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Easy Knit Boxy T Shirt “Jeans” Pattern

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What could be comfier than a t-shirt and jeans? Not much, unless it’s a Boxy Knit “Jeans” T-shirt”! Prepare to knit an easy short sleeve shirt that you will never want to take off.  He he! This pattern is as simple as it gets for a knit sweater and is incredibly comfortable. If you’ve been too intimidated to attempt knitting a top, this may be the one to try. 😉  There’s no scary shaping and it’s essentially like knitting rectangles and then stitching them together. While it’s a short sleeve shirt, it’s big enough to wear over a fitted long sleeve shirt. It also can be worn with a tank top in warmer weather.

UPDATE – I’ve made another version of this t-shirt and shared the free pattern as well! You can see the Mod T-Shirt Knitting Pattern HERE

**Since writing this post, I’m happy to share that Lion Brand has made a kit with this pattern! You can scroll down for the free pattern below here on the blog or head over to Lion Brand to purchase the full kit HERE!

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You guys know that I love over-sized, comfortable, and super easy patterns (remember the Knit Blanket Sweater). This one definitely fits in with that easy going style!  While I may not be as hip as I once was, I’ve seen that the whole “off the shoulder” look is all the rage this spring.  You have the option of making this off the shoulder or seaming the top so that you have a conservative neckline.

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OHHHH – I wish that you could reach through the screen to feel just how soft this Lion Brand “Jeans” yarn is.  It drapes perfectly and is so easy on the hands.  There are also several different color options, so if you prefer a darker jean color they’ve got that as well!  Everyone seems to love this yarn as much as I do, and as soon as I finished the sweater, I noticed that Lion Brand had sold out of the yarn. They will definitely get it back in stock, but in the meantime, I think Lion Brand Heartland would be a nice substitute. Just make sure to check your gauge, especially if you substitute yarns.

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I’ve also heard your requests as you’ve wanted more sizing options. This is my first attempt at a multi-sized pattern and boy did it give my brain a workout!  My absolute passion is to knit these projects and and blog about them, but this sizing thing was a challenge! I am really happy with how the top turned out though so maybe it was worth the challenge. 😉

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Are you ready to knit?!

Scroll down to see the free pattern below, or if you prefer, you may purchase an inexpensive, printable, adverstisement free version of this pattern in my Etsy shop HERE.

Explanation:

This classic, comfortable, beginner friendly sweater is a breeze to make! If you know how to knit and purl, you will love making this roomy and soft knit t-shirt sweater.  There’s no need to know how to knit in the round and it works up quickly on large needles. Get ready to make this stylish piece that can be enjoyed year round.

Modeled on a size small. Pattern includes instructions for S, M, L, XL.

You will need:

US Size 15, 10.0 mm, 24” Circular Knitting Needles (You may use long straight needles if you’re making a size small)

4 skeins (for a size small) of Lion Brand Yarn “Jeans” Faded worsted weight yarn (110 grams, 246 yards per skein) Small size uses 363 grams of yarn (Medium 5 skeins, Large 5 Skeins, XL 6 skeins – please purchase an extra skein as gauge may vary)

Scissors

Tapestry Needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations and Skills needed:

k- knit

p -purl

RS – right side

WS – wrong side

Gauge:

Approximately 2 ¾ stitches per inch and approximately 3.5 rows per inch

Determining Your Size:

Bust Size Circumference Approximation:

Small             32” inches

Medium       36” inches

Large            40” inches

XL                  44” inches

Actual Sweater Size/Measurements:

*These are approximations. The sweater fabric is stretchy and flexible so the pattern is forgiving.

shirt-sizing

Notes:

(See photos below for additional help)

This sweater is made by making one front panel and one back panel. These panels are then seamed together to create the shirt.  It is worked from the top down.

The fabric on this sweater is loose and stretchy. 

This sweater is knit by holding two strands of yarn together at the same time.

You will follow the key throughout the pattern according to which size that you are knitting.

 

Knit Boxy T Shirt Sweater Pattern:

Follow the key for your size (S, M, L, XL)

Holding two strands of yarn together, CO (88, 94, 100, 104) stitches

Row 1- 3 Knit across row

Once you’ve knit for three rows, you will begin the stockinette portion.

Stockinette Upper Sweater and Sleeve Portion:

Row 1 (RS): Knit Across row

Row 2 (WS): K4, purl across, knit last 4 stitches of row

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for a total of (30,32,33,35) rows

Once you’ve finished these rows, you will bind off for the sleeves.

Sleeve Bind Off

To create the bottom of the sleeve, you will cast off stitches from each end.

