Looking for a free crochet sweater pattern that combines timeless style, beautiful texture, and a flattering fit?

The MJ’s Signature Sweater is one of the featured designs in my Timeless Tones Collection and was created to showcase everything I love about crochet garments. Designed in my signature brand colours and worked with Timeless Tones yarn, this sweater features beautiful stitch definition, thoughtful shoulder shaping, and a classic silhouette you’ll reach for season after season.

Whether you’re crocheting your first sweater or adding another handmade garment to your wardrobe, this free crochet sweater pattern offers a timeless design with modern construction details.

Why You’ll Love This Free Crochet Sweater Pattern

• Free crochet pattern available on the blog
• Sizes XS to 5X
• Step-by-step video tutorial included
• Beautiful textured stitch pattern
• Thoughtful shoulder shaping for a comfortable fit
• Tapered sleeves
• Designed with Timeless Tones yarn
• Part of the Timeless Tones Summer Palette Crochet Along
• Timeless style you’ll wear for years

The Story Behind the Design

When I started creating the Timeless Tones Collection, I knew I wanted a sweater that represented both my brand and my personal style.

The MJ’s Signature Sweater was designed using the Cottage Garden colour palette, featuring the signature colours of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs. I wanted a sweater that felt timeless rather than trendy. Something comfortable enough for everyday wear but polished enough to become a wardrobe favourite.

One of my favourite features is the shoulder shaping. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how the sweater fits and sits on the body.

The result is a crochet sweater that feels classic, comfortable, and effortlessly wearable.

About Timeless Tones Yarn

The MJ’s Signature Sweater was designed using Timeless Tones, my signature anti-pilling DK weight yarn line created in collaboration with Mary Maxim.

Timeless Tones offers:

• • Beautiful stitch definition
• • Soft drape
• • Anti-pilling construction
• • Lightweight warmth
• • 24 coordinating colours
• • Easy care acrylic

The smooth texture allows the stitch pattern to shine while creating a sweater that’s comfortable enough for everyday wear.

The Signature Collection includes:

• MJ’s Signature Sweater
• MJ’s Signature Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Cardigan
• Timeless Star Stitch Blanket
• Mini Star Stitch Cardigan
• Star Stitch Baby Bear Hat
• Sailboat Mosaic Baby Blanket

If you love this sweater, I encourage you to explore the entire collection and create your own coordinated handmade wardrobe and home pieces.

Yarn

MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones (CDN)

DK Weight #3, 100% Premium Acrylic

273 yds /100 g, Shown in Snowflake, Seabreeze, Petal Pink, Sunflower Field and Eucalyptus

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) See size chart for yarn requirements.

Size Chart

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

To Fit Bust: 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62)”

Finished Bust: 30 (34, 39, 43, 47.5, 52, 56.25, 60.5, 65)”

Yarn Requirements

White (MC)

Balls: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6)

Yardage: 640 (725, 805, 930, 1020, 1100, 1190, 1275, 1365) yds

Blue (A)

Balls: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2)

Yardage: 130 (150, 165, 190, 210, 225, 240, 260, 280) yds

Pink (B)

Balls: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Yardage: 70 (80, 90, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155) yds

Yellow (C)

Balls: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Yardage: 75 (85, 95, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 165) yds

Green (D)

Balls: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1)

Yardage: 80 (90, 100, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 170) yds

Total Yardage

Total Yardage: 995 (1130, 1255, 1450, 1590, 1715, 1850, 1985, 2135) yds

Fit and Ease

Designed with a lightly relaxed fit and approximately 0–5″ of positive ease. Choose a size based on your preferred finished bust measurement. For a more fitted look, choose a size with less ease. For a more relaxed fit or layering, size up. Model shown is wearing size Medium with a 36″ bust.

Yarn Quantity Note

Yarn amounts are approximate and based on the sample size Medium. Yardage includes a small buffer but may vary depending on gauge, tension, and any length adjustments. Additional yarn may be required when modifying the body or sleeve length.

