Montana Meadow Pullover Free Pattern – A Knitted Prairie Sunset Sweater

Wrap yourself in the warm hues of a Montana sunset with this cozy, oversized pullover featuring a unique gradient of burnt orange, dusty rose, and cream. The textured honeycomb stitch adds rustic charm, making it a standout piece for chilly evenings. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, handmade garment that feels like a warm embrace.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (burnt orange) – approximately 400 (470, 540) yards
  • Color B (dusty rose) – approximately 400 (470, 540) yards
  • Color C (cream) – approximately 400 (470, 540) yards
  Total yarn needed: 1200 (1400, 1600) yards.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) circular needles in 24-inch and 16-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (DPNs) for sleeves.
• Other: Stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch (blocked). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished sweater matches the intended measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L) – Finished chest: 40 (44, 48) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• P – purl
• K2tog – knit two together
• P2tog – purl two together
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• Rep – repeat
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side

Honeycomb Stitch Pattern (multiple of 6 + 2)

This textured stitch creates the beautiful honeycomb effect. Work the following 12-row repeat:

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 3: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 4: P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 5: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 6: P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 7: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 8: P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 9: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 10: P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 11: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to end.
• Row 12: P2, *K4, P2; rep from * to end.

Note: When working in the round, all rows are on the RS, so simply repeat Row 1 for the entire round.

Body (Worked in One Piece to Armholes)

With Color A, CO 180 (198, 216) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

Work in honeycomb stitch pattern (repeat rows 1-12) for 10 (11, 12) inches. Switch to Color B and continue in pattern for another 10 (11, 12) inches. Switch to Color C and work for 10 (11, 12) inches. Your total body length will be 30 (33, 36) inches.

At this point, divide for armholes: Work across 90 (99, 108) sts for the front, then place the next 90 (99, 108) sts on a holder for the back. Work the front and back separately.

Front

Continue in pattern with Color C. At each armhole edge, decrease 1 st every other row 4 (5, 6) times. Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches.

Shape neck: Work across 30 (33, 36) sts, place the center 30 (33, 36) sts on a holder, join a new ball of yarn and work the other side. Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every row 4 times. Work even until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11) inches. Bind off the remaining 22 (24, 26) sts for each shoulder.

Back

Work the same as the front, but when the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches, shape the neck: Work across 34 (37, 40) sts, place the center 22 (24, 26) sts on a holder, join a new ball and work the other side. Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every row 4 times. Work even until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11) inches. Bind off the remaining 22 (24, 26) sts for each shoulder.

Sleeves (Make 2)

With Color A, CO 48 (54, 60) sts. Join in the round, placing a marker at the beginning. Work in honeycomb stitch pattern for 4 inches. Switch to Color B and continue, increasing 1 st at each side of the marker every 6 rows until you have 72 (78, 84) sts. Continue even until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off all sts.

Finishing

Sew the shoulder seams. With Color C and the 16-inch circular needle, pick up and knit sts around the neckline. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely.

Sew the sleeves into the armholes. Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements to even out the stitches and enhance the honeycomb texture.

Your Montana Meadow Pullover is now complete! Enjoy the cozy warmth and the beautiful gradient that mirrors a prairie sunset. This sweater is perfect for layering on cool autumn days or gifting to someone special. Happy knitting!