The Dario Sweater: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Men's Pullover

Introducing the Dario Sweater: A Modern Classic for Men

If you're an intermediate knitter looking for a project that combines sophistication with a relaxed, modern fit, the Dario Sweater is your next must-make. This free knitting pattern features a unique, all-over geometric stitch pattern that creates a subtle, textured diamond effect—adding depth and visual interest without being overly flashy. The result is a timeless, cozy pullover that works just as well for a casual weekend as it does for a smart-casual office. The pattern is written for sizes S through XXL, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Let's get started on creating this sophisticated, textured men's sweater.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather the following materials. The Dario Sweater is designed with a worsted weight yarn for a perfect balance of warmth and drape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Cascade 220 Superwash) in a rich charcoal grey. You will need approximately 1200-1500 yards, depending on your chosen size.
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer for magic loop or small circumference) – for ribbing.
  • US 8 (5mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer) – for the main body.
  • US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) – for working the sleeves in the round.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles (US 8). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in pieces (back, front, and two sleeves) and then seamed together. The stitch pattern is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, reversible texture.

Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 4 + 2)

This is the core texture of the sweater. Repeat these 4 rows throughout.

• Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 2 (WS): *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 3: *P2, K2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 4: *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern.

Back

1. Cast On: With smaller needles (US 7), cast on 86 (94, 102, 110, 118) stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. End after a wrong-side row.
3. Body: Switch to larger needles (US 8). Begin working in the stitch pattern (Rows 1-4) until the piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Armhole Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Then, decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times. You will have 70 (74, 78, 82, 86) stitches remaining.
5. Continue Straight: Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 9 (9.5, 10, 10.5, 11) inches from the bind-off edge.
6. Shoulder Shaping:
   • Bind off 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
   • Then, bind off 6 (7, 7, 8, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Bind off the remaining 28 (30, 30, 32, 32) stitches for the back neck.

Front

1. Work exactly as for the back until the armhole measures 6 (6.5, 7, 7.5, 8) inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Neck Shaping:
   • Work across the first 28 (29, 30, 31, 32) stitches. Join a second ball of yarn.
   • Bind off the center 14 (16, 18, 20, 22) stitches.
   • Work to the end of the row with the second ball.
   • Working both sides simultaneously, decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge (inside edge) every RS row 4 times. You will have 24 (25, 26, 27, 28) stitches remaining on each side.
3. Continue Straight: Work even until the armhole matches the back length.
4. Shoulder Shaping: Shape the shoulders exactly as for the back.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On: With smaller needles (US 7), cast on 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Body: Switch to larger needles (US 8) and begin working in the stitch pattern. At the same time, increase 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times. You will have 58 (64, 70, 76, 82) stitches.
4. Continue Straight: Work even until the sleeve measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Sleeve Cap:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Then, decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times.
   • Bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
   • Bind off the remaining 14 (16, 18, 20, 22) stitches.

Finishing

1. Seams: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
2. Set in Sleeves: Pin the sleeve cap into the armhole, matching the center of the cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place.
3. Side and Sleeve Seams: Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
4. Neckband:
   • With smaller needles (US 7) and the right side facing, pick up and knit 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) stitches evenly around the neckline.
   • Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch.
   • Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls).
5. Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the finished measurements for a professional look.

Your Dario Sweater is now complete! Enjoy the rich texture and modern fit of this timeless piece. Happy knitting!