Knitting patterns featuring fashionable sleeve cutouts and open shoulders. Updated 3/5/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Pickering Pullover
Lace cold shoulder sweater with cutouts over arms. Sizes Small to 2XL. Designed by Anna Al. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern at Annie's for free registration
- Buy the video class for this pattern and 2 other patterns for $3.99
Macy Cold Shoulder Top
Pullover top featuring cold shoulders, A-line shaping, and a hi-low hem. Sizes to fit chest measurements of 31.25, 33.5, 35.5, 37.75, 39.5, 42, 44.75, and 48 inches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Joann Rogers. Consider donating to the fight against cancer if you like this pattern.
Cold Shoulder Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover with cutout shoulders knit in 2 row repeat Twisted Rib. Sizes Bust: 36¾ (40½, 44¾, 48½)” Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team.
Nuit Cold Shoulder Poncho
Easy poncho with peekaboo openings at the shoulders is knit in one flat piece with large size 13 (9mm) needles and requires minimal sewing to make up. A great beginner project and a fast knit according to the desinger Sarah Seabury. Worsted weight yarn.
Lace Cold Shoulder Pullover
This long sleeved sweater features an allover 8 stitch repeat lace pattern with cold shoulder cutout sleeves and a split back. Sizes XS, S, M , L and XL. Designed by Dorothea Neumann for Schachenmayr. Available in English, Danish, and French. Although the website asks you to register you can click Continue to Download without registering.
Peek-A-Boo Tee
This short sleeved pullover top with cold shoulder cutout sleeves is knit simply in two identical panels, with no increasing or decreasing, making it a great project for beginners, according to the designer, Destiny Meyer. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X) To fit bust: 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50) in. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Buy the pdfSee the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton yarn at Amazon
Romance Top
Draped open sleeves add intrigue to this simple but elegant top. Knit in 2 identical pieces in stockinette. Sizes to fit bust 102[107:112:117:122]cm (40[42:44:46:48]ins) but it seems like it could easily be adapted to other sizes. DK weight yarn. Designed by Ros Wilson
Atlas Shrug
This shrug features allover cutout openwork. It is knit flat sideways in one piece from cuff to cuff and seamed. Sizes Small/Medium, Large/X-Large Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Sandi Prosser.
Openwork Cold Shoulder Top
This short sleeved pullover is knit in a T-shape with drop stitches and peekaboo sleeves. It is finished with a ribbon woven through the lower body to create a dropped waist look. It seems like an easy pattern but it is a scanned vintage pattern "Slip-On Jumper" from a 1923 Australian newspaper The Advertiser, and so not as detailed as modern yarn company patterns. Size for 36" bust with instructions for modifying the pattern. Pictured project by PurlsofthePast who used DK weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern - direct link to National Library of Australia page
- See the Ravelry page
Kirsche
It's all about the extraordinary details in this pullover tee including lace, cables, a shell lace neckline, and cutouts on the sleeves. The pattern is only one size so you will have to customize and/or read the notes on other projects for modifications. Designed by Rhona R. Fingering weight yarn.
More Free Patterns
Flirt Top
Lace pullover with cold shoulder sleeves and a center cable. There isn't a picture of a person wearing this so the sleeves are difficult to see but you can see it hanging down in the red version. Pattern stitch is an 8 row repeat. Chart. Sizes 36/38 (40/42) 44/46. Designed by Szilvia Emri. Sport weight yarn. Available in English and Hungarian.
Camino Pullover
This daring top features exposed shoulders that lead into a plunging back. Sizes S M L XL. Designed by Feza Yarns. Worsted weight yarn.
Day Dreams Pullover
This sweater is knit from cuff to cuff with horizontal slits and a square neckline. Designed by Stacy Collingham. Aran weight yarn.
Striped Cold Shoulder Poncho Top
This pullover is knit in 2 pieces with shaping for sleeve cutouts and neckline which have ribbed edges. The shaping is mostly charted. Designed by Cheval Blanc Official. Pattern includes English, French, Dutch, German, and Spanish. DK weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern - at the destination page, click on download file, enter your email address, and they will email you a link
- See the Ravelry page
Tempesta Top
Short sleeved pullover with flower petal cut outs in the front and cold shoulder sleeves. Sizes 35 (39, 43, 47, 51)” Bust. Designed by Kristin Omdahl. Pictured project by Carmen73. Sport weight yarn.
