullover, a red cardigan, a holiday vest and even a cardigan for babies. Most come in a wide range of sizes.
Christmas Crochet Sweater Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- DK or worsted weight yarn in red, green, white and cream
- Crochet hook set (4 mm to 6.5 mm)
- Locking stitch markers
- Yarn needle for seaming and weaving ends
- Bobbins or clips for colorwork
- Measuring tape
- Blocking mats and pins
1. Holiday Sweater by ByKaterina for Hobbii
Photo: Catalina Ungureanu – ByKaterina (Hobbii Design)
If you love the look of a Nordic knit sweater but do not knit, this one is for you. It has a classic red-and-white “Fair Isle” pattern around the yoke and comes in four sizes, XS to L. It is a timeless Christmas sweater you can wear all winter, not just on the 25th.
- Designer: Catalina Ungureanu – ByKaterina (Hobbii Design)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Santa’s Helper Sweater by ByKaterina for Hobbii
Photo: Catalina Ungureanu – ByKaterina (Hobbii Design)
A classic top-down raglan worked in basic stitches with a little colorwork to make it festive. It has a loose fit with about 14 cm (5.5 inches) of positive ease. Top-down means you can try it on as you go and stop the body and sleeves at exactly the length you want.
- Designer: Catalina Ungureanu – ByKaterina (Hobbii Design)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Candy Canes Sweater by The Rainbow Pumpkin
Photo: The Rainbow Pumpkin (for Hobbii)
This one is rated beginner and is described as quick and snuggly. It fits busts up to 31 to 59 inches across eight sizes, XS to 4XL. There is a matching children’s version too, so you can make a set for family photos.
- Designer: The Rainbow Pumpkin (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Candy Cane Stripes Sweater by Manatee_Squares
Photo: Manatee_Squares (for Hobbii)
Red and white stripes worked in the simple granny stitch, which makes it a relaxing project you can do while watching holiday movies. Make it in neutral colors and you can wear it year-round. It comes in sizes XS to 5XL, and there is a kids’ pattern to match.
- Designer: Manatee_Squares (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Christmas Lights Sweater by Manatee_Squares
Photo: Manatee_Squares / Lauren Willis (for Hobbii)
Cute bobbles stand in for Christmas lights on this oversized sweater. It is a fun, cheerful design that still feels grown-up. The Ravelry listing describes it as a crew-neck, drop-sleeve pullover worked flat and seamed, in sizes XS to 5XL, with a matching kids’ version.
- Designer: Manatee_Squares / Lauren Willis (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Christmastide Sweater by HomemadeHeart44
Photo: Maria Trujillo – HomemadeHeart44 (for Hobbii)
A more elegant choice. This sweater has a pretty lace pattern on the sleeves and color details at the neckline and cuffs. It is made in two panels, bottom-up, then sewn together, in sizes XS to 2XL. Wear it with a velvet skirt for a holiday party.
- Designer: Maria Trujillo – HomemadeHeart44 (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Johanna Christmas Sweater by Johanna Buschardt
Photo: Johanna Buschardt (for Hobbii)
This sweater uses corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet and a chart to create its holiday design. It is worked with two yarns held together, an alpaca and a kid silk, for a very soft, warm fabric. The pattern includes a C2C guide, and you can finish it with a star, pom-poms or jingle bells.
- Designer: Johanna Buschardt (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Hobbii Soft Alpaca + Kid Silk held together (see pattern)
- Hook: 5 mm (H/8)
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Mod Christmas Sweater by Hooked on Homemade Happiness
Photo: Breann / Hooked on Homemade Happiness
A fitted top-down raglan with a solid body and bold Christmas stripes on the sleeves. It is modern and fun, and it works in traditional red, green and white or a pastel holiday palette. If you have some shaping experience, this is a great one to try.
- Designer: Breann / Hooked on Homemade Happiness
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: worsted (#4), five colors
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Festive Reindeer Christmas Sweater by Fosbas Designs
Photo: Susanna / Fosbas Designs
A navy, white and brown sweater with a cute reindeer wearing a scarf. You can change the scarf color to match your style. It comes in a big size range, XS to 5XL, and is a classic Christmas jumper you can wear every year.
- Designer: Susanna / Fosbas Designs
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free on the blog + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Happy Holidays Easy Red Crochet Cardigan by Kiks + Jack Crochet
Photo: Kiks + Jack Crochet
Prefer a cardigan? This oversized red cardigan has ribbed hems and cuffs, a thick ribbed neckline, and optional pockets. It is written for beginners, with made-to-measure instructions plus standard sizes from XS to 5XL. Easy to throw on over a holiday dress or pajamas.
- Designer: Kiks + Jack Crochet
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (US 8)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Jolly Times Vest by adventuresincrafting
Photo: adventuresincrafting (for Hobbii)
A sweater vest is perfect for layering over a white shirt or turtleneck at Christmas parties. The designer says it suits beginners and more experienced crocheters alike, and it comes in sizes S to 2XL. Note that the pattern is written in UK crochet terms.
- Designer: adventuresincrafting (for Hobbii)
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: see pattern
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free (PDF from Hobbii)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Santa’s Little Helper by Stephanie Mason Design
Photo: Stephanie Mason Paulantis / Stephanie Mason Design
For baby’s first Christmas. This little cardigan is worked bottom-up in one piece, the sleeves are made in the round, and the collar is crocheted on. The only sewing is setting in the sleeves. Sizes run from 3 to 24 months.
- Designer: Stephanie Mason Paulantis / Stephanie Mason Design
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free (Ravelry download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First Christmas sweater? Start with #3, the Candy Canes Sweater, which is rated beginner, or the beginner-friendly cardigan in #10.
- Want the classic Nordic look? Go for #1, the Holiday Sweater with its Fair Isle-style yoke.
- Like to try on as you go? The top-down raglans in #2 and #8 are for you.
- Making matching family sweaters? #3, #4 and #5 all have kids’ versions.
- Crocheting for a baby? #12 is a sweet little cardigan in sizes 3 to 24 months.
FAQ
How far ahead should I start a Christmas crochet sweater?
Give yourself plenty of time. Many crocheters start in October or early November. A full adult sweater can take several weeks of evening crochet, especially with colorwork. If you start late, choose a simpler stitch, a bulkier yarn, or a vest instead of a full sweater.
What colors work best for a Christmas sweater?
Red, green and white are classic. For a more modern look, try cream with burgundy, forest green with mustard, or navy with white. Several patterns here also suggest neutral or pastel versions so you can wear the sweater after the holidays.
Do I need to know colorwork to make a Christmas sweater?
No. Stripes like the candy cane designs only need simple color changes at the end of a row. Fair Isle-style yokes, C2C and motif sweaters take more practice. If colorwork is new to you, start with stripes or a solid red cardigan.
Choose your favorite, gather your festive yarn, and you will have a new holiday tradition by December.