****FOLLOW THE LINK ABOVE FOR THE FULL AND FREE PDF DOWNLOAD AND VIDEO TUTORIAL****

Meet the Elmer Jumper/Sweater — a bold patchwork crochet design that has truly come full circle. I originally freehanded this jumper when I had just learned to crochet, and after so many of you spotted it in my TikTok videos and asked for the pattern, I’ve finally deconstructed the original and rebuilt it into a brand new, much more polished version for you all.

It’s called the Elmer Jumper because when I first posted myself wearing it, the comments immediately filled with people saying it looked like Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee — and the name stuck! Honestly, I love the creative little community we’ve built over there, so naming this after your comments feels like a proper homage to you lot.

My version is packed with bright, joyful colors, but this design would look absolutely class in soft pastels or even a clean, neutral palette if bold isn’t your vibe.

The pattern is available in XS–4XL and is worked entirely on a 4mm hook using double knit yarn, making it the perfect scrap-busting project. There’s no specific yarn requirement or yardage because every brand varies — plus, half the fun is getting creative with whatever you already have.

The downloadable PDFs below include full written instructions, plus a schematic showing exactly how the squares fit together, with a key that matches each square to the pattern (these are individual to each size). You’ll start in the bottom right of each panel, work left to right, and then build upward through the rows.

There’s also a separate guide (the same for every size) covering the join-as-you-go method, starting the sleeves, constructing the jumper, and working the ribbing for the neckline, cuffs, and hem.

Prefer to learn visually? The video tutorial walks you through all the key techniques — joining the squares, sleeve construction, finishing the garment, and ribbing. It demonstrates one size, but the methods easily translate across all sizes when followed alongside the written pattern.