Mint Cashmere Merino Cable Crop Sweater (Free Knitting Pattern)
Mint Cashmere Merino Cable Crop Sweater (Free Knitting Pattern)
Step into high-end knitwear luxury with the Mint Cashmere Merino Cable Crop Sweater. Designed with dramatic balloon sleeves, bold chunky central cables, a flattering ribbed middle panel, and a chic cropped length, this knit statement piece combines modern runway aesthetic with unmatched warmth.
Crafted with Ice Yarns Cashmere Merino, an indulgent blend of cashmere, fine merino wool, microfiber, and acrylic, this bulky-weight pattern flies off your needles while delivering cloud-like softness and vibrant stitch clarity.
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- Luxury Cashmere Blend Option: Ice Yarns Cashmere Merino (15% Cashmere, 15% Merino Wool, 50% Microfiber Acrylic, 20% Acrylic; 100g / 3.53oz per ball) in Mint Green.
- Alternative Luxury & Chunky Options: Explore our Mohair, Angora & Wool Collection or Luxury & Premium Yarns Collection.
Yarn Category & Weight Links:
Discover more quick-knit bulky choices in our Category 5 Bulky Chunky Collection and browse soft solids in our Single & Plain Yarns Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Size | Bust Measurement (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Cashmere Merino |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30" / 71-76 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 750 m) |
| S | 32-34" / 81-86 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 850 m) |
| M | 36-38" / 91-96 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 950 m) |
| L | 40-42" / 101-106 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 1050 m) |
| XL | 44-46" / 111-116 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 1180 m) |
| 2XL | 48-50" / 121-126 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 1300 m) |
| 3XL | 52-54" / 132-137 cm | 8 Skeins (approx. 1420 m) |
| 4XL | 56-58" / 142-147 cm | 8 Skeins (approx. 1550 m) |
| 5XL | 60-62" / 152-157 cm | 9 Skeins (approx. 1680 m) |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
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Knitting Needles:
- US 10.5 (6.5 mm) straight or circular needles (for main cable body & balloon sleeves).
- US 9 (5.5 mm) 16" & 32" circular needles (for 1x1 ribbed hem, collar, and cuffs).
- Notions: Cable needle (CN), Stitch markers, Stitch holders, Tapestry needle, Measuring tape, Scissors.
- Gauge: 13 sts and 18 rows = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) in Cable & Ribbed Pattern on US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles after light steam blocking.
Size Chart & Finished Measurements
Designed with approx. 3 to 5 inches (8–12 cm) of positive ease.
| Measurement (Inches / cm) | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Bust Circumference | 34" / 86cm | 38" / 96cm | 42" / 106cm | 46" / 116cm | 50" / 127cm | 54" / 137cm | 58" / 147cm | 62" / 157cm | 66" / 167cm |
| Total Body Length (Cropped) | 17" / 43cm | 17.5" / 44.5cm | 18" / 46cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 19" / 48cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 20" / 51cm | 20.5" / 52cm | 21" / 53.5cm |
| Sleeve Length | 18" / 46cm | 18" / 46cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 18.5" / 47cm | 19" / 48cm | 19" / 48cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 19.5" / 49.5cm | 20" / 51cm |
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Knitting Terms)
- CO: Cast On
- BO: Bind Off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- CN: Cable Needle
- C8F (Cable 8 Front): Slip 4 sts to CN in front, K4, K4 from CN.
- C8B (Cable 8 Back): Slip 4 sts to CN in back, K4, K4 from CN.
- RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Back Panel
Using US 9 (5.5 mm) needles, CO 56 (62, 68, 74, 80, 86, 92, 98, 104) sts.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2.5" / 6.5 cm, ending with a WS row.
Switch to US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles. Continue in 1x1 Ribbing pattern across back until piece measures 17 (17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21)" / 43 (44.5, 46, 47, 48, 49.5, 51, 52, 53.5) cm. BO all sts loosely.
2. Front Panel
Work Bottom Hem as for Back Panel on US 9 (5.5 mm) needles.
Switch to US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles.
- Row 1 (RS): Work Ribbing across 8 (11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32) sts, P2, K8 (Cable Panel 1), P2, Work Ribbing across center 16 sts, P2, K8 (Cable Panel 2), P2, Work Ribbing to end.
- Row 2 (WS): Work sts as they appear.
- Row 5 (Cable Row): Work in pattern, C8F on Cable Panel 1, C8B on Cable Panel 2.
Repeat Cable twist every 8th row until Front matches Back Panel length. BO shoulder sts and hold center neck sts.
3. Balloon Sleeves (Make 2)
Using US 9 (5.5 mm) needles, CO 28 (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) sts for cuff. Work 1x1 ribbing for 2.5" / 6.5 cm.
Switch to US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles. Increase sts across row to double count to 56 (60, 64, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88) sts. Center an 8-st Cable Panel down the middle while working surrounding sts in stockinette stitch. Work straight to final sleeve length. BO all sts loosely.
4. Crew Neck Collar & Assembly
- Join shoulder seams using mattress stitch.
- With US 9 (5.5 mm) 16" circular needles, pick up sts around neckline including held front sts.
- Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5" / 4 cm. BO loosely in pattern.
- Set in balloon sleeves and sew sleeve and side seams.
Blocking & Finishing Protocol (Cashmere & Merino Blend)
- Weave in Ends: Secure all yarn tails on the wrong side using a tapestry needle.
- Steam Blocking: Lay sweater flat on blocking boards. Hold steam iron 2 inches (5 cm) ABOVE fabric without pressing down. Allow steam to bloom the cashmere fibers and set the balloon sleeve drape. Leave to dry completely.
