Classic Hemmed Crewneck In Cashmere Merino Bloom
If you’re going to hand knit one sweater this fall, make it the kind whose fit is so easy-going and whose details are so timeless that you want to wear it every day. Our Classic Hemmed Crewneck is just the ticket! Knit from the bottom up with knit-in hems and raglan shaping, it is as neat as a pin and as fresh as a daisy.
Originally knit up in our Flax Down, a blend of baby alpaca, extra fine merino, and linen, we’ve done that again (in Heirloom White), but also couldn’t resist seeing it in our Cashmere Merino Bloom (here in Icicle Blue).
Both are incredibly soft and beautiful, but one difference is Cashmere Merino Bloom’s traditional, tidy spin versus Flax Down’s single-ply structure with a slightly more rustic, from-the-farm appearance.
Flax Down is also a less expensive option because it doesn’t include cashmere. Choices… But one thing’s for sure, your Classic Hemmed Crewneck will be a favorite!
Originally designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoClassicHemmedCrewneck, and #PurlSohoCashmereMerinoBloom. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 6 (6, 7, 8) (8, 9, 9, 10) skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Merino Bloom, 75% extra fine merino and 25% cashmere. Each skein of this Light Worsted/DK yarn is approximately 218 yards; approximately 1140 (1265, 1405, 1570) (1705, 1830, 1940, 2055) total yards required. We used the color Icicle Blue.
or
- 5 (5, 6, 7) (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins of Purl Soho’s Flax Down, 43% baby alpaca, 42% extra fine merino, and 15% linen. Each skein is approximately 219 yards; approximately 985 (1090, 1210, 1350) (1470, 1580, 1675, 1770) total yards required. We used the color Heirloom White.
You will also need…
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 32- or 40-inch circular needles, depending on size you are making
- US 7, 16-inch circular needles
- A set of US 7 double pointed needles
- US 6 (4 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- Stitch markers, including one unique
- Stitch holders or scrap yarn
NOTE: Looking to knit your sleeves in double-time? Swap the double pointed needles for 32-inch or longer circular needles, and check out our Magic Loop: Two At A Time Tutorial!
GAUGE
21 stitches and 28 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles
SIZES
37¾ (42, 46, 50¼) (54½, 59, 63¼, 67½)
To fit actual chest circumference 32–34 (35–39, 40–43, 44–47) (48–51, 52–56, 57–60, 61–64) inches, with approximately 3–7 inches of ease
- Finished Chest Circumference: 37¾ (42, 46, 50¼) (54½, 59, 63¼, 67½) inches
- Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 22¼ (23, 23¾, 24¾) (25¼, 25½, 26, 26½) inches
- Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 13 (13½, 13¾, 14½) (14¾, 14¾, 15, 15) inches
Sample: The sweaters shown here are sizes 37¾ (in Flax Down) and 42 (in Cashmere Merino Bloom). The size 42 is worn with 3½ inches of ease.
Pattern
Please Note: The Classic Hemmed Crewneck Pattern is no longer available for purchase. For assistance, please contact us at customerservice@purlsoho.com.
Learn About Cashmere Merino Bloom + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Soft, supple, and toasty warm, Cashmere Merino Bloom is an absolute knitting joy! A light worsted/DK-weight yarn, it is made with 25% of the most exquisite cashmere in the world and 75% extra fine merino wool and benefits from both fibers: cashmere for over-the-top softness and beautiful bloom and merino for resilience, durability, and even more softness. Cashmere Merino Bloom has an incredible hand feel with a gentle halo that illuminates your knitting… A gorgeous choice!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Cashmere Merino Bloom patterns and cast on!
More Light Worsted/ DK Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of light worsted/ DK-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fiber
- Shop cashmere yarn
- Shop merino wool yarn
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!
Hello
I was wondering if this was the same pattern as the original one or has it been updated Thank you
Hi Liz,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, this is the same overall pattern as our original Classic Hemmed Crewneck, we have only updated the yarn offerings, so we now offer the skeins and yardage needed for Cashmere Merino Bloom as well as the original Flax Down! We have also refreshed the appearance by updating the cover photo and graphics, as well as extending the available sizes for more inclusivity, this pattern is now available for up to a 61–64 inch chest!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you Gianna
Hi,
I was wondering what the “difficulty” rating would be on this pattern, e.g., beginner, average, intermediate, etc, etc.
Also, in general is this usually listed on your patterns? If it is I don’t usually see it. Appreciate any info on this, thank you!
