Balloon Sweater
Original price
$14.70
-
Original price
$14.70
Original price
$14.70
$14.70
-
$14.70
Current price
$14.70
Availability:
2+ in stock, ready to be shipped
The Balloon Sweater by PetiteKnit is an effortlessly stylish, cozy pullover famous for its signature drop-shoulder balloon sleeves gathered into snug, close-fitting ribbed cuffs. With a relaxed, airy drape and classic crew neckline, it’s the ultimate everyday knit that looks just as good dressed up with tailored trousers as it does thrown on with your favourite jeans.
Please note: This is a knitting pattern only. Yarn, needles, and extra notions must be purchased separately.
Pattern Overview
- Skill Level: 4 out of 5 (Intermediate / Experienced)
- Size Range: XS to 3XL
- Construction: You’ll work this sweater seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch. It begins with shoulder increases and short rows worked at the same time to shape a comfortable neckline, before separating the front and back to knit flat down to the armholes. From there, everything joins back together to knit the body in the round. Finally, you’ll pick up stitches around the armholes to shape those dramatic balloon sleeves downward—leaving zero seaming and only yarn ends to weave in at the finish.
Sizing & Fit Guide
The Balloon Sweater is designed with a generous, relaxed silhouette offering roughly 15 cm of positive ease (meaning the finished sweater sits about 15 cm wider than your bust). Before you cast on, grab a measuring tape and measure around your bust—or the widest part of your upper body—to find your best match. For example, if you measure 94 cm around your bust, a size M will give you a finished circumference of 110 cm, leaving you with 16 cm of easy, comfortable room.
| Size | To Fit Bust Circumference (cm) | Finished Bust Circumference (cm) | Total Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 80–85 | 99 | 55 |
| S | 85–90 | 107 | 56 |
| M | 90–95 | 110 | 57 |
| L | 95–100 | 114 | 58 |
| XL | 100–110 | 124 | 59 |
| 2XL | 110–120 | 135 | 60 |
| 3XL | 120–130 | 143 | 62 |
(Note: Finished bust circumference is measured at the underarm, and total length is measured down the centre back excluding the neck rib edge.)
Gauge & Suggested Tools
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 4 mm needles after washing and blocking.
- Circular Needles: 4 mm (40 cm, 60 cm, and 80 or 100 cm) & 3 mm (40 cm and 80 cm).
- Double-Pointed Needles: 3 mm DPNs (only needed for the cuffs if you prefer not to use the Magic Loop method on a long circular needle).
Yarn & Materials Chart
This sweater is knitted by holding two strands together: one strand of 4-ply / fingering-weight wool (approx. 210–235 m per 50 g) paired with one strand of lace-weight silk mohair (approx. 210–212 m per 25 g).
| Size | Fingering Wool Weight (g) | Fingering Wool Estimated Meters | Silk Mohair Weight (g) | Silk Mohair Estimated Meters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 250 g | 1,050–1,175 m | 125 g | 1,050–1,060 m |
| S | 300 g | 1,260–1,410 m | 150 g | 1,260–1,272 m |
| M | 300 g | 1,260–1,410 m | 150 g | 1,260–1,272 m |
| L | 350 g | 1,470–1,645 m | 175 g | 1,470–1,484 m |
| XL | 350 g | 1,470–1,645 m | 175 g | 1,470–1,484 m |
| 2XL | 350–400 g | 1,470–1,880 m | 175–200 g | 1,470–1,696 m |
| 3XL | 400 g | 1,680–1,880 m | 200 g | 1,680–1,696 m |
Note: Meter figures are calculated directly from the pattern’s recommended yarn weights (based on 210–235 m per 50 g for fingering wool and 210–212 m per 25 g for silk mohair) and represent designer estimates rather than exact consumption. Always buy full balls and consider grabbing an extra ball if you plan to swatch generously or add length to the body or sleeves.
Crucial Swatching Tip
Take a little time to knit, wash, and block a swatch with both strands held together before casting on. Hitting that 21-stitch by 28-row gauge ensures your sweater matches the finished measurements above and gives the balloon sleeves that signature soft, billowy drape. Adjust your needle size up or down if your stitch count is slightly off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to use double-pointed needles for the sleeves? Not at all! While the sleeves start on short circular needles, you can easily finish the tapered cuffs using the Magic Loop technique on a long circular needle instead of 3 mm DPNs.
- Are there any seams to sew at the end? Zero seaming required. The shoulders, body, and sleeves are all worked seamlessly from the top down—once you cast off the cuffs and neckband, your only finishing job is weaving in your ends.
- Can I adjust the body length? Yes! Because the body is knitted in the round from the top down, you can easily try it on as you go and add a few extra centimetres before starting the bottom hem ribbing (just keep an extra ball of each yarn on hand if you plan to lengthen it).