Cap Sleeve Pullover
A classic t-shirt is always a good thing, but there are times when life calls for something just a little bit, well, more. Like chic cap sleeves, a beguiling texture, and a dazzling color… Not to mention the wonderful satisfaction of having made it yourself!
For this there is our warm-weather Cap Sleeve Pullover! Designed for a just-loose-enough fit, its beauty belies how super easy it is to make. Starting at the bottom, you work separate hems for a slightly longer back one, then join in the round for the body, separate again at the underarms to work the front and back, then join again at the shoulders with one simple seam.
And what is that insanely beautiful texture?! That’s also simple and totally provided by our newest yarn, Lantern. Like a thousand points of light, its white cotton core peeps out from the linen thread that wraps around it. In this Bluegrass Blue color, it’s like wearing the sparkling ocean!
If that’s not enough to get you started, consider how little finishing this gem requires. Just one seam, a cool inside-out one, at the top of each shoulder and a pick up and bind off finish for the neckline and armholes. Summertime perfection!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Adam Aronowitz.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCapSleevePullover, and #PurlSohoLantern. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 4 (5, 6, 6) (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins of Purl Soho’s Lantern, 61% cotton and 39% linen. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 630 (715, 850, 940) (1105, 1195, 1270, 1355) yards required. We used Bluegrass Blue.
You’ll also need…
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 32-inch circular needles
- US 7, 24-inch circular needles
- A US 8 (5 mm) double pointed needle
- Stitch markers
- A cable stitch holder
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn
- A Cap Sleeve Pullover Pattern (Please Note: The Cap Sleeve Pullover Pattern is no longer available for purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.)
Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on smaller needles
Sizes
NOTE For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!
35¼ (39¼, 43¼, 47¼) (51¼, 55¼, 59¼, 63¼)
To fit actual chest circumference of 31–34 (35–38, 39–42, 43–46) (47–50, 51–54, 55–58, 59–62) inches, with approximately 1–4 inches of ease
- Finished Chest Circumference: 35¼ (39¼, 43¼, 47¼) (51¼, 55¼, 59¼, 63¼) inches
- Finished Length From Shoulder To Back Bottom Edge: 25¼ (26, 28¼, 28¾) (31¾, 32, 32¼, 32½) inches
SAMPLE: The sweater pictured here is size 35¼ with 1¼ inch of ease.
Pattern
Please Note: The Cap Sleeve Pullover Pattern is no longer available for purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Would adding sleeves work? I have yet to buy the pattern, so don’t know how the underarms are worked, but is there another pattern I could meld to this for sleeves?
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for reaching out- what an exciting idea! You could certainly experiment with picking up stitches around the armholes and then decrease as you go down. You might have to do a bit of experimenting to figure out how many stitches to pick up and how many decreases to make. Let us know how it goes and Happy knitting!
-Marilla
How easily could this project be lengthened? I love the simple design but I’m over 6 feet tall and would probably need to add 4-6 inches to the length.
Thanks,
Allison
Hi Allison,
Thanks for writing in! It should be quite easy to add more length before beginning the armholes – at that point you will be working in the round, so you can continue until the top is your desired length. I would recommend purchasing at least one extra skein of Lantern so you don’t run out!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi,
Can you tell me what stitches are used for this pattern? Would you rate this Beginner or Intermediate in complexity?
Thanks!
Hello Karen,
Thank you for reaching out! I would categorize this Pullover as advanced beginner. It is knit in the round in Stockinette Stitch, but also uses Short rows and lifted increases.
I hope this clears things up and happy knitting!
-Marilla
The Lantern yarn is really beautiful. What other yarn would go well with this pattern if I am not ready to try the Lantern yarn yet?
Thanks,
Lynda
Hi Lynda,
Thanks for reaching out! Lantern is very unique yarn in terms of construction and texture so your results might turn out a bit different with a substituted yarn; however, if you would like to try out the techniques in the pattern, I would suggest either Blue Sky Worsted Cotton or Cascade 220 as they match the gauge of Lantern!
Best,
Julianna
What level of difficulty would you classify this project?
Hello Jeanne,
This is a great question! I would say this would be appropriate for an advanced beginner. The body is knit in the round in stockinette stitch. This pattern also uses short rows and lifted increases.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
This is stunning. To fit me I would need to CO a size Med (43) and increase to XL (51)for chest – should I order 6 skeins or 7?
Thank you ?
