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Cloud Sweater Knitting Pattern Review For Cozy Sweater Makers

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Let’s be honest, some knitting patterns just look like a cup of tea in sweater form, and the Cloud Sweater by PetiteKnit is one of them. It has that soft, simple, slightly oversized look that makes you want to cast on immediately — preferably while ignoring the laundry and pretending the yarn stash is under control.

The Cloud Sweater is a modern top-down sweater knitting pattern with a relaxed shape, soft neckline, and beautifully minimal finish. It is one of those patterns that does not need fancy cables or dramatic stitchwork to stand out. The beauty is in the texture, the drape, and that lovely soft halo you get from using airy yarns and mohair-style fibres.

I really like that this sweater feels wearable. Not “special occasion handmade” wearable, but actual everyday wearable. The kind of sweater you throw on with jeans, wear over a dress, or keep on the back of the chair for chilly mornings in the craft room.

Skill-wise, I would say this is best for a confident beginner or intermediate knitter. You will want to be comfortable with basic sweater construction, working in the round, picking up stitches, and following shaping instructions. It is not a complicated-looking knit, but the neat finish is what makes it feel so polished.

This is also one of those patterns where swatching really matters. I know, groan. But with soft, fluffy yarns, the fabric can bloom and change after blocking, so a little test swatch is much better than ending up with a sweater that fits your teenager, your husband, or possibly the dog.

Would I knit it? Yes. Especially in a soft oatmeal, pale grey, cream, or dusty blue. It has that timeless handmade wardrobe feel that does not scream “I spent three months knitting this,” even though, emotionally, we all know sweaters do like to take over your life a little.

The Cloud Sweater by PetiteKnit is a lovely choice if you want a cozy modern sweater knitting pattern that feels simple, stylish, and very wearable. It is soft, minimal, and relaxed without looking sloppy — basically the kind of sweater that makes you start justifying another yarn order before you have even finished reading the pattern.

Comments

  1. This Cloud Sweater looks like the perfect blend of comfort and style—definitely adding it to my must-knit list for cozy days ahead.

Have you read?

Totoro Knitting Patterns

We’re a big Studio Ghibli household, and while they are sometimes very protective of their copyrights (as evidenced by the number of patterns on Ravelry that were removed from the service when it received a takedown notice back in 2021), there are still a fair number of Totoro knitting patterns (as well as other designs I’m sure we’ll get to someday). Let’s check them out!

Yaya Labs has a cute plush Totoro that looks like it might stand up on its own. The pattern is available on LoveCrafts, and it calls for DK or light worsted weight yarn in four colors. The pattern is considered advanced but it does include a photo tutorial. It stands 10.6 inches or 27 cm tall.

A similar pattern can be found a Shino Craft, which doesn’t have the leaf hat but does include little hands, and the legs aren’t as separate from the body. This one calls for sport weight yarn and is knit flat on two needles. 

All Made Here has a Totoro pouch that is super cute and looks pretty easy to knit. It measures 14 by 18 cm and is rated for advanced beginners. You can get the pattern when you subscribe to updates or follow the designer on Instagram. 

Stitch Totoro on a sweater with the Totorogenseren sweater from Anna-Sofia Vintersol. This free download on Ravelry uses worsted/aran weight yarn in two or three colors. The pattern comes in nine sizes, with a chest measurement ranging from 77 to 149 cm. 

The Forest Spirit Fair Isle Jumper from Kraft with Kindrex features a row of Totoros on the circular yoke, along with other little colorwork designs. The design includes three sizes, with chest measurements ranging from 91 to 101 cm. It calls for 4 ply (that’s fingering/sock weight in other parts of the world). 

Or you can stitch Totoro as part of a project with more Ghibli characters, as on the Magical Anime Knit Sweater (a longtime bucket list item for me) from The Bearded Sewist. This on has a circular yoke and rows of different characters including Totoro, Ponyo, soot sprites, Calcifer and more. The pattern comes in four sizes and is rated intermediate/advanced. It calls for DK weight yarn and you can grab a copy on Ravelry. 

Or try Katharina Kuntz’s Anime Scarf, also on Ravelry. This one is a double knit scarf worked in fingering weight yarn in two colors, with allover designs from Studio Ghibli movies. She started by knitting the movies in chronological order but gave that up after she realized all her favorites would be in the middle and therefore not visible when worn. You can probably rearrange the motifs further somewhat if you want to showcase your favorites.