Straight Up EASY Vertical Stripes Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
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My momma always said that vertical stripes are slimming, so let’s crochet this vertical stripes sweater using this BRAND NEW free crochet pattern! Grab your hook ladies and gentlemen because this pattern is STRAIGHT UP EASY!
This vertical stripes sweater can be made in any size from child to women’s. I love the thinness of the yarn, the slightly airy weave, and I love the fact that we can make it 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve! If you like, make it a bit longer and add side slits. I think I’ll try a tunic style one next. Add a bottom hem or leave it a raw edge. I kinda like the way that looks too!
Materials:
Crochet hook in size J (6 mm)
Lightweight (DK/size 3) yarn (Mandala in Chimera pictured)
-approx. 1,300 yards for 3/4 length sleeves (women’s size L)
-approx. 1,500 yards for long sleeves (women’s size L)
Yarn Needle for weaving in ends
Gauge:
Technically non-essential, but 13 sts and 12 rows = 4″ square.
Pattern Notes:
We are using the SUPER easy Lemon Peel stitch for this pattern, as it is the vertical stripe version of the Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Sweater. A video tutorial for this stitch can be found here.
The width of this vertical stripes sweater is customizable, therefore your number of rows will be different than mine. And different than Susie’s, or Jennifer’s, or Becky’s, or… you get the idea. Once you get going, you’ll continue making rows until the point that when you hold up the piece, one edge touches your left side and one side touches your right side. Make a front and a back and sew together, then add sleeves.
If you’re making for someone else, you can get helpful sizing information (ie: how wide to make it) here. If you are super tall, make the sweater longer by chaining extra at the end of row 10. Conversely, if you’re on the short end you won’t chain quite as many at the end of row 10. The armholes as written are about 13″ in circumference. For larger armholes, add about 5 stitches to the beginning chain. Need help? Shoot me an email!
Vertical Stripes Sweater Crochet Pattern
Get the ad-free, printable PDF version of this pattern here.
Pin this pattern for later here.
Make two
Row 1: Ch-21, sc in second ch from hook, dc in next. * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (20) Ch-1, turn.
Rows 2 – 4: * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (20) Ch-1, turn.
Row 5: (sc, dc, sc) in first st, dc in next. * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (22) Ch-1, turn.
Row 6: * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (22) Ch-1, turn.
Row 7: Repeat row 5 (24)
Row 8: Repeat row 6 (24)
Row 9: Repeat row 5 (26)

Row 10: Repeat row 6 (26 sts) AND THEN ALSO ch-51 (see photo, this will be the height of your sweater if it needs adjusting)

Row 11: Sc in second ch from hook, dc in next. * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end to end (76) Ch-1, turn.
Rows 12 – desired width (for mine, in size large, I did 77 rows): * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (76) Ch-1, turn.
***when width reached and at the TOP of the sweater, start other sleeve***
Row A: * sc in first, dc in next * repeat 12 times (26) Ch-1, turn.
Row B: sc2tog first 2 sts, sc2tog next 2 sts, * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (24) Ch-1, turn.
Row C: * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * to end (24) Ch-1, turn.
Row D: Repeat row B (22)
Row E: Repeat row C (22)
Row F: Repeat row B (20)
Rows G, H & I: Repeat row C (20)
Fasten off.

Construction:
Lay front side to back side. Using your yarn needle, sew from bottom up using the Mattress Stitch until you reach the armhole opening. Repeat on other side.
Starting at the outer shoulder, sew the top together using the Mattress Stitch for about 8 – 10” on each side. I recommend trying it on at this point to make sure the neck hole isn’t too large or too small.
Sleeves:
Attach yarn at base of arm hole with slip stitch. Ch-1, sc in same st, dc in next. * sc in next, dc in next * repeat between * * around, do not join. Continue in spiral making sure the single crochets go into double crochets of the previous row and visa versa until sleeve length reached. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Bottom Hem:
If desired, attach yarn at bottom hem, near one of the side seams. Ch-1 and sc in each sp around for as many rows as you like. I did two rows of blue myself.
That’s it folks! I am currently working on a faster, chunkier version of this sweater (see above) and I’ll share that under the “crochet patterns” section of Heart Hook Home as soon as it is finished. I’m also working on a scoop neck version. Woot!
When you make your own STRAIGHT UP EASY vertical stripes sweater, be sure to tag me using @HeartHookHome on Twitter and Instagram, and share a photo in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook!
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