Hi Megan,
Thank you so much for the kind words! To be on the safe side, I would recommend purchasing 7 skeins. If you find that you don’t need the last skein, any unwound yarn can be returned for store credit!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Love the yarn(combo) Ann the patter is simple yet with stunning end result
I love the look of this yarn. It arrived and just as pretty as I have seen. I have made a swatch. I have knit several inches of a dishcloth. This is the worst stuff I have ever had in my hand …….
The pattern is LOVELY ….. the yarn is horrible. The knit fabric feels like ASPHALT. I often buy 1 skein to see how I like a yarn that I am not familiar with, really glad I did. This is not anything I would ever wear on my body. I will make a few really good looking, handsome, dish clothes.
Hi Suzy,
Thanks for reaching out! This yarn is cotton wrapped with linen and the linen is a bit coarse to the touch at first. However, I have found that, like any linen yarn, as I use and wash my finished item it softens up quite a bit. If you haven’t already, I would suggest washing your gauge swatch before deciding, but we do think Lantern makes really lovely useful dish cloths as well if you prefer!
Best,
Julianna
The PS yarn description says to expect 2% shrinkage. Sounds as though the fabric just tightens up a bit after getting wet and then drying. Is that what Purl Soho experience for this particular garment? I am trying to decide whether to stay with the smallest size, move up to the next size or alter the pattern for somewhere in the middle.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! The best way to decide would be to launder your gauge swatch the same way you intend to launder the top – or perhaps, if you are willing to take a bit of extra time, knit two swatches and hand wash one and machine wash and dry the other to see which fabric you prefer and if your gauge has changed after washing! The fabric will tighten up a bit with machine washing and drying, but will also become drapier which may affect how much ease you want in the finished top. It seems like a lot of work, but it will be the best way to ensure you will be happy with your finished garment!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi there – The pattern is lovely! I understand that it is written for the purl side to be worn facing out. What amendments would I need to make so that the knit side is worn facing out (ie, the knit side is the right side)? Hope the changes are not too complicated and thanks in advance.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for writing in! Fortunately, this is an extremely easy modification! We knitted the top inside out since most people prefer knitting over purling, so you will have the “wrong” or knit side facing you throughout the project. The only visible seam is the Modified Three Needle Bind Off, which is demonstrated in the second half of this tutorial, worked for the shoulder seam, so you will just work that with the knit sides together instead of the purl sides. You may even find that the three needle bind off is unobtrusive enough that you are happy with the top either way and you can wear this as a reversible top!
Best,
Julianna
Gorgeous yarn! I’ve just cast-on for the back. The pattern suggests alternating skeins every round or two to avoid pooling, and the suggested technique involves carrying the yarn up the wrong/purl side of the piece as it’s being knit in the round. But the sweater is worn with the purl side facing out. How did you avoid the line that forms up the garment from the carried yarn? If you didn’t avoid it, can you suggest where to make the switch between skeins so as to keep the line straight? Thanks!
Hello Jayne,
This is a fantastic question! You are correct, because you are technically knitting the wrong side up you will carry your yarn up on the outside of the garment rather than the inside.
I hope this clarifies things for you and happy knitting!
Marilla
I’m ready to cast on for this top! I’ve spend the last week carefully swatching and letting my swatches thoroughly dry as I’ve had to try a few times to get gauge – but I’m there! I did wonder though, which cast on method works well for this pattern and yarn? What cast on was used for the sample, if you know?
Thank you for your time!
Hello Holly,
Thank you for writing and congratulations on getting gauge! For this project I would suggest using a long tail cast on.
I hope this helps and let us know how your project goes!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Aloha! I’m a beginner-ish knitter, so please pardon my ignorance! In the body of the pattern where it says “knit 6 rounds even” does that mean knit all the rounds or do I knit one round, and purl next? Thank you!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for reaching out, and we’re happy to help! This means to knit all rounds – at this point you should be working in stockinette stitch in the round, so you will be just knitting until you reach the armholes!
Best of luck and please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions!
Julianna
Thank you! I’ve completed the hems and I’m looking forward to a beautiful finished shirt!
If I am between the first and second smallest sizes. Which size would be best?
