The Frostveil Aurora Pullover Free Pattern – Knit a Sweater with Cascading Icicle Stitches

Wrap yourself in the quiet magic of a winter sky with this oversized pullover, where shimmering silver-blue cables mimic frozen waterfalls and drifting snow. The Frostveil Aurora is a cozy, statement knit that feels like wearing a personal aurora borealis. With its dramatic icicle cable panels and gradient of icy hues, this sweater is destined to become your most-loved cold-weather companion. Whether you're a confident beginner ready to tackle your first cable project or an experienced knitter seeking a meditative make, this free pattern offers a rewarding journey and a stunning result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience. All materials are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three shades: Iceberg (pale icy blue), Glacier (mid blue-grey), and Snowdrift (white). Approximately 1800 (2000, 2200, 2400) yards total. A soft wool or wool-blend with good stitch definition is ideal for showcasing the cables.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 32-inch length for the body and 16-inch length for sleeves, plus US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles for ribbing (same lengths).
• Notions: Stitch markers (including locking markers), cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or waste yarn.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles, after blocking. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished measurements match.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up, then divided for the armholes. The sleeves are knit separately and sewn in. Follow each section carefully, and refer to the abbreviations and special stitch pattern below.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) – Finished chest: 40 (44, 48, 52) inches with positive ease. Choose the size that gives you 4-6 inches of ease over your bust measurement.

Abbreviations: CO = cast on, K = knit, P = purl, K2tog = knit two together, SSK = slip slip knit, C4F = cable 4 front (slip 2 to cable needle, hold front, K2, then K2 from cable needle), C4B = cable 4 back (slip 2 to cable needle, hold back, K2, then K2 from cable needle), PM = place marker, SM = slip marker, RS = right side, WS = wrong side, M1 = make one (increase).

Special Stitch Pattern – Icicle Cable Panel (worked over 12 stitches)

This 12-stitch panel creates the signature cascading icicle effect. Work it exactly as written, repeating rows 1-8 throughout.

• Row 1 (RS): C4F, K4, C4B
• Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches
• Row 3: K2, C4B, C4F, K2
• Row 5: C4B, K4, C4F
• Row 7: K2, C4F, C4B, K2
• Row 8: Purl

Repeat rows 1-8 for the duration of the panel.

Body (worked in the round)

Step 1: With smaller needles (US 5) and Snowdrift, CO 200 (220, 240, 260) stitches. PM at beginning of round and after 100 (110, 120, 130) stitches to mark the sides. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Step 2: Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a neat, stretchy hem.

Step 3: Switch to larger needles (US 7) and main color Iceberg. Knit 2 rounds plain to establish the stockinette base.

Step 4: Begin the stripe pattern: Work in stripes of 4 rounds Iceberg, 2 rounds Glacier, 4 rounds Snowdrift, 2 rounds Glacier, repeating this sequence throughout the body. Carry unused yarn loosely up the inside of the work, or cut and rejoin as preferred.

Step 5: On the first round after ribbing, place the Icicle Cable Panels. Knit 44 (49, 54, 59) stitches, PM, work the 12-stitch cable panel, PM, knit 88 (98, 108, 118) stitches, PM, work the 12-stitch cable panel, PM, knit 44 (49, 54, 59) to end of round. You now have markers for the front and back cable panels.

Step 6: Continue in the stripe pattern, working the cable panels as established on every round (remember to purl the WS rows of the cable panel when you encounter them – but since you're working in the round, you'll knit the cable panel stitches on RS rounds and purl them on WS rounds as per the pattern). Work until the piece measures 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from the cast-on edge, ending after a WS row of the cable panel (i.e., after a purl round).

Divide for Armholes

Step 1: Next round: Bind off 8 (10, 12, 14) stitches at each underarm marker. To do this, bind off 4 (5, 6, 7) stitches on each side of each marker. You will now have separate front and back sections.

Step 2: Place the back stitches on a holder or waste yarn. You will work the front first.

Front

Step 1: Work back and forth on the front stitches (100 (110, 120, 130) stitches). Continue in the stripe and cable pattern as established.

Step 2: Decrease 1 stitch at each armhole edge every RS row 4 (6, 8, 10) times: SSK at the beginning of the row, K2tog at the end. You now have 92 (98, 104, 110) stitches.

Step 3: Work even (no decreases) until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches from the divide.

Step 4: Shape the neck: Work 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches, bind off the center 32 (34, 36, 38) stitches, then work the remaining 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches. You will now have two separate shoulder sections.

Step 5: Work each shoulder separately. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 4 times. Work until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11, 12) inches from the divide.

Step 6: Bind off the remaining 26 (28, 30, 32) stitches for each shoulder. Repeat for the other shoulder.

Back

Step 1: Return the held back stitches to your larger needle.

Step 2: Work the same as the front, but continue straight (no neck shaping) until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11) inches from the divide.

Step 3: Shape the neck: Work 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches, bind off the center 32 (34, 36, 38) stitches, work the remaining 30 (32, 34, 36) stitches.

Step 4: Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 4 times. Work until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11, 12) inches from the divide.

Step 5: Bind off the remaining 26 (28, 30, 32) stitches for each shoulder.

Sleeves (make 2)

Step 1: With smaller needles (US 5) and Snowdrift, CO 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches. Join in the round, PM at the beginning.

Step 2: Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.

Step 3: Switch to larger needles (US 7) and Iceberg. Work an increase round: K1, M1, knit to the last stitch, M1, K1. You now have 42 (46, 50, 54) stitches.

Step 4: Work in stockinette stitch, continuing the same stripe pattern as the body (4 rounds Iceberg, 2 rounds Glacier, 4 rounds Snowdrift, 2 rounds Glacier).

Step 5: Increase 2 stitches (one at each edge, as in Step 3) every 6 rounds until you have 72 (78, 84, 90) stitches. Work even until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 6: Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows (this creates the underarm cap).

Step 7: Decrease 1 stitch at each edge every RS row until 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches remain. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Step 1: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a secure, invisible join.

Step 2: Set in the sleeves, easing them to fit the armhole. Pin in place and sew with a mattress stitch, ensuring the sleeve cap is evenly distributed.

Step 3: With smaller needles (US 5) and Snowdrift, pick up and knit 80 (88, 96, 104) stitches around the neckline. Work K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Step 4: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, being careful to secure the color changes.

Step 5: Block the sweater to the specified measurements. Gently stretch the cables to open them up and enhance their sculptural texture. Lay flat to dry.

Your Frostveil Aurora Pullover is complete! Slip it on and enjoy the ethereal, frosty luxury of your hand-knit masterpiece. The cascading icicle cables and gradient colors will turn heads and keep you cozy all winter long. Happy knitting!