Old Town Sweater Crochet Pattern

Wrap yourself in the timeless charm of the Old Town Sweater, a crochet design inspired by the winding cobblestone streets and historic beauty of Old Quebec City.

Made with Mary Maxim’s Prism yarn, this stunning piece showcases vibrant colour transitions that echo the pastel storefronts, sunlit stone walls, and flower-filled balconies of the city’s oldest neighbourhood. The soft texture and self-striping effect make every sweater uniquely beautiful, with no two quite the same.

Worked seamlessly from the top down in the round, the Old Town Sweater features long sleeves finished with elegant shell stitch cuffs, adding a touch of femininity and vintage flair. The relaxed fit and flowing drape make it as comfortable as it is stylish, perfect for layering through the seasons.

Whether you’re wandering open-air markets or enjoying a cozy café, the Old Town Sweater is versatile enough to dress up or down. The pattern includes sizes XS to 5X, along with a complete step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube to guide you through every stitch.

Pair it with denim, skirts, or leggings; this sweater is a modern wardrobe staple that carries the spirit of Old Quebec City in every detail.

Find the links to purchase the pattern below!

Size Chart & Yarn Requirements

Please note, this design is intended to be a close fit with negative ease for the larger size range. If you prefer a more relaxed or oversized fit, consider sizing up. When choosing your size, refer to your preferred Finished Bust Measurement. For reference, the model is wearing a size Medium, has a 36″ bust, and is 5’6″ tall.

Yarn amounts are approximate and may vary depending on the brand and your individual tension. To be safe, it’s always a good idea to purchase a little extra yarn to ensure you have enough to complete your project.

Skill Level

Intermediate, written in standard American terms.

Gauge

Body: 5 clusters and 5 ch-sps (20 sts) & 8 rows equal to 4″ with 4.5mm crochet hook in pattern blocked (blocking will lengthen stitches)

I’ve included some yarn recommendations that would serve as excellent alternatives for this project!

Suitable Yarn Substitutes for Prism

Colorfusion (CDN) – 325 yards/100g

Lion Brand mandala (CDN) – 590 yds/150g

King Cole Riot DK – 322yds/100g

Visions Sport Weight – 273yds/100g

Before beginning your project, it’s highly recommended to create a gauge swatch. This step ensures your stitch tension matches the pattern’s specifications, especially important if you’re substituting yarn or the recommended yarn is unavailable. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the intended fit and drape of the garment.

If you’re using a different yarn weight, be aware that it can affect the final size of your project. As long as you can meet the required gauge and your fabric still has a nice drape and flow, you can proceed without modifying the pattern. However, if your yarn works up significantly larger and you can’t meet gauge, you may need to adjust the pattern yourself or consider making a smaller size.

Adjusting your hook size is the most common way to achieve the correct gauge. You might also find that switching hook brands or styles helps. Keep in mind, not all DK Weight (#3) yarns are created equal—thickness, drape, and softness can vary widely between brands.

For your swatch, I recommend using a granny stitch swatch, similar to what’s shown in our Mountainscapes tutorial. After completing the swatch, measure the center for accuracy. If you have too many stitches, go up a hook size; if you have too few, switch to a smaller hook. You can also adjust stitch length by pulling gently on your yarn or modifying your tension.

Crochet Hooks Required

4mm crochet hook

4.5mm crochet hook

Shop the Set

Abbreviations

Blo – Back Loop Only

Ch – Chain

Dc – Double Crochet

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

Rep – Repeat

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sk – Skip

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

V St – dc, ch 1, dc in the same st

( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch

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

Special Stitches:

Cluster: Work 3 dc in the indicated space.

Shell: Work 7 dc in the indicated space.

V st in v st: Work (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp of v st in the previous row.

How to Decrease Granny Cluster Stitch Over 2 ch-1 Spaces: Dc in first ch-1 sp, YO (yarn over), insert hook in the same ch-1 sp and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, insert hook through next ch-1 sp, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through all 3 loops on the hook, dc in same ch-1 sp.

Construction

The Old Town Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down in a raglan style, allowing for easy adjustments to the fit and length as you progress. The yoke is crocheted in the round, with increases along the raglan seams to shape the shoulders. Once the yoke is complete, the sleeves are placed on hold while the body is joined and worked in a continuous round. The hemline flows into a delicate scalloped edge for a playful yet polished finish. To complete the sweater, the sleeves are rejoined, worked to full length, and finished with elegant shell stitch cuffs for a feminine and timeless touch.

Video for the Old Town Sweater

The included step-by-step video tutorial (demonstrated in size Medium) walks you through the entire construction of the Old Town Sweater—from starting the top-down raglan yoke, shaping the body and sleeves, to working in continuous rounds and finishing with the scalloped edging. You’ll also learn how to try on the top as you go for the perfect fit and how to customize the length. This video serves as a great visual complement to the written pattern and is ideal for both visual learners and adventurous beginners.

FAQ & Terms

I hope you love making our Old Town Sweater pattern. You might also love these crochet patterns!

Caribbean Sea Sweater

Peek-A-Boo Market Bag

Old Town Tee

For more crochet patterns by MJ’s Off The Hook Designs see our Ravelry and Etsy Shop. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for inspiration.