About This Pattern
This sweater grows from a simple chain, row by row, in an easy shell stitch. I like it for an evening on the couch, one row at a time. The body works up first, then two sleeves join it. A variegated yarn gives the rainbow look without changing colors by hand. It needs a soft, stretchy yarn and a little patience for the many repeated rows that make up the body.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- ch
- chain
- sl st
- slip stitch
- sc
- single crochet
- sp
- space
Rainbow striped crochet sweater with simple shell stitch
Body
- Row 1Ch 58 (or desired width). Skip 3 ch, sc in 4th ch, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, repeat across. Finish with ch 1, sc in last st.
- Row 2Ch 2, turn. Sc in first sp, ch 1, sc in next sp, repeat across. Finish with ch 1, sc in last st.Repeat Rows 2-3 until desired length for the body.Mark Shoulders: Place markers to indicate the shoulder width (7 sc on each side).Decrease Rows: Work in rows, decreasing 1 st at the beginning of each row on both sides until you reach the marker.Continue working in rows without decreases until you reach the desired shoulder height.
- NeckCh 3, turn. Sc in the next 6 sts, ch 1, turn.Continue working in rows, decreasing 1 st at the beginning of each row on both sides until you reach the desired neck opening.Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves
Make 2- Row 1Ch 40 (or desired width). Skip 3 ch, sc in 4th ch, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, sc in next st, repeat across. Finish with ch 1, sc in last st.Repeat Rows 2-3 from the body section until desired sleeve length.Cuff: Work the elastic stitch for the desired cuff length.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check your gauge with the 6.5mm hook before the foundation chain.
- Have markers ready to mark shoulder width, seven stitches each side.
- Read through the body rounds once, so the shell pattern feels familiar.
Minutes per piece
- Body about 2-3 hours, because it takes several repeated rows to reach the desired length and sets the width
- Sleeves (both) about 1-2 hours, because each sleeve repeats just a few rows before the cuff
Other yarns that work
- DK weight acrylic Sweater comes out lighter and drapes softer, while still holding the shell stitch shape.
- Chunky weight wool blend Sweater grows bulkier and warmer, and may need a hook larger than 6.5mm.
Where it ends up
- Wear it over a plain t-shirt for a weekend outing.
- Layer it under a jacket on a cool evening.
- Give it as a handmade piece to a friend who loves color.
Joining up
- Step 1 Connect Shoulders: Sl st to join the shoulders, creating a seam.
- Step 2 Connect Sleeve to Body: Sl st to join the sleeve to the body, creating a seam.
- Step 3 Side Seams: Sl st to join the side seams of the body.
- Step 4 Weave in Ends: Weave in all loose ends.
Small notes
- Markers keep the shoulder width honest across both sides, seven stitches each.
- Variegated yarn does the color work here, so I skip color changes entirely.
- A rainbow effect comes from using a variegated yarn. You can achieve a similar look by using multiple colors of yarn or by crocheting stripes.
- The pattern is adaptable to different sizes by adjusting the foundation chain and number of rows.
Little questions
Can I make the sweater bigger?
Yes, add stitches to the foundation chain and extra rounds. The pattern adapts to size changes easily. Just keep the shoulder markers proportional to the new width.
Do I need three different hooks?
You use a 6.5mm hook for the main body. A 5mm hook works the elastic cuff parts. A 7mm hook offers a looser alternative if you want it.
How do I get the rainbow effect without variegated yarn?
Crochet stripes by changing colors every few rounds. Multiple solid colors work just as well. It just takes a bit more color planning up front.
How do I join the sleeves to the body?
I slip stitch the sleeve to the body, creating a seam. Shoulders join the same way, with a slip stitch seam. Side seams close last, also with slip stitch.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/easy-crochet-rainbow-sweater-tutorial/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