Hi Leanne,
Thanks for writing in. We don’t rate the difficulty of our patterns because we want people to feel free to try things that are “too hard” for them. We want to encourage people to discover that learning new techniques enriches the process of making, so we do try to describe the skills involved with a pattern so that customers know what they’re getting into. But ultimately, we hope that you will take little leaps into the unknown and find that the satisfaction was worth the challenge! And remember, we are always here to help!
That being said, I would be happy to let you know of the specialized techniques used in this design and include links to our tutorials on them! This pattern uses: a knit hem, wrap + turn short rows, joining sleeves to body, and the kitchener stitch. I hope this helps you get a better sense of what to expect from this sweater pattern!
All the best,
Lili
What is the difficulty level of this pattern?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for writing in. We don’t rate the difficulty of our patterns because we want people to feel free to try things that are “too hard” for them. We want to encourage people to discover that learning new techniques enriches the process of making, so we do try to describe the skills involved with a pattern so that customers know what they’re getting into. But ultimately, we hope that you will take little leaps into the unknown and find that the satisfaction was worth the challenge! And remember, we are always here to help!
That being said, I would be happy to let you know of the specialized techniques used in this design and include links to our tutorials on them! This pattern uses: a knit hem, wrap + turn short rows, joining sleeves to body, and the kitchener stitch. I hope this helps you get a better sense of what to expect from this sweater pattern!
All the best,
Lili
Is this a project suitable for a beginner knitter?
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing in. We don’t rate the difficulty of our patterns because we want people to feel free to try things that are “too hard” for them. We want to encourage people to discover that learning new techniques enriches the process of making, so we do try to describe the skills involved with a pattern so that customers know what they’re getting into. But ultimately, we hope that you will take little leaps into the unknown and find that the satisfaction was worth the challenge! And remember, we are always here to help!
That being said, I would be happy to let you know of the specialized techniques used in this design and include links to our tutorials on them! This pattern uses: a knit hem, wrap + turn short rows, joining sleeves to body, and the kitchener stitch. I hope this helps you get a better sense of what to expect from this sweater pattern!
All the best,
Lili
What cotton or Cotten blend could you use for this pattern?
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in. I think that Morning would work well with this pattern! Morning is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% yak. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Bonjour,
Les tailles sont en pouces, pas facile de savoir à quoi cela correspond. Y a-t’il une taille qui correspondrait à 34 ou 36 en France, svp ?
Merci
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for reaching out. I don’t know how sizing in France works myself, but it might be easier to figure out your size by first converting our sizes to centimeter measurements!
All the best,
Lili
Can you please describe the fibers – cashmere merino bloom and flax down more?
I know the fiber content , but for this sweater…..is one more stable than the other (is one more drapey or going to “grow”) does one “pill up” more than the other? Is one thicker and more likely to maintain shape?
The colors are all gorgeous, but it would be very helpful to have some descriptions on how fiber knits up and how it would fit/drape/not stretch ….for a sweater! thank you so much for your input!
Hi Patricia,
We’d be happy to tell you more about the differences between Cashmere Merino Bloom and Flax Down! Both are wonderful options for this classic sweater, and each has its own unique qualities that make for a truly special garment. Cashmere Merino Bloom is lusciously soft and cushy and creates a beautifully springy fabric that is perfect for warm, cozy sweaters. True to its name, once the yarn is knitted up you’ll notice it blooms with a soft halo of cashmere, so you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a very snuggly cloud. The ply of Cashmere Merino Bloom also gives this yarn more structure and durability, ensuring that your garment will stand the test of time with proper care!
Flax Down will give you an earthier look and feel than Cashmere Merino Bloom, with a lovely tweedy haze from the combination of fibers; the baby alpaca brings wonderful softness, the extra fine merino lends durability, and the linen adds some additional visual interest and texture. It will have a less structured look than Cashmere Merino Bloom because of its single ply, which will make for a garment with slightly more drape.
Both yarns are very soft and are excellent choices for the Classic Hemmed Crewneck Sweater! Because of how soft the fibers are and how the yarns are plied, you will likely encounter some pilling with wear. Pilling is an unfortunate reality of most hand knits, however with proper care and regular de-pilling (I’d recommend using our a sweater rake or the Gleener Ultimate Fuzz Remover), your garment will stay looking as beautiful as the day you finished it!