Crochet Hook

US H/8 (5 mm)

US I/9 (5.5 mm)

or the size needed to obtain the gauge

Hook Tray

Supplies

Yarn Needle

Stitch Markers

Scissors

Measuring Tape

Blocking Pins

4-6 Blocking Mats 24″x 24″

Woolwash

Gauge

Pattern: 14.5 sts and 13 rows equal to 4″ in extended single crochet with 5.5 mm hook

Ribbing: 10 sts and 10 rows equal to 2″ in sc blo pattern with 5 mm hook

Taking time to check your gauge is one of the most important steps when making crochet garments. Even a small difference in gauge can significantly affect the finished fit of your sweater.

If you’re new to gauge swatches or need a refresher, be sure to read our complete guide:

Construction

This sweater is worked flat in separate pieces. The back panel is worked first, including shoulder shaping. The front panel is then worked flat, beginning at the hem and continuing upward. A dropped neckline is created by adding additional rows to the shoulders, followed by shoulder shaping. Sleeves are worked separately from the cuff up with shaping throughout. All pieces are seamed together, and the neckline is finished with a collar.

Abbrevations

Blo – Back Loop Only

Ch – Chain

Esc – Extended Single Crochet

Incr – Increase

MC – Main Colour

Pm – Place Marker

Rep – Repeat

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sk – Skip

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

WS – Wrong Side

( ) – Work step in parentheses in the indicated stitch

[ ] – Work step in brackets the number of times indicated

Extended Single Crochet (esc): Insert hook in indicated stitch and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 1 loop on hook, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.

Project Tips

• When joining sleeves, align the centre of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam first, then work outward for even distribution.
• Slightly stretch the sleeve while seaming to prevent puckering and ensure a smooth fit.
• Use the row structure of the body as a guide when attaching sleeves and seaming sides for consistent placement.
• When seaming striped sections, work through small sections of yarn and match colours carefully to prevent the MC from showing through.
• Leave yarn tails unwoven until all seaming is complete and fit is confirmed.
• Evenly space stitches along edges (neckline and collar) to avoid puckering or flaring.
• Maintain consistent tension when changing colours, and carry yarn neatly to keep the inside clean.
• Crochet over yarn tails where possible, then weave them back in the opposite direction for a secure finish.
• Block panels to measurements before seaming for the most accurate fit and cleanest finish.

Free Written Pattern

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

This sweater is worked flat in pieces, including the back panel, front panel, and two sleeves. The pattern is written for the smallest size, with larger sizes shown in parentheses ( ). A step-by-step video tutorial is included and demonstrates the medium size. When changing colours, work the new colour on the last yarn over of the final stitch of a wrong side row, then continue with the new colour on the following right side row for a clean, consistent finish throughout. Yarn tails can be crocheted over as you work in one direction; at the end, weave them back in the opposite direction to secure.

Back

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook and MC, ch 13 work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—12 sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—12 sts.

Rows 3-55 (63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 103, 111, 119):

Rep Row 2. After the final Row, turn.

Body

Setup Row(RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—55 (63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 103, 111, 119) sts. Change to larger hook.

Row 1 (WS):

With larger hook, ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to A, cut MC, turn—55 (63, 71, 79, 87, 95, 103, 111, 119) sts.

Front Right Shoulder

Row 1 (RS):

With A, join yarn in first st to left of marker with a sl st. Ch 1, work 1 esc in each st across, turn—17 (19, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43) sts.

Rows 2-10:

Repeat instructions for front left shoulder.

Shoulder Shaping – Short rows

Row 1 (RS):

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each of next 16 sts, turn—16 sts. Rows 2-5: Follow the instructions for Back left shoulder shaping.

Sleeves – Make 2

Band

Row 1:

With the smaller hook and MC, ch 13 work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—12 sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (not included as a st here and throughout), work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—12 sts.

Rows 3-27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43):

Rep Row 2. After the final Row, turn.

Body

Setup Row(RS):

Ch 1 and work sc sts evenly along the length of the band (1 st per row)—27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43) sts. Change to larger hook.

Row 1 (WS):

With larger hook, ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to A, cut MC, turn—27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43) sts.

Row 2:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—27 (29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43) sts.

Row 3 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, 1 esc in each st across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45) sts.

