Skaftafell Sweater - Easy Top-Down Seamless Sweater (Digital PDF)

Knit the Skaftafell Sweater – Timeless, Seamless & Cosy

Looking for an easy top-down sweater knitting pattern?

The Skaftafell Sweater is a seamless, top-down design worked in the round for a polished and elegant finish. Designed for confident beginners, this sweater combines classic shaping with a comfortable, wearable silhouette, making it perfect for everyday layering.

Who Is This For?

The Skaftafell Sweater pattern is ideal for:

• Confident beginners ready to knit their first seamless sweater

• Knitters comfortable with knit, purl, and simple increases

• Makers who want a top-down sweater that’s easy to try on as you knit

• Hobby knitters expanding their handmade wardrobe

• Anyone searching for “top-down sweater knitting pattern PDF”

If you’ve knitted scarves, hats, or basic garments and want to progress to a simple and elegant sweater, this pattern is perfect. Skaftafell Sweater is a beginner-friendly pattern that combines classic stockinette stitch with eye-catching ribbed accents, reminiscent of the deep, icy crevasses of Iceland's Skaftafell glacier.

What You’ll Learn

By knitting the Skaftafell Sweater, you’ll learn:

• How to knit a sweater seamlessly from the top down

• How to shape a yoke using simple increases

• How to separate sleeves from the body

• How to adjust body and sleeve length for a personalised fit

• How to finish ribbed hems and necklines professionally

This pattern introduces top-down garment construction in a beginner-friendly, approachable way.

With its simple yet striking design, this top-down seamless pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike.

CONSTRUCTION:
The Skaftafell Sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. You will then split the body and sleeves, which are worked straight.  A textured rib pattern is worked towards the hem of the main body and the cuffs.

SKILLS: 
Cable cast on, Knit, Purl, M1R, Backward loop cast on, K2tog, SSK, Bind off.

YARN: Worsted/Aran weight. The sample is knitted in Hobbii Mohair Delight, held with a strand of lace weight Hobbii Diablo for an extra fluffy feel.

Note: you will need an equivalent amount of each yarn if you are working with aran plus lace weight held together.
Size 1 Approx 1000m (1093yds)
Size 2 Aprox 1080m (1181yds)
Size 3 Approx 1200m (1312yds) 
Size 4 Approx 1320m (1443yds)
Size 5 Approx 1452m (1587yds)
Size 6 Approx 1600m (1750yds)
Size 7 Approx 1780m (1950yds)
Size 8 Approx 2035m (2230yds)
Size 9 Approx 2130m (2330yds)

GAUGE: 16 sts and 22 rows to 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch (blocked) using 5mm needles.

NEEDLES: 5mm 40cm (16 inch) & 60cm (24 inch) circular needle (US Size 8, UK Size 6)   
4mm 40cm (16 inch) circular needle (US size 6, UK size 8)
5mm DPNs, or 80cm circular needle for magic loop if preferred.

SIZING: Sizes 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 are detailed below and designed to be worn with 4-8 inches/ 10-20cm of positive ease. If you are between sizes, SIZE DOWN. Choose a size based on your UPPER BUST measurement, not your full bust. This will ensure the best fit.

To fit bust: 
75/85/95/105/115/125/135/145/155cm
30/33/37/41/45/49/53/57/61 inches

Finished length:
65/65/65/66/66/66/67/67/67cm
25.5/25.5/25.5/26/26/26/26/26/26 inches

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this sweater knit flat or in the round?

The Skaftafell Sweater is worked top down, seamlessly, in the round.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes — confident beginners who can knit and purl, and manage simple increases, will find it approachable.

Can I adjust the length?

Yes — because it’s worked top down, body and sleeve length can be customised.

Is the pattern written or chart-based?

The pattern is fully written with step-by-step instructions for all sizes.

Is this a physical sweater?

No — this is a digital PDF knitting pattern available for instant download.

What yarn should I use?

Any yarn that matches the recommended gauge will work.

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