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.

Yarn

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.