Molly Pullover
This sweater features a wide neckline with a peekaboo keyhole at the shoulder. Size is customizable. Designed by Mia Edvardson. Available English and Swedish.
Cold Shoulder Pullover
Short-sleeved top with scoop neck and shoulder cut outs. Sizes XS, S, M, L, 1X. La Petite Grue designed by Robin Dodge. Sport weight yarn.
Cold Shoulder Multi-gauge Poncho
Poncho knit flat as a rectangle and fastened at the shoulder with cold shoulder openings on one side. Any gauge of yarn, any size. Designed by Theresa Gilbert.
Forever April Sweater
Fitted long sleeved pullover with off the shoulder neckline shaped with short rows. Sizes S (M,L) – bust 32.5”/82cm (36”/92cm, 40”/101cm) Designed by Life Is Cozy
Rey Vest
Inspired by the Rey’s costume in the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this cardigan sweater with shoulder cutouts designed by Soile Pyhänniska comes in English and Finnish.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more Star Wars Inspired Knitting Patterns
- Shop for The Force Awakens merchandise and DVDs
Camden
Ashley Adams Moncrief designed this flattering top with the practical yet decorative removable sleeves. The top can be worn with or without the sleeves and the detachable sleeves can be worn as arm warmers. Sizes XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X]
Patterns for Purchase
Gumdrop Top
This modern cold shoulder top features drop sleeves and a fun graphic detail on the front and back. The peek-a-boo shoulders are optional, so you can omit the sleeves for an equally adorable tank. Sizes: Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). Designed by Aubrey P Busek for Universal Yarn. Sport weight yarn.
Piper Dress Sizes Baby through Adult (12/18m to XL)
Dress or tunic with cold shoulder open sleeves and ruffled bodice. Sizes 12/18m, 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/13, XS, S, M, L, XL. Designed by Weiyan Huang. Sport weight yarn.
Three-Way Romance Top
Versatile loose knit pullover top can be worn as a cold shoulder top or ruffled tank or sleeveless shell. Suitable for beginners according to the designer. Knit it in a soft thick and thin yarn to give it the pictured look. Designed by rustiknits
Cosimia Top
Swingy, cold-shoulder poncho wrap can also be worn using the shoulder openings as an armholes. Sizes: S (M, L). Designed by Emily Johannes. Sport weight yarn.
Foam Cold Shoulder Top
Loose knit pullover featuring open shoulders. Suitable for beginners according to the designer. Knit it in a soft thick and thin yarn to give it a boho look. Size: XS,S,M,L,XL Designed by Camexia Designs who also offers a crochet version
Andra Cropped Thumb Hole Sweater
This chunky knit cropped pullover is a quick and easy project, suitable for a beginner, according to the designer. The simple pattern is enhanced with elongated stitches on shoulders to create a sexy modern look. Size: XS,S,M,L,XL Designed by Camexia Designs
Low Winters Sun
Fitted pullover with crew neck and long sleeves with cold shoulder cutouts. Sizes: XS [S] M [L] XL [XXL]. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Artesanitarium Designs
Cut Outs Cropped Top
This long sleeved cropped pullover cut outs from elbow up to shoulder and then an unexpected one in the front. It looks great either over a tank top, a dress, a camisole with jeans or a skirt. Size: XS,S,M,L,XL Designed by Camexia Designs
Ribbed Cut-Outs Tunic
This stylish ribbed tunic is adorned with well placed cutouts that make it unique. The ribbed look is created in thin and thick widths to create the optical effect of a curvy silhouette. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Camelia Mit
Drop Stitch Cold Shoulder Top
This sweater features long kimono sleeves with open cutouts. Shown cropped but length is easily adjustable. Size: XS,S,M,L,XL Aran weight yarn. Designed by Camexia Designs
"Better Lace Than Never" Crop Top and Skirt Set
This 2-piece set includes a crop top with cold shoulder detail and a coordinating high waisted fitted skirt. Both feature diamond lace and a delicate picot finish. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 1X) which range to fit a 30-48" Bust and 32-50" Hips. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Lauren Riker
Norcross Tee
Pullover top with lace sleeves topped with criss cross straps in a romantic variation on the cold shoulder look. One of the patterns in Creative Knitting Simple Knits for Spring & Summer DK weight yarn. Designed by Margaret Holzmann
