Description

Tulip Sweater – 1980s Knitting Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Sizes: S, M, L

A bouquet of tulips in vivid pink, orange, and coral blooms across the front of this vintage sweater, worked in intarsia against a solid black background for maximum impact. It’s the kind of statement motif knit that turns heads — bold, graphic, and unmistakably 1980s in spirit, with each stem and petal outlined and later embroidered for extra dimension. If you love flower motif sweaters, picture knitting, or classic intarsia projects, this Tulip Sweater pattern is a rewarding one to add to your queue.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Intermediate.
Construction: Worked flat in pieces (back, front, sleeves) in stockinette stitch, with the tulip bouquet worked via intarsia from a charted diagram using multiple small yarn balls, then finished with embroidered outline detail in color 1.
Finished Measurements: Chest 39½” (size S), 43″ (size M), 47″ (size L).
Pattern Style: Written in standard US knitting terms, with a full intarsia charted diagram for the tulip motif.
Stitches: Stockinette stitch, k1 p1 ribbing, intarsia colorwork, backstitch/duplicate stitch embroidery for outlining.

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: Light weight DK yarn — approximately 10-12 balls in main color (black) plus small amounts of 4 accent colors for the tulips and stems.
Since the original 1980s yarn may be discontinued, substitute with any standard modern DK weight wool or acrylic yarn such as Patons Classic Wool DK.
Knitting Needles Size: US #2 and #4, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidering motif outlines.
Gauge: 23 sts to 4″ on US #4 needles.

This is a digitally restored PDF knitting pattern

Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.