The Libra Pullover
Work with multiple colors, but just one at a time.
#MyZodiacSweater
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Detailed PDF pattern
♎︎ Step-by-step instructions, tutorial photos & schematics.
♎︎ Row tracker with all row & stitch counts for every size.
What you'll need
♎︎ Scheepjes Catona, Expression Fiber Arts Luster Sport, or any sport or fingering weight yarn in the amounts shown below.
♎︎ Hooks: 4.5 mm, 3 mm. I like to use my Clover Amours.
♎︎ Tape measure, scissors, darning needle, 6 locking and numbered stitch markers.
Size-inclusive
♎︎ Written for 9 sizes (XS-5X) with instructions on customization, including for tapered or bubble sleeves.
♎︎ Fits busts from 28″ to 69″.
Pattern support
♎︎ For pattern related questions, please join my Facebook support group or contact me at thecrochethighway [at] gmail.com.
On October 18, 2023, I re-released the Libra Pullover pattern in collaboration with Expression Fiber Arts. The new pattern features the addition of 6 brand new pages of waist shaping, a new, easier to follow pattern template, plus small improvements and minor edits!
What’s new in the new version: FAQ
Q: What’s changed in the new version?
A: The biggest update is the addition of 6 new pages of instructions for waist shaping. The waist shaping remains optional – you can still make the original style for an oversized sweater with a boxy fit!
There’s also a new pattern template: I reworked the layout of the pattern into my new pattern template, which is a fresh new way I’m presenting my patterns, in a clearer and prettier layout!
I also added minor edits and extra notes here and there with recommendations regarding the fit.
Some portions of the pattern (such as the body repeats) have been slightly reworded – the pattern is the same, but the rounds are numbered differently in some places. That’s why I recommend you stick to the old version if you’re in the midst of completing your Libra already!
Q: I already bought the pattern in the past, how do I get the new version?
A: If you bought the pattern on Ravelry, the new version should already be in your library – check your email for an update or log into your Ravelry account and check your library! If you purchased the pattern elsewhere (e.g. via Etsy), please email me your order number (or a screenshot of your order confirmation) and I’ll email the pattern to you.
Q: I’m in the midst of working on my Libra. Should I switch to the new version?
A: That depends on if you want to add waist shaping or not!
I want waist shaping: If you’re just starting, or have just finished the yoke, you can switch to the new version to access the waist shaping instructions and enjoy the new template. The waist shaping starts approx. 2″ below the split for sleeves – if you’ve worked past that point, you’ll need to do some frogging if you want to add waist shaping.
I don’t want waist shaping: If you already split for sleeves and are well into the body of the sweater, and you don’t wish to add waist shaping, I recommend you keep following the old version. If you’re just starting your sweater, you can switch to the new version to enjoy my new & improved pattern template!
Libra Bundle
Did you know? The Libra Pullover has a sister pattern: the Libra Bag! Save 10% when grabbing both patterns as a bundle.
To get the bundle on Ravelry, add both patterns to cart and insert code LIBRA at checkout. To purchase on Etsy, simply click on the image below:
The Zodiac Collection
The Libra Pullover is one of the first patterns published in the Zodiac Crochet Collection – a series of crochet garments and accessories that follow a common theme: colorwork made easy. Use hashtag #MyZodiacSweater when posting your makes on social media!
The designs in this collection use multiple colors for a contrasting effect, but the stitch patterns are carefully selected, so that you only have to work with one color at a time. The inspiration behind this collection is my original colorwork design, the Starry Yoke. Check out the other designs in the #MyZodiacSweater collection:
Join my Facebook support Group
I proud myself with writing ultra-detailed patterns for you, so that your crocheting experience is as smooth and seamless as possible. But whenever you have a pattern related question, my Facebook support group is the place to ask. There you can also share your WIPs and brag about your FOs with the community!
The Libra design
The Libra Pullover is a seamless, yoked sweater worked from the top down, using at least two contrasting colors to create an eye-catching grid effect.
Pick a size with more positive ease for a snuggly, oversized fit with bubble sleeves, or go for the fitted look with tapered sleeves and waist shaping for the most flattering fit that will hug your curves!
Using a single color at a time, this crochet sweater will work itself up in no time! I walk you through the invisible join method, so the back of your sweater will look just as neat & awesome as the front.
With an oversized fit at the bust and cozy bubble sleeves, this is the type of crochet sweater you’ll want to live in. The sweater features short rows to raise the back neck and provide a better fit. The pattern also provides detailed instructions for tapered sleeves.
Work by Lucia @crochetwithlu
Work by Naomi @madebydrnome
The pattern calls for sport weight yarn (category 2), but some of my testers used fingering weight (category 1) with great results. Check out the tester photo gallery where I share all the details on yarns and yardages from my testers!
Go for 2 solid colors for a timeless look, or let your creativity run wild and create gradients on one of the colors! This sweater has been worked up in so many different color combos, and each of them is remarkable in its own unique way.
The pattern
This intermediate pattern has you covered with step-by-step instructions and tutorial photos including on how to complete the yoke, how to add short rows, and how to split for sleeves. Exact stitch counts are given every step of the way, so you can always be sure you’re on track.