Bind off the first ( 21,22,23,23 ) stitches of the row, then knit or purl across depending on which side you are working (if the (RS) knit side is facing you, knit across. If the (WS) purl side is facing you, purl across) (46,50,54,58) stitches. Finally, bind off the last (21,22,23,23 ) stitches. Tie off and cut your yarn. You will now pick up the yarn to continue knitting the next section.

Mid to bottom portion

Pick up your yarn and continue to knit in stockinette stitch. If you ended on (WS) or purl row, you will now knit across. If you ended on the (RS) or knit row, begin by purling across the next row. Alternate these knit and purl rows for approximately (28,30,32,33) rows. Be sure to end on a purl row, meaning that your next row will be knit. This means you may need to add an extra row if you end on a knit row depending on which size you are knitting.

Bottom Ribbed Cuff

**Please note that the front panel of the sweater has a shorter ribbed section than the back panel.

Starting on the knit side or right side of the panel:

Row 1 (RS): K2, p2 across row

Row 2 (WS): purl across row

Repeat rows 1 & 2 for (front panel 2.5“ inches, back panel 4“ inches  )

Tie off and weave in all ends

Repeat the pattern above in order to make the second panel of your top.  There is a front and back panel. You will then seam then together.

Seaming:

Seam up sides:

With a length of yarn and your tapestry needle, you will seam up each side using the mattress stitch.  Begin your seam just above the bottom ribbed portion of the sweater.  Seam up the sides and under the arms.

Seam along top of sweater:

Seam in on each side of the top of the sweater with your preferred method, leaving a space in the center for your head and neckline.  You may create shorter seams to have an off the shoulder look, or you may make your seams longer to have a smaller neckline.  Pictured, the sweater is seamed 12” inches in on both sides for the size small. Weave in all ends and you’re done!

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I hope that you’ve found this boxy, short sleeved little jeanish wonder to be enjoyable. I know that I’m enjoying mine. Please let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on the knitting pattern in the comments below! Thanks so much my friends!

XO

Jessica

Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring this post! All opinions are 100% my own.

Easy Knit Boxy T Shirt \

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102 Comments

  1. Looks like a beautiful sweater. I can’t wait to make it. Looks sooooo comfy. I was looking at the pattern, do you hold two strands of yarn together throughout the sweater?

    1. Hi Patty! I’m so happy that you like it. Yes, you hold two strands of yarn together through the entire pattern. If you’ve never tried it, it’s really simple!

      1. New to knitting this looks great to try glad she asked the question about 2 strands while sweater. So SZ L says only 5 skeins but how do you hold 2 stands if it is not an even # of skeins? Or is the 5th skein the extra you mention. Thanks for posting this project

        1. Hi Mary! You have to split the 5th skein or purchase a 6th. Hope this helps! You’re welcome for the pattern – it’s fun to share!

        2. The best way to do this is to use one skein at a time, but pull out the yarn from both ends. Every skein should have two ends–one is on the outside, and one is on the inside of the yarn. To find the start of the yarn on the inside of the skein, you sometimes have to “make the yarn barf”–that is, push the center of the yarn out as though the skein is spitting out its insides. I can sometimes get my fingers in there and feel around and just pull some of the center out to find the other end, but be careful of tangling if you use this method.

    2. Just learned to knit and made a beautiful crescent shawl. I’m so excited to see this boxy knit sweater pattern. It doesn’t seem so intimidating. Still trying to figure out sizing as I am short and wide (and old) as compared to your tall and slim (and young) self so thanks for the measurements of each piece!

  2. So pretty, what a great color and style. I can’t wait to try it. Thank you for the pattern and the great inspiration to get those knitting needles out.

    1. Hi Brenda!
      I’m so glad that you like the color and style. It’s something different for me, but I really love how it turned out. I’m glad it may have inspired you to break out the knitting needles. 🙂

    1. Yay! Thanks Sharon! And thanks for the kind words about the pics. It was a windy day so it was pretty hard to get a shot without my hair flying around in a crazy manner. 😉

  3. Thank you for sharing your hard work! It looks like a really nice sweater/top to make. Do you think this would work with a bulky/super bulky weight tape type of yarn? ( I would imagine there would be no need to to hold two strands together.)

    1. Hi Denise! You’re welcome! I do think that it could work by holding a single, chunky, maybe a 5, yarn. You’d have to just check your gauge and adjust accordingly. 🙂

    1. It seems that I should consider making a crocheted version Jenelle! Thanks for letting me know that you’d like that.

  4. What an adorable pattern. It looks so comfy. It would be fun using the 2 strands in different colors, too. Love your blog and have been following you almost from the first. Keep it up!

