Looking to add a breezy, vintage-inspired knit to your wardrobe? This Bat Wing Knit Sweater is the perfect combination of effortless style and cozy comfort. With its soft drape, dolman sleeves, and beautifully textured panels, this top is a standout piece for spring and summer layering — and best of all, the free knitting pattern is now available exclusively on The Pattern Palace.
Original 1980s Bat Wing Knit Top – A timeless design that flatters every figure
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This top channels the easygoing vibe of the 1980s, with wide batwing sleeves and a relaxed fit that looks amazing on all body types. The front and back panels are worked flat, featuring a stunning mix of twisted stitches and eyelet lace. Paired with ribbed borders and a clean neckline, it’s both casual and elegant — ideal for pairing with skirts, trousers, or your favorite high-waisted jeans.
Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or a modern knitter seeking something bold and breezy, this design offers a satisfying project and a wearable result.
Please note, this is a vintage pattern and some of the materials listed may no longer be available. Please ensure your gauge is correct to ensure your piece turns out!
Pattern Highlights
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Sizes Included: 12, 14, 16, and 18
- Yarn Used: Patons Cotton Perlé or Patons Pearl Twist
- Needles Required: 3¾ mm (U.S. 5) and 4 mm (U.S. 6)
- Tension: 22 sts and 29 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in stockinette
- Features: Twisted stitches, bar stitch, dolman sleeves, ribbed borders
- Construction: Worked flat in pieces and seamed
Style Tips
This knit top is versatile enough to style year-round:
The slightly cropped hem pairs perfectly with anything high-waisted.
Warm weather? Wear it over a tank with a flowing skirt.
Cooler days? Layer it over a turtleneck for a retro-modern combo.
Free Pattern
The pattern is free below. If you are looking for the ad free version, or if you are in search of your next project, check out our Etsy shop!
FREE PATTERN
SIZES AND MATERIALS:
Size 12 | Bust: 32 ins (81 cm), Above rib: 35½” (90 cm), Length from shoulder: 22½” (57 cm)
Size 14 | Bust: 34 ins (86 cm), Above rib: 37″ (94 cm), Length: 23″ (58 cm)
Size 16 | Bust: 36 ins (91 cm), Above rib: 38″ (97 cm), Length: 23″ (58 cm)
Size 18 | Bust: 38 ins (97 cm), Above rib: 40″ (102 cm), Length: 23½” (60 cm)
Yarn: Patons Cotton Perlé or Patons Pearl Twist – 10 (11, 11, 12) balls
Needles: 3¾ mm (U.S. 5) and 4 mm (U.S. 6) or size needed for gauge
Gauge: 22 sts and 29 rows = 4 ins (10 cm) with 4 mm needles in stockinette
Extras: One stitch holder
ABBREVIATIONS:
- K = knit
- P = purl
- K1tbl = knit through back of loop
- Tw2L = see above
- yfwd/yrn = yarn over
- M1 = make one stitch
- tog = together
- sl = slip
- psso = pass slipped stitch over
Special Abbreviations:
- Tw2L: Knit into back of 2nd st, then into front of 1st st, slip both off together
- Tw2P: Purl into 2nd st, then into 1st st, slip both off together
- Bar 2: Slip 2 sts purlwise, bring yarn forward, slip same 2 sts back, move yarn to back, slip again
- M1: Make 1 st by lifting horizontal loop and knitting into back
BACK:
With 3¾ mm needles, cast on:
89 (93, 99, 105) sts
1st row (RS): (K1tbl), P1, K1tbl, repeat to end
2nd row: P1, K1tbl, P1, repeat to end
Repeat these 2 rows until work is 4 ins (10 cm), ending with a RS row.
Next row (rib increase):
Rib across 13 (15, 5, 5) sts, M1, rib 2 sts (2, 3, 3), repeat across, ending with M1, rib to end.
122 (126, 130, 138) sts
Switch to 4 mm needles and work as follows:
Pattern Rows:
- K6, (P1, Tw2L, P1, K6) ×3, P2, K1, (K2tog, yfwd, yrn, K2togtbl) ×11 (12, 13, 15), K1, P2, (K6, P1, Tw2L, P1) ×3, K6
- P6, (K1, Tw2P, K1, P6) ×3, K2, P2, (P1 in yrn, P1tbl in yfwd, Bar 2) ×10 (11, 12, 14), P1, P1tbl, P2, K2, (P6, K1, Tw2P, K1) ×3, P6
- Same as Row 1, but K3 in center instead of K1
- Same as Row 2
Repeat these 4 rows 4 times.
Shaping:
- Inc 1 st each end every 8th row to 134 (138, 142, 150) sts
- Then every alternate row to 138 (142, 146, 154) sts
- Then every row to 150 (154, 158, 166) sts
- Cast on 6 sts at beginning of next 2 rows: 162 (166, 170, 178) sts
- Place a marker at each end of last row
Continue even until work measures:
22½ (23, 23, 23½) ins (57–60 cm), ending with RS facing
Shoulder shaping:
- Cast off 19 (19, 19, 20) sts at beginning of next 4 rows
- Then cast off 18 (18, 18, 20) sts at beginning of next 2 rows
- Leave remaining sts on holder
FRONT:
Work as for back to same length until front measures:
19 (19½, 19½, 20½) ins (49–52 cm), RS facing
Neck shaping:
- Work across 68 (69, 70, 74) sts. Turn, leave rem sts on holder
- Next row: Work 2tog at neck edge. Pattern to end
- Dec 1 st at neck edge every row to 56 (56, 56, 60) sts
- Work even to match back length to shoulder
Shoulder shaping:
- Cast off 19 (19, 19, 20) sts at shoulder edge on next and following alt row
- Work 1 row even, cast off remaining sts
Neckline:
- With RS facing, slip center 26 (28, 30, 30) sts to holder
- Join yarn to remaining sts and finish second side, reversing all shapings
NECKBAND:
- Sew right shoulder seam
- With RS facing and 3¾ mm needles, pick up and knit 20 sts left front, knit across holder sts, pick up and knit 20 sts right front, then back sts from holder dec 1 at center back
- 115 (121, 127, 127) sts
- Work 2½ ins (6 cm) in rib as for back
- Cast off in rib
SLEEVE BORDERS:
- Sew left shoulder and neckband seam
- With RS facing and 3¾ mm needles, pick up and knit 99 (103, 105, 107) sts between markers
- Work 5½ ins (14 cm) in rib as for back
- Cast off in rib
TO MAKE UP:
- Sew side and sleeve seams
- Reverse 2¾ ins (7 cm) for sleeve turn back
- Fold borders to RS
- Fold neckband to WS and sew loosely
- Do not press.
- Lay garment flat and gently shape with damp cloth
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
For Patons Pearl Twist (80% acrylic):
Machine washable, gentle cycle and drying
For others:
Hand wash in lukewarm water, rinse gently, lay flat to dry, shape damp. Do not wring or twist.
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