Thanks!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in! This is entirely up to you and how you would like the top to fit! I would suggest measuring yourself and comparing that to the finished measurements of the first and second sizes. Choosing a size that is 0-1″ larger than your bust measurement will result in a more form fitting top, while a size that is 1-3″ larger than your bust measurement will be a top with a more relaxed, loose fit. If you still aren’t sure you could always measure a top you already own that you like the fit of and choose the size with the most similar dimensions!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’m on the edge neckline and just not understanding what to do. Am I picking up a certain number of stitches? Is this a decorative finish to the neckline? The rest of the pattern went great and now just not seeing the finished neckline. Thanks for your help.
Hello Tere,
Thank you for reaching out and congratulations on being almost done with your top! This finishing technique will just give you a nice clean edge along your neck line. Basically all it entails is picking up and casting off as you go, this is why you only ever have two stitches to picked up at a time.
I hope this helps and happy cast off!
-Marilla
good morning I really like the shape and style of this pattern. Ive read the comments. Is this pattern able to be worked in wool I live in Australia and ma trying to find a pattern to knit a top to go over a thin shirt in winter
Thank you
Jenny Hill
Hello Jenny,
Thank you for reaching out! This top can certainly made with a wool yarn. You just need to be sure that you are able to get a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on smaller needles.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I have completed this pullover through the 3 needle bindoff and have a question. The body of the garment seems to have twisted so that the side vents at the bottom of the garment are no longer even with my hips. When I lay the garment flat if I line up the shoulder and armholes the bottom of the garment is not square with the back and front. Is this expected and will blocking even it out?
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! Lantern does unfortunately bias sometimes; however, we have found that it blocks out quite well! For best results, I would recommend wet blocking your pullover.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
I prefer beginner/intermediate/easy patterns. Knitting for me is a calming experience. I want to make a simple vest. Would this pattern work out well if I just went a size up? Or, do you have another simple vest pattern slip on or button up. Please let me know.
Thank you.
Nyease
Hi Nyease,
Thank you for writing in! The Cap Sleeve Pullover can certainly be worn as a vest, as the pattern already has some ease built in. For an even warmer and cozier version, you can easily size up and/or knit this in another worsted weight yarn as long as you get gauge- I think Linen Quill Worsted or Understory would be lovely substitutions.
Happy knitting!
Gaby
Hello,
Could you please provide the finished circumference by size at the hip?
Thank you,
Jen
Hi Jen,
Thanks for reaching out! This pullover measures 40 (44, 48, 52) (56, 60, 64, 68) inches at the bottom hem. The pattern includes a detailed schematic with all the measurements you need to pick the best size for you!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Can you recommend an alternative yarn that’s not $19 a skein?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing in! If you don’t mind using a wool, this top would be gorgeous and quite economical in Good Wool! At 383 yards per skein, you will only need 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins total.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
When it says knit six rounds even after the first decrease round, do I just knit or follow the decrease pattern for those six rounds?
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for reaching out! For those 6 rows you are just knitting each round, not following the decrease round!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi, I’m working on this pattern now and struggling with the instructions to shape the shoulders. For repeating short rows 3,4 and 5,6 are you supposed to wrp-t at the same point as the previous row when repeating or in from the last wrp-t position by the number indicated? For example on size 47 1/4 when repeating row 5, do you wrap-t 11 stitches from the end each time it’s repeated or 6 stitches from the last repeated row?
Hi Katie,
Thanks for reaching out! When you repeat the shaping rows you will follow the instructions as written, so when it says “Row 5: Knit to 5 (6, 6, 6) (5, 6, 6, 6) stitches before previous wrap, wrp-t” you will knit to 6 stitches before the last wrap and work the wrp-t!
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Hi, I’m left-handed and want to make sure I’m following the correct instructions for the shoulder shaping. Are the wrap and turns done near the shoulder edge or the neckline edge?
Hi Joy,
Thanks for reaching out. The wrap and turns are worked closer to the shoulder edge! This way, they create a slope so that the right and left shoulders are higher closer to the neckline edge and lower closer to the shoulder edge. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Hi team! So excited to do this. I’ve seen some comments about not being able to get the gauge and that’s what’s happening to me too. I’m doing to smallest size of the top, which means a 40″ circumference. No matter what I do, including with size 5 needles, I’m getting 23″ for the front and back each, which would equal 46″. That’s so much bigger!
What am I doing wrong? I even tried knitting as tight as I could but it is still too big.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out. This pattern actually decreases in circumference as you knit up the body! You’ll start out with a wider body and then work decrease rounds to bring it to the correct chest circumference for your size. As long as your gauge swatch had the correct measurements, you’ll certainly end up with a well-fitting shirt!
All the best,
Lili