    1. Hi Wendy!
      Very good idea (to hold two different colors together). Thanks for sharing that idea here! And thank you for being such a loyal follower of the blog! You’ve been an inspiration to me.

  5. This looks amazing! I cannot wait to try this as soon as i finish my current knitting project, oops well my two current knitting projects.. LOL
    I am dying to feel this yarn!

    1. Ha ha! I hear ya. A thousand projects going on at once. LOL! I’m so glad that you like it Heather!

  6. Lovely. Hope you’ll make a crochet version, too. 🙂
    Thanks for sharing your patterns..

    1. Hi Ingrid! You’re welcome! It’s fun to share.
      It seems there are several just like you wanting a crochet version. I really appreciate the suggestion and will have to think about making one. 😉

  7. This is so pretty! As they say here in El Sal, Que Bonito!

    I do have una pregunta, however… What size yarn is it? I have a size six that might work if I won’t have to hold two of those strands together, because I have it wrapped up tight (I like to make all my yarn into a ball for more room, and so it doesn’t get so tangled) from attempting to make the Endless Cables Throw Blanket you posted late last year (I say attempted, because half of the stitches came off while I was heading to my aunt’s place.). Would that work? Or I have some size five yarn I can hold together. Which would be better?

    Thanks! – J

    1. Hi Jane! Gracias! 🙂
      This is made with size 4 yarn – so it might work by holding one size 5 yarn. Just check your gauge to make sure it’s similar to mine. 🙂 I’ve had that happen where I lose stitches -such a bummer!

    2. Push the needle points into a wine cork ….. for safety and to keep the stitches on the needles. It works very well.

    1. Hi Cindy!
      I’m going to guess 8 skeins.

      You certainly can modify the pattern and cast on more stitches at the beginning to make it larger than I’ve listed. The broken rib stitch at the bottom uses a multiple of 4 + 2, but if you keep an even number of stitches after you bind off for the sleeves (in other words, make sure you have an even number of stitches on your needle after you do the sleeve bind off), you can make a regular 2X2 rib pattern which will look nice too!

  8. You did it again Jessica! I am so excited to knit this sweater. . Pattern is well written and easy to understand. I am on my way to Michael’s tomorrow.

    1. I’m so glad that you approve – it means a lot!! You’re awesome Christine! I know that you’ll share a picture too. 😉 Let me know if you have questions!!

    1. Thanks sweet Patty! It is rather springy – I wonder if it’s a bit early to share such a springy project. Hmmm…..oh well! Hope you’re well my friend!

  9. I have bookmarked so many of your wonderful patterns. Now it is time to get out my needles and get busy. You have an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing.

    1. How sweet…thanks so much! I’m honored that you’ve bookmarked several patterns. You’re welcome! It’s so fun to share!

  10. I WILL make this sweater! This is so my style and I am afraid of ‘easy’ patterns where I have to make shoulders and gussets so thanks a million.

    Sylvia

    1. Totally! I don’t do shaping or gussets. Lol!

      I’m so glad that you’d like to try out this one.

  11. Love your creations, I don’t have the knack to be artistic but I love to follow beautiful ideas like this one. Keep them coming.

  12. This is such a cute sweater, and I love the simplicity of it! Is it light enough to wear in the summer, or is it more of a spring/fall top? Adorable!

  13. Can anyone explain why I can’t this FREE Pattern can’t be copied in order to print it.
    And the picture of the finished sweater can’t be copied so when knitting the patter you have a reference of what it looks like. Pain to have to my iPad open to knit pattern.

  14. Can’t wait to start it. I will use 2 colors, light blue and white. What do you think? and Red Heart yarn.
    this is the first time I write about this sweater.

  15. I’m missing the link to download the pattern for the Comfy Boxy Tee. The link I clicked was 17 pages! Help!

    1. Hi!
      I don’t have download button so it was probably an ad that gave you the 17 pager. You can copy and paste the pattern to print it or purchase the download from Etsy. Hope this helps!

  16. Thank you Jessica. For sharing your talent, patterns, and the love of both knit and crochet.
    I’ve only recently been checking out patterns for wearables. I love how simple, and easy your patterns are to follow along.
    I cannot wait to try this Boxy knit Tshirt pattern.
    I’ve been digging in my stash to see what I have for this pattern. I will post a picture as soon as I get it finished.
    Thank you again.

    1. Hi Sandra! You’re welcome! It is so much fun to meet people like you and share these projects. I’m so happy that you’d like to try the Boxy Knit T Shirt. It’s one of my all time favorite projects. I hope that you enjoy it, and yes! I’d love to see a picture.

