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Overland Trail Cabled Knit Sweater Pattern

Meet the Overland Trail Cabled Knit Sweater… the kind of pattern that turns “I’ll just knit something quick” into “actually, let’s make a statement piece.”

This one started out with a different name and a menswear-only sizing, but it’s been fully refreshed and given a relaxed, unisex boyfriend fit that works just as well oversized on you as it does on the person who used to think this sweater was just theirs.

The saddle-shoulder construction is the real star here. It gives the sweater that traditional, substantial sweater feel while keeping a clean, modern silhouette, and it lets that gorgeous cable panel travel right up over the shoulder instead of stopping at a seam. Worked in a tweedy worsted wool with flecks of color running through it, the cables have room to really show off.

This is a boyfriend sweater in the best sense… roomy, cozy, a little borrowed-looking, and endlessly wearable. Pull it on over jeans for the weekend or layer it up for a chilly hike, and don’t be surprised when someone tries to steal it right off you.

What You’ll Love About This Pattern
Saddle-shoulder construction that carries the cable panel right over the shoulder line
A true unisex, boyfriend-style fit with generous positive ease
Eight sizes, S through 5X, so there’s a fit for whoever’s making it (or wearing it)
Written instructions AND charts, so you can knit however your brain works best
A built-in “Big and Tall” customization option for extra length
Rich cable texture that’s satisfying to knit and even more satisfying to wear

Pattern Details
Designer: Marly Bird
Craft: Knitting
Skill Level: Intermediate
Project Type: Pullover sweater, unisex/boyfriend fit
Construction: Back, Front, and Sleeves worked flat and separately from the bottom up; saddle-shoulder shaping
Sizes: S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Finished Chest Circumference: 42½ (46, 49½, 53, 56½, 60, 63, 66½)“
Finished Length: 26½ (27, 27½, 28, 28½, 29, 29½, 30)”
Fit/Ease: Sample shown in size XL, worn with 4–6” positive ease
Yarn Weight: Worsted (CYCA #4)
Needles: US 8 5mm straight (or size needed for gauge); US 7 4.5mm straight and 16” circular
Gauge: 14 sts and 25 rows = 4” in Seed Stitch; 18 sts and 24 rows = 4” in Cable Panels (larger needles)

Make It Your Own

The pattern includes a built-in option to add extra length between the underarm and hem for a “Big and Tall” fit, so if you’re knitting this for someone tall or just want a longer, more tunic-like drape, you can customize it right in the pattern without guessing at the math.

Marly’s Tip

Cables are forgiving… until they’re not. If you’re new to working cables at this scale, drop in a lifeline before you start a new repeat of the Body or Sleeve Cable Panel. If you do miscross a cable, there’s a video walking you through exactly how to fix it without ripping back rows of work.

Get the Pattern

This Overland Trail Cabled Knit Sweater is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, with written instructions and charts included.

Whether you’re knitting it for yourself, your favorite guy, or just someone who could use a great boyfriend sweater in their closet, this one’s ready to be your next big project.