Looking for a mesh pullover knitting pattern that is both airy and elegant? This lightweight summer pullover features an openwork ribbing pattern, a relaxed fit, and an extended back that sits 5 cm (2 inches) longer than the front. Whether you are an intermediate knitter or seeking a breezy top for warm weather, this mesh pullover knitting pattern uses a beautiful linen-cotton-silk blend yarn and offers a clever sideways construction for the lower sections. The pattern includes sizes 36/38 (40/42) 44/46 — US sizes small (medium) large — with clear instructions for each size. You will also learn an i-cord bind off technique (hollow cord) for a polished, professional edge. This mesh summer pullover knitting pattern is designed with seamless sleeve caps and elegant side slits, making it a perfect layering piece for spring and summer.
Materials and Tools
Yarn: 300 (350) 400 g of white yarn, composition: 35% linen, 35% cotton, 30% silk; yardage = 150 m / 50 g (approx. 164 yds / 1.76 oz).
Needles: US size 3 (3.0 mm) and US size 4 (3.5 mm).
Gauge
Pattern 1 (openwork ribbing): 20.5 sts and 27 rows = 4×4 inches (10×10 cm) on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
Pattern 1 – Openwork Ribbing (US size 4 / 3.5 mm needles)
Multiple of 5 sts + 1 + 2 edge sts. Work according to the chart. The chart shows only the 1st RS row.
In WS rows: purl all stitches, or work 1 purl and 1 knit from each yarn over.
Start with 1 edge st, repeat the repeat constantly, end with the st after the repeat and 1 edge st. Constantly repeat rows 1 and 2.
Edge stitches (Chain Edge): At the beginning of a RS row – slip the 1st st as if to knit; at the end of a RS row – purl the last st. For WS rows, maintain the same chain edge principle. When decreasing, make sure the number of yarn overs matches the number of stitches worked together.
Pattern 2 – I-Cord Bind Off / Hollow Cord (US size 3 / 3.0 mm needles)
In addition to the existing stitches on the left needle, CO 2 more sts. Then work as follows: *k1, k2tog through the back loop (k2tog tbl), then slip these 2 sts back to the left needle tip, pulling the yarn tightly across the wrong side of the work. Repeat from * until all stitches are worked.
Important Construction Notes
The back and front consist of several parts: lower sections knitted sideways (horizontally), upper sections with integrated sleeves (knitted from the lower edge upward), and lower sleeve sections. The back is 5 cm (2 inches) longer than the front. Arrows on the schematic = direction of knitting.
This mesh pullover knitting pattern uses a sideways lower body construction
Lower Back Section
Using double strand of yarn on the thumb (crossed cast-on method: wrap the yarn around your fingers as for a cross cast-on, but cast on all stitches in the usual way), CO 53 sts on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles.
First, work 1 WS row purl (this row is not counted in subsequent calculations). Continue with Pattern 1 (openwork ribbing).
At 57 cm = 154 rows (62 cm = 168 rows) 67 cm = 180 rows from the cast-on edge, bind off all sts using Pattern 2 (i-cord bind off).
Upper Back Section with Back Sleeve Part
Along the left edge of the lower back section, pick up and knit 118 (128) 138 sts on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. Work 1 WS row purl. Continue with Pattern 1.
At 10.5 cm = 28 rows (10.5 cm = 28 rows) 11 cm = 30 rows from the start, cast on for sleeve shaping on both sides: 1 time 5 sts, then in every 2nd row 5 times 5 sts and 2 times 10 sts. Incorporate the new sts into Pattern 1 as you go = 218 (228) 238 sts.
At 30.5 cm = 82 rows (32 cm = 86 rows) 33.5 cm = 90 rows from the start, bind off all sts using Pattern 2 (i-cord bind off). The center 42 (52) 52 sts form the back neckline, the outer 88 (88) 93 sts on each side form the shoulders.
Lower Front Section
CO 43 sts on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles using the same double-strand method as for the back. Work Pattern 1.
At 57 cm = 154 rows (62 cm = 168 rows) 67 cm = 180 rows from the cast-on edge, bind off all sts using Pattern 2.
Upper Front Section with Front Sleeve Part
Work the same as the back, but at 26 cm = 70 rows (27.5 cm = 74 rows) 29 cm = 78 rows from the start, bind off for the front neckline the center 42 (52) 52 sts using Pattern 2 (i-cord bind off). Finish each side separately.
At the same length as the back (30.5/32/33.5 cm from start of upper section), bind off the remaining 88 (88) 93 shoulder sts on each side using Pattern 2.
This mesh pullover knitting pattern continues with sleeve extensions and assembly
Assembly
Sew shoulder seams.
Lower Sleeve Sections
Along the armhole edges of the sleeve caps (on the upper sections), pick up and knit 58 (63) 68 sts on US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles. Work 1 WS row purl. Continue with Pattern 1.
At 12 cm = 32 rows from the start, bind off all sts using Pattern 2 (i-cord bind off).
Finishing
Sew the lower sleeve seams and the side seams of the front and back. Leave the lower 21 cm (approx. 8.25 inches) on the front and 26 cm (approx. 10.25 inches) on the back open for side slits.
Weave in all ends gently. Block the finished pullover according to the yarn label to open up the mesh stitch pattern and even out the openwork ribbing.
Because this mesh pullover knitting pattern uses a clever sideways construction for the lower body, you will achieve a flattering, drapey fit that is perfect for warm weather. The combination of linen, cotton, and silk makes this mesh pullover knitting pattern breathable, comfortable, and elegant. Whether you wear it over a tank top or on its own, this lightweight summer sweater with an extended back is sure to become a favorite in your handmade wardrobe.
Knitting Chart
Symbol Key
- ⬜ knit stitch (k)
- U 1 yarn over in the wrong-side row – work 1 purl and 1 knit from it
- \2/ knit 2 together (k2tog)
- ⬇︎ slip, slip, knit (ssk).
Pullover Schematic