  17. The yar nis not available. I;m on the list with Lion Brands but they say it will be May before it’a available again. Bummer! I will probably make it in another yarn first and then again when I get the Jeans yarn.

  18. Hi Jessica! Love, Love, Love your blog! This top is really cute! Want to try it, just have a question…do you think it would work well if I lengthen it about 4-5 inches, so it will hit at the hip? Sort of like a tunic length. Just want to make sure it goes OVER the hips lol. Am thinking I would use the finished measurement that would be larger than my hips,correct?

    1. Hi Janice – I think it would be super cute to make it longer! Of course, you will need more yarn, but I love that idea. It should fit over your hips, but everyone is different! You might be able to eyeball it to see if it appears wide enough before you add length. I hope it works out!

  19. Hey Ina 🙂 Thank you for sharing your projects! It’s so motivitating to have easy patterns for free.
    I’m new with knitting and new with english patterns aswell- what a combination. 😀 … But okay. I will give it a try.
    So here comes my question: If I’m holding two strangs of yarn together, will I always do two stiches together? So, does “4k” in the pattern then mean, I will knit four times and I’am working 8 stitches by doing this?
    Hope you understand my English-Trys. 😀

    Lo´ts of Love, Hachi

    1. Hi! Thank you for writing to me and for your kind words! You’re welcome for the projects. 🙂

      You will hold two strands of yarn together, but knit just as if this is one strand of yarn. You don’t work double the stitches, simply work the pattern and written but hold the two pieces of yarn together. This makes it like one thick strand of yarn. I hope this helps you!

  20. I love your boxy t shirt but I don’t understand how to do the sleeves, I get so confused, can you please tell me how do I do that, please I really want to do it, Thank you …

  21. Well, “M.I.S”, you have done it! I would refer to myself as a closet blog reader. I never really used my computer for anything but work ….but, then I got an IPAD Aire…..I love to do all things crafty, knitting, crochet and gem jewelry are my faves…..However, when I got my iPad, I found Pinterest, and then, I found YOU!!!!!! You are such an inspiration not only as a talented and gifted individual, but your kindness, generosity, fun nature and true cheerfulness just screams from the page. I’ve found when you surround yourself with uniquely “real” people who exude happiness and compassion, it makes one want to be a better person. I am just amazed at the impact ,as it is said, one person can have on another they have never met. For that, and your wonderful blog and generous sharing, I thank you! Kudos on the well deserved accomplishments…I have a feeling you will Knock the socks off the knitting and crocheting world!…Nicky Epstein, Norah goughan, Lily Chin, get ready to welcome “M.I.S.” Thank you and many blessings to you and your family….

    1. Wow Andrea! I am so touched by your super sweet and kind note to me here! First, congrats on your IPAD. We love I Pads in this house and it makes it so easy to access the internet and unending inspiration for us crafty people! Thank you for all of your kind words about the blog and myself personally. The truth is that I love meeting people like you as well as sharing the projects that I make. It has been a huge blessing to me! The people like you inspire me more than anything, and it’s really cool to get to do what I love everyday. Your note has really made my day! Have a wonderful week Andrea.

  22. Hi, just wanted to say that I made this for my 4 year old daughter using the Lion Brand Boardwalk yarn and basically cutting the small pattern by slightly less than half. It turned out great, and she loves it! Now to make one for myself (in less bright yarn!) Thank you so much for sharing the pattern!

    1. That’s wonderful to hear! Maybe I will have to try it out for my daughter. 🙂 Thanks for the idea and feedback! I’m so glad that it worked out well for you. You’re welcome of course!

  23. I am at the point of casting off the first 21 stitches crocheting until I come to the next 21 stitches. Do I continue to knit, turn, cast off the 21 stitches and then proceed with the stitches left. New at knitting and am stuck. They say you can not cast off at the end of a row. Confused. Need immediate help.

    1. Yes, you cast off at the end of that row, then turn and knit the remaining stitches on your needle. 🙂

    1. Yes, you can! It will just use a bit more yarn than the pattern calls for of course.

  24. This is my next project – I’ve ordered a lovely red bamboo cotton mix yarn to make it as the Lion Brands Jean yarn is not available in Canada. I’m wondering though – did you or do you recommend blocking this?

  25. Thanks for the easy to read pattern. However, I’m a very visual learner, is it possible for you (or someone willing) to photograph the progress? Or somehow make a tutorial? Just a thought. Regardless, I think I may attempt without the visuals, so wish me luck! Thanks again

  26. This sweater knits up easily and beautifully – I used a creamsicle colored yarn and it looks lovely. My problem is the seaming – is there an easy way to do the mattress stitch? Looks like I’m going to have gaps around the curve of the underarm.
    Thanks for a great pattern!

