How to Knit a Men’s Cable Jumper (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

Knit a Men’s Cable Jumper

Knitting a men’s cable jumper is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on as a knitter. With its mix of soft texture, stylish cables, and comfortable fit, this jumper works perfectly for both cool autumn days and cozy winter evenings. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create a timeless men’s sweater featuring cables, moss stitch textures, and gentle color stripes — all using simple tools and easy-to-follow methods.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your materials to make sure your knitting experience runs smoothly.
Yarn: Choose a soft and durable aran-weight yarn made from a wool and acrylic blend. You’ll need three colors:

Color A for the main body (about 7–12 balls depending on size)
Color B and Color C for the accent stripes (1–3 balls each)

Needles:

One pair of 4mm needles for the rib and moss sections
One pair of 5mm needles for the main cable pattern

Other Tools:

Cable needle
Stitch holders
Yarn needle for finishing
Measuring tape and scissors

Gauge and Tension

Before knitting, make a small swatch to check your tension.

Cable pattern: 23 stitches and 30 rows = 10 cm (4 in) using 5mm needles
Moss stitch: 19 stitches and 33 rows = 10 cm (4 in) using 4mm needles

Matching gauge ensures your jumper fits correctly. If your stitches are too tight, move up a needle size; if too loose, go down one.

Step 1: Knit the Back

1. Cast On:
Using 4mm needles and Color A, cast on the required number of stitches based on your size (from small to 4XL).
2. Ribbing:
Work K2, P2 rib for about 2–3 cm to form a stretchy edge.
3. Begin the Cable Pattern:
Switch to 5mm needles and follow this 8-row repeat:

Rows 1, 5: Knit all stitches.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Work cables by slipping 2 stitches to the back, knitting the next 2, then knitting the held stitches.
Row 7: Alternate by holding the cable needle in front to twist the opposite way.

This creates the distinctive intertwined cable look that gives the jumper its texture and depth.
4. Color Bands:
After working a full cable section, change to 4mm needles and alternate stripes in Color B and Color C using moss stitch (K1, P1 across). Continue alternating for the desired stripe height before returning to Color A and 5mm needles to continue the cable section.
5. Shape the Shoulders and Neckline:
Once your back piece reaches the required length (about 62–76 cm depending on size), shape the shoulders by binding off small groups of stitches at the beginning of each row.
For the neck, place center stitches on a holder and work each side separately, gradually decreasing at the neck edge for a smooth curve.

Step 2: Knit the Front

Work the front in the same way as the back until you reach the neckline area. The only difference is that the front neckline is deeper, giving the jumper a comfortable fit around the neck.
Follow similar shaping as on the back, keeping the cable pattern aligned with the back piece.

Step 3: Knit the Sleeves

1. Cast On:
With 4mm needles and Color A, cast on your stitches for the sleeves. Work K2, P2 ribbing for about 12 rows.
2. Cable and Moss Pattern:
Switch to 5mm needles and begin the same 8-row cable pattern used on the body. Increase one stitch at each end every few rows to shape the sleeve.
3. Add Color Bands:
Incorporate the same moss stitch stripes in Colors B and C to match the jumper’s body.
4. Shape the Sleeve Top:
Once your sleeve reaches about 50–53 cm, start decreasing at both ends to create the sleeve cap. Continue decreasing until few stitches remain, then cast off.

Step 4: Knit the Neckband

Join one shoulder seam first. With the right side facing, use 4mm needles and Color C to pick up stitches evenly around the neckline — from the front, back, and shoulders.
Work in K2, P2 rib for 6–7 rows, then bind off loosely to keep the edge stretchy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Jumper

1. Join Seams:
Sew the other shoulder seam, then attach the sleeves to the armholes, aligning the cable pattern carefully.
2. Sew Sides:
Join the side seams from hem to underarm, then sew the sleeve seams.
3. Finishing Touches:
Weave in all yarn ends with a tapestry needle. Gently block your jumper by laying it flat and steaming lightly according to your yarn’s care label.

Tips for Beginners

Practice cables first: If you’re new to cable knitting, practice on a small swatch before starting the jumper.
Use stitch markers: They help you track the beginning of each pattern repeat.
Check tension often: Small changes in tension can affect the final fit.
Be patient: Cables look complex, but they’re simply a matter of crossing stitches in front or behind each other.

Why This Pattern Works

This jumper combines the classic look of cables with the textural contrast of moss stitch and subtle color striping. It’s a perfect balance between cozy and stylish — great as a handmade gift or a long-lasting addition to your own wardrobe. The wool-acrylic blend makes it warm yet lightweight, ideal for year-round wear.

Conclusion

Knitting your own men’s cable jumper is a satisfying project that develops your knitting skills while producing a timeless, wearable piece. With just a few basic tools, patience, and this step-by-step guide, you can create a professional-looking sweater that will last for years. Whether it’s your first big garment or your next creative challenge, this jumper is sure to impress — both on and off the needles.