Celtic Cable Fisherman Sweater Knitting Pattern (Unisex Aran Raglan)

Knit a timeless fisherman sweater with this Celtic cable Aran sweater knitting pattern, designed in classic adult unisex sizing and shown here on a male model.

With rich texture, traditional cables, and a cozy raglan fit, this men’s fisherman sweater–style jumper is perfect for chilly days, seaside walks, and layering all winter long.

What You’re Making

A beautifully textured raglan sweater featuring:

• Central Celtic cable panel on front and back
• Rope cables and moss stitch panels for depth and interest
• Ribbed cuffs, hem, and a neat ribbed crew neck
• A classic, relaxed fit inspired by traditional Irish fisherman sweaters

This is a digital knitting pattern (PDF) – you are not purchasing a finished sweater.

This pattern is written in English only

Yarn + Materials

Designed in Drops Nepal (Worsted weight / Aran-style wool blend):

Yarn: Drops Nepal, color 0100

Yarn Amount:

• 16 (17, 17, 18, 18, 19) balls
• Approx. 1,200 (1,275, 1,275, 1,350, 1,350, 1,425) meters
• Approx. 1,312 (1,394, 1,394, 1,476, 1,476, 1,558) yds
• Fiber: 65% wool / 35% alpaca – warm, soft, and perfect for cables
• Recommended substitute: Lion Brand Wool-Ease or a similar worsted-weight wool blend
• I recommend buying one extra ball of yarn, just in case.

Needles:

• 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles
• 5 mm (US 8) knitting needles
• Cable needle
• Circular needles are recommended to comfortably hold the large number of stitches (worked back and forth in rows).

Notions:

• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Tape measure
• Stitch holders x 4 and/or spare cables with end caps

• SKILLS

Intermediate

You’ll enjoy this pattern if you’re comfortable with:

• Working cables using a cable needle
• Reading written cable instructions
• Knitting flat and seaming pieces
• Simple shaping (increases/decreases) for raglan sleeves
• Moss stitch and basic ribbing

• CONSTRUCTION

The sweater is worked in 4 separate pieces:

• Back
• Front
• 2 Sleeves

Each piece is worked flat from the bottom up, starting with a ribbed band.

The raglan shaping creates a comfortable, unisex fit that works well for all genders. Pieces are then seamed, and the collar is picked up and worked in rib.

• SIZING

Adult unisex sizing (bust/chest):

• 34" / 86 cm
• 36" / 91 cm
• 38" / 97 cm
• 40" / 102 cm
• 42" / 107 cm
• 44" / 112 cm

The pattern includes:

• Actual garment measurements for width and length
• Adjustable sleeve length (instructions and notes to customize)

In the photos, the model is wearing the 42" / 107 cm size.

Gauge

• 17 sts x 22 rows = 4" x 4" / 10 x 10 cm
• Measured over moss stitch using 5 mm (US 8) needles

Checking your gauge is important to ensure your fisherman sweater fits as expected and you have enough yarn.

• WHAT'S INCLUDED

When you purchase this listing, you’ll receive:

• A digital PDF knitting pattern
• Written instructions for all sizes
• Stitch counts and shaping notes for each section
• Cable information (including the central Celtic cable, rope cables, and moss stitch panels)
• Sizing and finishing notes to help you achieve a polished result

• IMPORTANT INFO

• This is a digital knitting pattern (PDF). No physical item will be shipped.
• Due to the nature of digital products, all sales are final.
• Pattern is for personal use. You may knit finished items for yourself or as gifts. For small-scale selling, please credit the design (e.g, “Stormbraid Sweater pattern by Handy Little Me”).

• HELP

Join The Handy Little Me Knitting + Crochet Community to connect with other makers of Handy Little Me patterns for help with techniques and pattern-related questions.