Nordic Fjord Dog Sweater: A Cozy Knitted Geometric Yoke Pullover

Wrap your furry best friend in the warmth and style of Scandinavian tradition with the Nordic Fjord Dog Sweater. This free knitting pattern features a striking geometric yoke inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the fjords, combining modern tailoring with classic Nordic charm. The result is a cozy, handmade pullover that looks as good as it feels—perfect for crisp autumn walks or snowy winter adventures.

Designed for knitters who love a rewarding project, this sweater offers a textured ribbed collar, a vibrant colorwork chest panel, and a smooth stockinette body. Whether you're a seasoned colorwork enthusiast or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, this pattern delivers a professional-looking finish that will have everyone asking where you bought it.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Oatmeal Heather
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Deep Fjord Blue
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Frost White
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, plus double-pointed needles (DPNs) for small circumferences (leg cuffs).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: XS (S, M, L) – to fit chest 12 (14, 16, 18) inches. The sample shown is size M.

Abbreviations:

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yo = yarn over
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• MC = main color
• CC1 = contrast color 1
• CC2 = contrast color 2

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Collar

With MC and the smaller 16-inch circular needle, cast on 44 (48, 52, 56) stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 2 (2.5, 3, 3) inches. This creates a snug, stretchy collar that will keep your dog warm without being too tight.

2. Body

Switch to the larger 24-inch circular needle. Knit one round in MC, increasing 4 (4, 6, 6) stitches evenly spaced around the round. You should now have 48 (52, 58, 62) stitches. Place a marker at the beginning of the round and another after 24 (26, 29, 31) stitches to mark the sides of the sweater.

Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) in MC until the body measures 4 (5, 6, 7) inches from the cast-on edge. This section forms the main torso of the sweater.

3. Leg Openings

This step creates the openings for your dog's front legs. On the next round, knit to 4 (5, 6, 7) stitches before the side marker. Bind off 8 (10, 12, 14) stitches (this will be 4-5-6-7 stitches on each side of the marker). Knit to the next side marker, then bind off the same number of stitches. Continue knitting the remaining stitches to the end of the round.

On the next round, cast on the same number of stitches over the bound-off gaps using the backward loop method. This bridges the openings and allows you to continue knitting in the round. Continue in stockinette stitch until the body measures 8 (10, 12, 14) inches from the cast-on edge.

4. Yoke & Colorwork

Now it's time for the stunning geometric yoke. Begin the colorwork chart below, working in the round with CC1 and CC2 as indicated. The chart is a 12-stitch repeat, so it will repeat perfectly around your stitch count.

Colorwork Chart (12-stitch repeat):

• Row 1: *CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 2: *CC1, MC, CC1, MC, CC2, MC, CC2, MC, CC1, MC, CC1, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 3: *MC, CC1, CC1, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 4: *MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1* repeat to end.
• Row 5: *CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1* repeat to end.
• Row 6: *CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 7: *MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 8: *MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2* repeat to end.
• Row 9: *CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2* repeat to end.
• Row 10: *CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 11: *MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC* repeat to end.
• Row 12: *MC, MC, CC1, CC1, MC, MC, CC2, CC2, MC, MC, CC1, CC1* repeat to end.

Work the chart once in its entirety. Then, continue in MC only until the yoke measures 2 (2.5, 3, 3.5) inches from the start of the colorwork. This creates a beautiful, crisp geometric pattern that transitions smoothly into the neck.

5. Decreases for Neck

Now we'll shape the neckline with a series of decrease rounds:

• Round 1: *K2, k2tog* repeat to end – you'll have 36 (39, 43, 46) stitches.
• Round 2: Knit all stitches.
• Round 3: *K1, k2tog* repeat to end – you'll have 24 (26, 29, 31) stitches.
• Round 4: Knit all stitches.
• Round 5: *K2tog* repeat to end – you'll have 12 (13, 15, 16) stitches.

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining stitches on your needle. Pull tight to gather the top of the sweater closed, and secure with a knot. Weave in the end.

6. Leg Cuffs

With double-pointed needles (DPNs) and MC, pick up and knit 20 (24, 28, 32) stitches evenly around each leg opening. Distribute the stitches across three or four DPNs. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1 (1.5, 2, 2) inches. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch. Repeat for the second leg opening.

7. Finishing

Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle, being careful to secure them on the wrong side of the fabric. Block the sweater gently to shape—this helps even out the colorwork and gives the sweater a polished, professional look. Lay flat to dry.

Tips for Success

• Carry your floats loosely when working the colorwork chart to prevent the fabric from puckering. Stretch the stitches on your right needle slightly before switching colors.
• Use a stitch marker to clearly identify the beginning of each round, especially during the colorwork section.
• Try it on your dog (or a stand-in) after the leg openings are complete to ensure the fit is comfortable before continuing.

Your Nordic Fjord Dog Sweater is now complete! This cozy, handmade pullover will keep your furry companion warm and stylish all season long. The geometric yoke and soft, woolly texture make it a true heirloom piece—one that's sure to become a favorite in your dog's wardrobe. Happy knitting!