    1. Hi Maire. So glad you’re liking it! I’m not sure what will work best for you but you can work two seams – one up the side and then one inward to the underarm. Or simply make a continuous seam from the bottom up and over to the end of the sleeve.

      1. Thanks! I might also try slipping the first and last stitches so the seam doesn’t roll so much.

  27. I love this pattern but the Jeans Lions Brand yarn comes in limited colors. Is there another yarn that is comparable to the suggested yarn that I could use? Perhaps the Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca? It seems to be the same weight and texture. I am looking to make the sweater in a Toupe color and the Jeans yarn doesn’t come in Toupe.

    1. Hi Marilyn,

      The Touch of Alpaca should work great! It is a little bit heavier than Jeans. Jeans tends to have a lot of drape also, more so than Touch of Alpaca. However, I think it would be beautiful!

  28. Hi there! I love your patterns, I’m brand new to knitting and I have a question. After the sleeve bind off, you say to pick up the yarn and continue in stockinette. How do you do this?

    1. You still have the stitches from the middle on your needle….you just need to pick up your yarn and continue to knit these stitches normally. The first stitch might feel awkward, but then you just work across the row. Hope this makes sense!

  29. I am a bit confused. I have done the binding off at both ends, but if I tie and cut the yarn, I have no working yarn? Help, please.

    1. Hi Susan!

      So you need to pick up your yarn from the skein just as if it is working yarn. Once you get a few stitches in, it will feel totally normal.

      1. Thanks! Got it! I absolutely love your blog and made the little black mesh top last summer and can’t wait to finish the sweater!

  30. I have been knitting for a few years but i am not very adventurous. I like very simple patterns. This will be my next project. I love this sweater, it is so cool snd simple even i can do it. Im thinking of knitting 2 colors together instead of 1. Thank you for sharing.

  31. Do you have any easy sweater patterns for men—my grandson would like me to make him one- but there aren,t many patterns out there for beginners

  32. Jessica, what type of bind off do you recommend for this pattern? There are so many, some are too stretchy, some are too tight,… Thank you for any suggestions!

    1. Hi! You can use any bind off that you like with this pattern in my opinion Kellie Linn. For under the sleeves I just did a knit bind off!

  33. I just bound off the front and am now ready to knit the front and back together. I would rather do a backstitch seam close ot the edge than the mattress stitch. Would that be okay? Also, do you recommend blocking the pieces before knitting together?

    This is the third pattern of yours I have made. I gave one of your blanket patterns to my son for Christmas, and I completed the beautiful bag in cream. Your patterns are fabulous, and quite easy.

    Thank you for a wonderful website!

    1. Hi Donna! I’m so thrilled that you’ve enjoyed the patterns. That really made my day! As far as the seam goes, you can certainly try the backstitch seam, however when joining stockinette I usually prefer the look of the mattress stitch. There’s no harm in giving it a try and seeing if it works. Worst case, you pull it out and redo the seam. As far as blocking, that is totally personal preference! I didn’t block mine, but with certain yarns I may have. 😉

  34. Hi Jessica! I have just finished the Easy Boxy Knit T-Shirt and have sewn up the sides and underarms. I am wondering about the top/neck seam. Is it better to sew the seam from the neck toward the sleeve, or start the seam at the sleeve toward the neck. What do you advixe?

    1. Hi Hildy,

      It was easier for me to seam from the shoulder in to the neck, but you can do whichever is easiest for you!

  35. It’s a beautiful sweater cant wait to make it. But I would prefer the front to be the same length as the back. Where in the pattern for the front section would should i add the extra rows and how many should I add?

    1. Just simply make two panels the same as the back panel. The only difference is the length on the front panel. 🙂

  36. I have just finished knitting this pattern and I absolutely love it. I’ve decided I am going to use all the leftover yarns that I have to knit more of this in different sizes and donate them. It will look good on anybody.
    Thank you so much Jessica

  37. I’m new to needle knitting. I love this and would love to try it in a finer weight yarn. Is it safe to assume that I could just increase the number of stitches to make it match the overall dimension without having to make any other changes to the pattern?

  38. Hi Jessica,
    I am a novice knitter.I would like to knit myself your ” Easy Boxy T Shirt Knitting Pattern ”. The only thing is that I have a 53 inch bust. Could you give me the number of stitches that I would have to cast on to make it for myself. I find it a shame that there are very few patterns for us larger ladies, even though there several of us out there.
    I hope that you will be able to accommodate my request.
    Thanks Jessica.

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