If you like sherpa, fleece, or fuzzy sweaters, this one’s for you! This beginner friendly knitting pattern is super simple and it creates the SOFTEST, warmest pullover ever. Yes…. ever. Ha!

You can see the free pattern below, or you may choose to purchase the ad-free printable pattern from Etsy HERE or the kit from Lion Brand HERE (in several color options).

I ordered this sherpa fleece yarn from Lion Brand a while back and made sure to get enough to make a crochet and knit project with it. If you missed my crocheted sherpa coat (complete with a hood), you can see that (here). I love the color of this knit pullover and can imagine it being a beautiful throw blanket as well. Can’t you?

For my knit sherpa pullover, I just wanted a nice, oversized sweater that could be worn with jeans or activewear. So often in the cool fall and winter months, I’m rushing out the door and throwing on whatever is warm and easy. Whether I’m going for a walk to clear my head, or I’m driving my daughter to school, “throw on” type pullovers and jackets are my thing. Pretty sure I’ll go for this one first.

Above: The back of the knit sherpa pullover. It’s super easy to make it longer or shorter. Go ahead and make it longer to cover the booty (lol) or make it shorter so it’s got the trendy cropped look. Simply knit for more or fewer rows on the front and back panels.

How do we knit a sherpa pullover?

As I mentioned earlier, this truly is a simple pattern, and dare I say, almost beginner friendly! Other than the yarn being a little bit of a challenge if you’ve not worked with fuzzy yarns, it doesn’t get a whole lot easier than this top. Knit two rectangles for the front and the back, then two lightly shaped sleeves (also knit flat). At the end, add a simple turtleneck to turn up the cozy factor.

What stitches are used?

The entire pullover is made with the knit stitch! It is knit flat, in rectangular panels, and seamed to finish. The turtleneck is knit in the round, but is also knit only with the knit stitch. If you’re a new knitter, the two skills you might need to try before beginning this are a basic decrease (k2tog) and knitting in the round (for the turtleneck portion).

Can I see my stitches with this fuzzy yarn?

Because this is knit, and your stitches are held on your needles, yes you can see them! However, once you’ve knit the fabric, it is very difficult to see individual stitches. In my opinion, it is easier to knit with this yarn than crochet because you can indeed see the stitches on your needle and are able to easily work into each stitch. With crochet, you would rely on “feeling” for the stitches. I’ve had a lot of practice feeling for stitches with not only this yarn, but with faux fur yarn as well (here and here).

Because it is tough to see the stitches in the fabric, I stuck with using only the knit stitch for this pattern. This way, you don’t get confused as to which side you are on, or whether you should be knitting or purling. Just knit. Knit away!

Above: You can see the garter stitch “ridges”, but you definitely can’t see the individual stitches in the fabric. However, it’s easy to knit because you can certainly see each of the stitches on your needles! Crochet is more challenging as you have to feel for the stitches.

Okay, shall we hop to the pattern?

Remember that you may purchase the ad-free, printable PDF version from my Etsy Shop HERE as well!

Cozy Sherpa Pullover Knitting Pattern

Pattern Description: It doesn’t get comfier or cozier than this sherpa knit pullover! Made with large US size 17 knitting needles and jumbo yarn, it works up quickly and easily. This ultra soft pullover can double as a jacket or sweater and looks super cool with your jeans or activewear. Simple enough for adventurous beginners!

Skill Level: Beginner +

Materials:

US Size 17 12 mm 29” or 36” circular knitting needles and

US Size 17 12 mm 16” or 24” circular knitting needles (for turtleneck section)

3 (4, 5, 6, 6) skeins Lion Brand Yarn Go For Fleece Sherpa in Clay 184 grams/skein 89 yards/skein (Kit available HERE)

Pattern uses approximately 500 g (633 g, 781 g, 944 g, 1080 g) grams total

Measuring Tape

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Sizes:

Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL

Please follow the key throughout the pattern according to the size you are knitting:

S (M, L, XL, XXL)

Bust Circumference (approximate finished measurements):

(note there is positive ease – model is 5’5” with a 32” bust wearing size S)

S – 44”

M – 48”

L – 52”

XL – 56”

XXL – 58”

Length (approximate):

S – 18.5”

M – 21.5”

L – 24.5”

XL – 27.5”

XXL – 30.5”

Sleeve Width at widest point when seamed (approximate):

S – 8”

M – 8.5”

L – 9”

XL – 9.5”

XXL – 10”

Abbreviations & Skills:

k – knit

st – stitch

sts – stitches

k2tog – knit two together (decrease)

Gauge:

Approximately 5 ½ stitches and 11 rows in 4” x 4” of garter stitch

(Tip: Remember that each “ridge” of garter stitch is two rows of knitting)

Notes:

You will knit a back panel, a front panel and two sleeves. Each front and back panel is knit from the bottom up and all pieces of the pullover are knit flat. These are each seamed together to finish. If you’re experienced and would like to knit the sleeves in the round to avoid sewing and seaming, you may do so. This is a very forgiving pattern and you can easily adjust the sizing to make it your own! Feel free to knit for more or fewer rows on the front and back panels to make the pullover longer or shorter (keep yarn needs in mind). The understated turtleneck is knit by picking up stitches and knitting in the round at the neckline. The turtleneck’s length is also customizable and can be made as short or long as you’d like. Have fun!