Rows 4-5:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, turn—29 (31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45) sts. Last row change to MC, Cut A.

Row 6 (Incr):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, 1 esc in each st across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—31 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47) sts.

Row 7:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *ch 1, sk st, 1 esc in next st; rep from across, turn—31 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47) sts.

Row 8:

Ch 1, 1 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across, turn—31 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47) sts.

Rows 9:

Rep Row 7.

Row 10 (Incr.):

Ch 1, 2 esc in first st, *1 esc in ch-1 sp, 1 esc in next st; rep from * across to last st, 2 esc in last st, turn—33 (35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49) sts.

Row 11:

Ch 1, 1 esc in each st across, change to B, cut MC, turn—33 (35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49) sts.

Rows 12-51:

Work Rows 2–11 for stripe/Increase pattern. Each stripe section is worked as follows: Rows 2–5 in contrast colour, then Rows 6–11 in MC.

Work colour sequence as follows: A, B, C, D, then repeat A, ending with a final MC section.

Sleeve stitch counts ending in 57 (59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73) sts.

Blocking (optional)

Wet block to shape and size. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of wool wash. Submerge the pieces and allow it to soak thoroughly. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing.

Roll the sweater pieces in a clean towel to remove additional moisture, then lay flat on blocking mats. Shape to measurements and pin in place. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Shoulder Seaming Directions

With a smaller hook, place a slip knot on your hook.

Lay shoulder panels side by side with right sides facing up. Working through the inside loops of both panels, insert your hook into the back loop only (blo) of the first stitch on the right panel, then into the blo of the first stitch on the left panel.

Keeping the working yarn at the back and centred between the panels, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook to complete the slip stitch.

Continue slip-stitching in this manner across. Fasten off and weave in tails. Repeat for the second shoulder.

Attaching Sleeve to Body

Fold the sleeve in half and place a stitch marker at the centre of the sleeve cap. With right sides facing, align the marked centre of the sleeve to the shoulder seam and secure with a stitch marker or pin. Match sleeve edges evenly along the armhole, using the body rows as a guide. Slightly stretch the sleeve as needed to distribute fullness evenly. Whip-stitch the sleeve to the body panel across. Repeat for the second sleeve. Weave in tails once satisfied with placement.

Collar Setup

With a smaller hook and MC, place a slip knot on your hook.

Join with a slip stitch in the back right corner of the neckline. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch across the back of the neckline. Along the neckline, evenly space single crochet stitches. Continue with 1 single crochet in each stitch across the front, then evenly space single crochet stitches up the opposite side.

Slip stitch to join.

Join-As-You-Go Ribbed Collar

The collar is joined as you go to the neck edge.

Row 1 (RS):

Ch 9, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sk first st at the edge, sl st in blo next 2 sts, turn—8 sts.

Row 2:

Sk sl sts, 1 sc in the blo of each st across, turn—8 sts.

Row 3:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in the blo of each st across, sl st in blo next 2 sts (edge), turn—8 sts.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 around the neckline. After the final row, ch 1. With RS facing, slip stitch the collar ends together by working through the starting chain and the back loop only (blo) of the last row. Fasten off and weave in tails. Alternatively, fasten off and whip stitch the collar ends together.

Side and Sleeve Seaming

With right sides facing, fold the sweater so the front and back panels align. Using a whip stitch, sew the side seams and continue down the sleeves. Leave a yarn tail approximately 2 times the length of the seam.

As you seam, place stitches carefully within the colour sections to prevent the MC from showing through. Work through small sections of yarn on each side for a clean finish.

Alternatively, use a mattress stitch for a more hidden seam.

Fasten off and weave in all remaining tails.

I hope you love our Free Striped Sweater Pattern. You might also love these crochet patterns:

• Waffle Stitch Cardigan
• Autumn’s Charm Mosaic Cardigan
• Everyday Ragg Cardigan
• Granny Stitch Cardigan
• Cabot Trail Cardigan

This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc., based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on June 23, 2026.

Thank you for visiting MJ’s Off The Hook Designs! I hope you enjoyed this pattern and feel inspired to pick up your hook and start creating.

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