Adding short rows not only ensures a proper fit of the sweater on your back, but it’s also super easy with my detailed instructions and tutorial photos. Even if you have never made short rows before, I guarantee you will fly through them without a second thought.
This pattern also uses my numbered stitch markers system, to make your life super easy when splitting the yoke and picking up stitches for the sleeves.
Like most CrochetHighway patterns, this pattern also comes with a detailed round tracker, laying out the stitch count for all yoke and sleeve rounds, in all of the 9 sizes. This is a handy tool that allows you to easily check your stitch count at any given point, for that peace of mind that you’re on track and haven’t missed anything!
Designer samples
1. Oversized style with bubble sleeves & ribbed finishings
Shown in Scheepjes Catona (100% mercerized cotton, 13 WPI) in 106 Snow White as main color, and 385 Chrystaline, 253 Tropic, 146 Vivid Blue, 527 Midnight, 124 Ultramarine as contrast colors (shades of blue arranged in a gradient).
I’m wearing the sweater in size 3, showing 5.5″ (14 cm) of positive ease around the bust. I also went for the bubble sleeves option, for the coziest crochet sweater possible. Adding ribbing at the neckline, hem and cuffs is one of my favorite ways to finish a sweater.
2. Fitted style with tapered sleeves, waist shaping & simple finishings
Shown in Expression Fiber Arts Luster Sport (WPI=14) in Sparkling Moment as main color and Icicle as contrast color.
I’m wearing the sweater in size 2, showing 0.5″ (1.5 cm) of negative ease around the bust, with waist shaping, tapered sleeves, and simple finishings.
The fit: oversized, classic or close fitting
I’m wearing my first Libra Pullover with an oversized fit and bubble sleeves. For this fit, I preferred mercerized cotton for two main reasons: its amazing stitch definition, durability, and subtle sheen on the one hand, and the fact that I had a bunch of it in my stash on the other hand. The thing about 100% cotton is that after you stretch it once, it doesn’t like to bounce back to its original shape. This is not an issue if you’re wearing your garment with a bunch of positive ease like I do, since it will not get stretched during wear.
But if you want to wear the garment with less ease around the bust, I suggest a fiber with some stretch or elasticity to it (like merino, or merino/nylon blend). I made my second Libra Pullover using Expression Fiber Arts Luster Sport, which is a 50% superwash merino and 50% lyocell blend – the glow of silk, with a lower price tag!
I took advantage of this opportunity and added waist shaping to the pattern. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but wasn’t quite sure how to tackle the decreases and increases in such a way that they will look good with this special stitch pattern. Well, it’s safe to say I sat down & put my mind to it, and I think I nailed it!
Invisible join on the back
In any garment, the back is just as important as the front, wouldn’t you agree? That’s why the pattern includes a detailed tutorial on how to work the invisible join. This way, the back will look just as flawless as the front!
Yardage
This is a size-inclusive pattern written for 9 sizes (XS-5X).
These yardages are approximations. See the exact yardages my testers used in the tester lookbook below.
Work by Hannah @hannahhandcrafted
Sizing
All my garment patterns are #sizeinclusive up to at least a 60” bust circumference.
Libra Pullover bust sizing:
| Size/style | Column A: Actual bust range (oversized fit) | Column B: Actual bust range (slim fit) | Column C: Finished bust circumference |
| 1 | 28.25-32.25″ (72-82 cm) | 32.25-36.25″ (82-92 cm) | 34.25″ (87 cm) |
| 2 | 32.5-36.5″ (83-93 cm) | 36.5-40.5″ (93-103 cm) | 38.5″ (98 cm) |
| 3 | 37-41″ (94-104 cm) | 41-45″ (104-114 cm) | 43″ (109 cm) |
| 4 | 40.5-44.5″ (103-113 cm) | 44.5-48.5″ (113-123 cm) | 46.5″ (118 cm) |
| 5 | 45-49″ (114-124 cm) | 49-53″ (124-135 cm) | 51″ (130 cm) |
| 6 | 48.5-52.5″ (123-133 cm) | 52.5-56.5″ (133-144 cm) | 54.5″ (138 cm) |
| 7 | 53-57″ (135-145 cm) | 57-61″ (145-155 cm) | 59″ (150 cm) |
| 8 | 57.25-61.25″ (145-156 cm) | 61.25-65.25″ (156-166 cm) | 63.25″ (161 cm) |
| 9 | 61-65″ (155-165 cm) | 65-69″ (165-175 cm) | 67″ (170 cm) |
Columns A and B show the actual bust range of the wearer.
Measure around the fullest part of your bust and pick your size according to column A (oversized style) or column B (fitted style).
For an oversized style, pick a size with 2-6″ (5-15 cm) of positive ease around the bust. The model is wearing size 3 with 5.5″ (14 cm) of positive ease around the bust, with no waist shaping, bubble sleeves, and ribbed finishings.
For a fitted style, pick a size with -2″ to +2″ of ease around the bust. The model is wearing size 2 with 0.5″ (1.5 cm) of negative ease around the bust, with waist shaping, tapered sleeves, and simple finishings.
