Looking for a timeless knitwear project that blends preppy polish with vintage charm? This free cable knit pullover V-neck sweater pattern from the 1980s is the perfect choice. With its flattering fit, rich texture, and elegant silhouette, this sweater is as wearable today as it was when it first appeared decades ago.
Elegant and classic – this sweater makes a statement without saying a word.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This sweater features classic cables running vertically along a body-hugging silhouette. The deep ribbed waistband and cuffs, paired with a flattering V-neckline, create a tailored and feminine look that pairs effortlessly with skirts, jeans, or trousers.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage fashion or just love a satisfying, structured knit, this cable pullover pattern is sure to become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Sizes Included: 10–12, [14–16], [18–20]
- Yarn Used: Coats & Clark Red Heart 100% Cotton Knit & Crochet Yarn (approx. 17½ to 22½ oz)
- Needles: Size 4 and 6 knitting needles
- Gauge: 4 sts = 1″ and 13 rows = 2″ in stockinette stitch with No. 6 needles
- Construction: Worked flat in pieces, seamed, with neckline picked up and ribbed in the round
- Features: All-over cable detailing, V-neck shaping, ribbed waist and cuffs
Style Tips
This vintage knit is both versatile and classy:
- Layer it over a crisp blouse with a bow for a true 1980s aesthetic (as pictured)
- Tuck it into high-waisted jeans for a modern twist on a retro look
- Want a roomier fit? Size up or use a drapier yarn for a more relaxed silhouette
The Free Pattern
You can find the free pattern below. If you are looking for the ad free version, or are searching for your next project, check out our Etsy shop.
Get the Look
This piece is ideal for cotton yarns that hold structure, but you can also experiment with light wool blends for warmth and softness.
Try pairing pastel tones like baby blue, mint, or lavender for a true vintage feel — or go bold with cherry red or classic cream for a timeless twist.
SIZES
| Size | 10–12 | [14–16] | [18–20] |
| Bust (in) | 32½–34 | 36–38 | 40–42 |
| Width @ underarm | 17½ | 19½ | 21½ |
| Side seam length | 12 | 12½ | 13 |
| Sleeve width (upper arm) | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Sleeve length | 17 | 17 | 17½ |
BACK
With size 4 needles, cast on 80 [88, 98] sts.
Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 3″.
Increase 1 st at end of last row – 81 [89, 99] sts.
Switch to No. 6 needles.
Pattern Stitch:
Row 1 (RS):
K7 [9, 9], p1, k4, p1; k6 [7, 9] – repeat once.
p1, k4, p1; k7 [7, 9]; p1, k4, p1; k6 [7, 9] – repeat once,
p1, k4, p1; k7 [9, 9]
Row 2: Purl each p st and knit each k st.
Row 3:
K7 [9, 9]; p1, slip next 2 sts to dpn and hold in front,
k next 2 sts, then k 2 from dpn (cable twist over 4 sts);
p1, k6 [7, 9]; p1, cable twist over next 4 sts, p1 – repeat once.
k7 [7, 9]; p1, cable twist, p1; k6 [7, 9] – repeat once.
p1, cable twist, p1; k7 [9, 9]
Row 4: Rep Row 2
Rows 5–8: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 alternately
Repeat Rows 3–8 for pattern until length is 12 [12½, 13]”, ending on a WS row.
ARMHOLE SHAPING
Bind off 6 [7, 8] sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Then decrease 1 st at each end of next row and every other row until 61 [67, 73] sts remain.
Continue in pattern until armhole depth is 7½ [8, 8½]”, ending on WS row.
SHOULDER SHAPING
Bind off 6 [6, 7] sts at beginning of next 4 rows
Then 5 [7, 7] sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Place remaining 27 [29, 31] sts on holder for back neck.
FRONT
Work as back to armhole shaping.
First Armhole and Neck Shaping:
Row 1:
Bind off 6 [7, 8] sts, work in pattern to 34 [37, 41] sts.
Place next st on safety pin (for neck ribbing).
Place remaining sts on holder. Turn.
Row 2: Work even
Row 3: Decrease 1 st at each end
Row 4: Work even
Repeat Rows 3–4 three [three, four] more times.
Then decrease at neck edge every 4th row until 17 [19, 21] sts remain.
Work even until armhole depth matches back.
Shoulder Shaping:
Bind off 6 [6, 7] sts, work even
Repeat for 2 more rows, then bind off remaining sts.
Second Side:
Slip sts from holder to right-hand needle.
Join yarn at neck edge. Work as for first side, reversing shaping.
SLEEVES
With No. 4 needles, cast on 44 [46, 50] sts.
Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 3″.
Switch to No. 6 needles.
Row 1 (RS):
K1 [2, 4]; p1, k4, p1; (k6, p1, k4, p1) x3; k1 [2, 4]
Row 2: Purl across (k the k’s, p the p’s)
Row 3: Same as Row 1 but cable twist over 4 sts where needed
Row 4: As Row 2
Rows 5–8: Repeat Rows 1 and 2
Pattern established.
Increase 1 st at each end every 8th [8th, 10th] row until 60 [64, 68] sts.
Work even until sleeve is 17 [17, 17½]”, ending on WS row.
TOP SHAPING
Bind off 6 [7, 8] sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Work 2 rows even.
Then dec 1 st at each end of every other row until 20 sts remain.
Work even for 3 rows, then dec 1 st each end on next row.
Bind off.
FINISHING
Block and dry all pieces
Sew left shoulder seam
NECK RIBBING
With No. 4 needles:
K 27 [29, 31] sts from back neck holder
Pick up and k 39 [43, 47] sts from left neck edge
K center st from safety pin
Pick up and k 40 [44, 48] sts from right neck edge (107 [117, 127] sts total)
Row 1:
P1, k1 to marker, slip marker, p1, slip marker, k1, p1 to end
Row 2: Rib to 2 sts before marker, p2tog, k center st, p2tog, finish row
Row 3: Rib to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, p center st, sl1, k1, psso, finish row
Rows 4–7: Repeat Rows 2 and 3
Bind off in ribbing.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Sew right shoulder (including neckline)
Sew side and sleeve seams
Insert sleeves
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