I hope this helps you with your decision on which yarn will work best for you, and please reach out if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Kelsey
Hello,
I have started the increase step on the sleeves and I see that the note says to switch to the larger 16-inch needles when you can. I have switched but I’m struggling to knit in round when the there isn’t the same amount of slack on the needle isn’t the same as is the instructions for the magic loop method. Is there another way to knit in the round using the 16 in needles. I’m making the size 42.
‘Thank you,
Hi Kim,
Since you’re making the size 42, I would recommend remaining on the magic loop for the entirety of the sleeves! The final circumference of the size 42 sleeves is 14.75 inches, so the stitches should not fit around 16-inch circulars at all. Once you switch back to the magic loop, the tension will go back to normal, and your stitches won’t be as stretched out!
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili,
I started the sleeve on the double-pointed needles. So are you saying I should switch from the double-pointed needles to the 32” circular needle and use the magic loop method and not use the 16” circular needle at all?
Kim
Hi Kim,
Oh I see, for some reason I thought you were using magic loop! But the same principle applies to working with DPNs. You should keep your sleeve on the DPNs the entire way, and not use the 16″ circulars at all. This is because the circumference of your sleeve will never be large enough to fit around the 16″ circular needles!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you Lili.
Next question. When working on the last round before putting the stitches on a stitch holder, I’m not sure about the step “place previous 16 stitches on stitch holder for underarm.” Does the 16 stitches include the 8 just knitted stitches or is it 16 stitches before the 8? So, in other words is it the last 16 stitches worked at the end of the last round?
Thanks again.
Kim
Hi Kim,
This step means to place the 16 stitches you just knit on hold! These 16 stitches include the first 8 stitches of the current round, in addition to the final 8 stitches of the previous round.
All the best,
Lili
Lili,
I’m sorry, one last question. Why are there two notes which tell the knitter to switch to larger 16” circular needles. Which part of the pattern does this note apply to?
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim,
The first note to switch to 16″ circulars (for the Sleeve sections) will only apply to those knitting the larger sizes of this pattern! It says to switch to them “when you can,” and it’s only possible to switch to them for sizes 50 1/4 and up, since the sleeve circumferences exceed 16 inches for those sizes and not for the other sizes.
The second note (for the Yoke section) applies to all sizes. You begin the Body on the longer circular needles, but as you work the decreases for the Yoke, the circumference will decrease in size, and at some point become too small to fit around the longer needles. At that point, you’ll need to switch to the shorter, 16″, needles!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you Lili for both replies. All clear now! 🙂
Hi folks, I’ll soon be finished knitting my first classic crewneck in flax down, and it’s going so well I’d like to order yarn for another (as soon as I make sure that it fits!) But it appears you don’t carry flax down anymore, and I don’t want to knit it in cashmere — I really liked the rustic earthiness of flax down and refined-but-casual-weekend-sweater vibe. Can you suggest another yarn for this sweater, and tell me how much of it I’d need for size 37 3/4?
Hi Katherine,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying this pattern so much! I’d recommend using one of our newest arrivals, Knitting Yarn! You would need 5 skeins of this yarn for the size 37 3/4. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks, Lili – just what I needed to know. Also, no reason I can’t work a broad stripe or two into this pattern, is there? It seems like it would be fun to play with a couple of earth tones. I’m still a bit of a newbie when it comes to sweaters but this one seems like a good blank canvas to work with.
You’re very welcome! A stripe or two would be so fun, and that will definitely work with the pattern.
All the best,
Lili
Might this be unisex? I’m looking for something similar to the old J.crew roll neck sweater. I’m a male knitter.
Hi Gabriel,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy to hear that this pattern has caught your eye! All of our patterns are designed to be worn by people of any gender, but some may fit different body types better than others. I’d recommend taking a look at the measurements listed under SIZES to get a sense of how it fits. If you’d like advice on making any specific modifications, just let me know what you want to change, and I can absolutely help out!
I also want to point you in the direction of the Purl Soho Pullover pattern, which may be even closer to what you’re looking for in terms of style. This pattern features a rolled turtleneck!
All the best,
Lili
I like the color Tide Pool but it looks a bit like it might need be susceptible to pooling or stripy-ness. Would I need to alternate skeins if I use the Tide Pool color?
Hi Tricia,
It just so happens that Tide Pool is my favorite color of this yarn, so I’ve knit with it a few times myself! I have not found any pooling in the knit fabric, so you should be just fine knitting with it as normal.
All the best,
Lili