Tried & tested substitution yarns
My testers used a variety of yarns in both sport and fingering weight to make their Libra Pullovers. Here’s a list of yarns recommended by my testers. The list is sorted alphabetically. If you’re looking for inspiration or a quick yarn substitution idea, this is the place to start!
- Alize Cotton Gold, Alize Lanagold
- Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4 ply
- Cascade Yarns Heritage, Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock, Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine
- Cotton Kings Cotton 8/4
- Gazzal Baby Cotton
- Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo, Hobbii Universe
- Ice Yarns Linen, Ice Yarns Ragno
- Loopncraft Soft Cake
- Louie & Lola Yarns Merino Nylon Sock and Merino Fingering
- Machete Shoppe Goat Sock
- Malabrigo Sock
- Murky Depth Dyes Sparkle Sock, Murky Depth Dyes Deep Sock
- Paintbox Cotton 4 ply
- Rico Fashion Cotton Spray DK
- Scheepjes Whirl, Scheepjes Whirlette
- Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo + Cotton
- Valley Yarns Charlemont
- Vidalana Linen Jewel
- YarnArt Adore
- WeCrochet Stroll & Stroll Gradient
Pro tip! When gauge swatching, always crochet a swatch bigger than 10×10 cm (4×4″) — the larger the swatch, the more accurate your results! You can also get an idea of the drape your yarn will create based off of your gauge swatch.
Check out my testers' versions
My patterns would not be so smooth without the input of my team of talented testers. Scroll alllll the way to the end of this photo gallery for some inspiration on various colors. Swipe left & right for more photos of your favorite versions!
Want to test my future patterns? Check out how you can become a pattern tester for CrochetHighway!
Size 4, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1480 yds of Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo + Cotton (MC) and 814 yds of Hobbii Universe (CC)
Size 9, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 2329 yds (MC) and 635 yds (CC) of Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine
Size 1, fingering weight, tapered sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 976 yds of Murky Depth Dyes Sparkle Sock (MC) and 650 yds of Murky Depth Dyes Deep Sock (CC)
Size 2, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1163 yds of Cascade Yarns Heritage Sock (MC) and 692 yds of Louie & Lola Yarns Merino Nylon Sock and Merino Fingering (CC)
Size 1, fingering weight, short sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1295 yds (MC) and 1295 yds (CC) of locally sourced cotton/linen blend
Size 1, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1118 yds (MC) and 649 yds (CC) of YarnArt Adore
Size 3, fingering weight, tapered sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1060 yds of Valley Yarns Charlemont (MC) and 590 yds of Machete Shoppe Goat Sock (CC)
Size 5, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1800 yds of Vidalana Linen Jewel (MC) and 874 yds of Falling Leaf Fibers Extrafine Superwash (CC)
Size 4, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1400 yds of Hobbii Rainbow (MC) and 900 yds of Cotton Kings Cotton 8/4 (CC)
Size 8, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 2384 yds of Yarn Bee Yarntopia (MC) and 1102 yds of Lion Brand Ice Cream (CC)
Size 2, sport weight, short sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 960 yds (MC) and 440 yds (CC) of Gazzal Baby Cotton
Size 2, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1175 yds (MC) and 765 yds (CC) of Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo
Size 7, sport weight, tapered sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 2103 yds (MC) and 1262 yds (CC) of Yarn Bee Yarntopia
Size 1, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1071 yds of Alize Cotton Gold (MC) and 837 yds of Alize Lana Gold (CC)
Size 2, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1220 yds of Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4 ply (MC) and 1019 yds of Bendigo Woollen Mills Undyed Sock (CC)
Size 5, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1445 yds of Paintbox Cotton 4 ply (MC) and 1020 yds of Rico Fashion Cotton Spray DK (CC)
Size 2, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1281 yds of Scheepjes Whirl (MC) and 715 yds of Scheepjes Whirlette (CC)
Size 4, fingering weight, tapered sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1462 yds (MC) and 911 yds (CC) of Scheepjes Catona
Size 2, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 800 yds of Red Heart Soft Baby (MC) and 550 yds of Caron Skinny Cakes (CC)
Size 1, sport weight, tapered 3/4 sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 960 yds of Ice Yarn Linen (MC) and 635 yds of Loopncraft Soft Cake (CC)
Size 3, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1639 yds (MC) and 650 yds (CC) of Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo
Size 3, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1409 yds (MC) and 692 yds (CC) of Ice Yarns Ragno
Size 4, sport weight, short sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 877 yds of James C Brett Supreme (MC) and 576 yds of King Cole big value (CC)
Size 3, fingering weight, tapered sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1396 yds of Knit One, Crochet Too Elfin Tweed (MC) and 748 yds of Knit One, Crochet Too Elfin Tweed (CC)
Size 6, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1768 yds (MC) and 922 yds (CC) of Yarn Bee Yarntopia
Size 3, fingering weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1354 yds of WeCrochet Stroll (MC) and 916 yds of WeCrochet Stroll Gradient (CC)
Size 1, sport weight, bubble sleeves
Yardage & yarn: 1332 yds (MC) and 689 yds (CC) of locally sourced cotton yarn
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