Turtleneck Dickey Free Knitting Pattern and Video Tutorial
If you have ever wanted the cozy, polished look of a turtleneck without the bulk of a full sweater, a knitted turtleneck dickey might be exactly what your wardrobe needs. This clever little accessory sits at the neckline and fills in the collar area of any top, dress, or jacket, giving you that layered, put-together look in a fraction of the time it takes to knit a complete garment. Whether you are a beginner picking up needles for the first time or an experienced knitter looking for a satisfying weekend project, this free turtleneck dickey knitting pattern has something for everyone.
In this post, you will find a complete, step-by-step free knitting pattern for a turtleneck dickey, along with guidance on the video tutorial below, tips for customizing the fit, yarn recommendations, and answers to some of the most common questions knitters ask about this project. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Turtleneck Dickey?
A turtleneck dickey, sometimes spelled “dicky,” is a partial garment that mimics the collar and chest portion of a turtleneck sweater. It typically consists of a ribbed or stockinette tube at the neck, which extends down into a small bib-like piece that sits beneath your clothing. The dickey is not visible once you are dressed — only the beautiful turtleneck collar peeks above your neckline.
The concept has been around since at least the mid-twentieth century, when dickeys were worn primarily as a practical way to extend the life of dress shirts. The knitted version has seen a major resurgence in recent years, particularly as people embrace slow fashion, capsule wardrobes, and the satisfying creative outlet of making their own accessories. A knitted dickey is also a fantastic stash-buster, requiring only a small amount of yarn to complete.
Why Knit a Turtleneck Dickey?
There are so many reasons to love this project. Here are just a few:
It is quick. Most knitters can finish a dickey in a weekend, sometimes even in an evening or two. Because you are working with a relatively small amount of fabric, the project moves along at a satisfying pace.
It is affordable. You need only about 150 to 300 yards of yarn depending on the yarn weight you choose, which means you can make a beautiful, functional accessory without spending a lot of money.
It is versatile. A turtleneck dickey works under button-down shirts, inside crew-neck sweaters, beneath blazers, and even under dresses or jumpers. It transforms simple outfits into layered, cozy looks instantly.
It makes a great gift. Because it is relatively quick and uses a small amount of yarn, a dickey is an ideal handmade gift. It is especially wonderful for people who love the look of a turtleneck but find them too warm or too heavy.
It is a perfect beginner project. The basic version of this pattern uses only knit and purl stitches in simple ribbing and stockinette. If you can cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, you can knit a turtleneck dickey.
Materials You Will Need
Before you cast on, gather the following supplies:
Yarn: Approximately 200 to 250 yards of worsted-weight yarn (or see the section below on yarn substitutions). Choose something with good stitch definition for the ribbed collar, and make sure it is soft enough to wear against your neck. Merino wool, alpaca blends, and cotton-acrylic blends all work beautifully.
Needles: US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, 16 inches in length, for the neck. You will also want a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size, or use magic loop with a longer circular needle. Some knitters prefer to use a size 8 (5mm) for a slightly looser gauge — swatch first.
Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers, a measuring tape, and scissors.
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette on US size 7 needles. Gauge is not critical for this project since it stretches to fit most adult necks, but checking your gauge will help you match the finished dimensions described in the pattern.
Yarn Substitution Tips
The beauty of a turtleneck dickey is that it is very forgiving when it comes to yarn choice. Here are some things to keep in mind when substituting:
If you go up a yarn weight — say, bulky instead of worsted — your dickey will knit up faster but may feel stiffer at the neck. Consider going down a needle size to maintain a tighter, more polished fabric.
If you use a fingering or sport weight yarn, the finished piece will be lighter and more delicate. This is a wonderful option for spring or for wearing under lighter tops. You will need a longer circular needle and more stitches to achieve the same circumference.
Always, always check the fiber content. Avoid yarn that is scratchy or rough against the skin, especially at the neck. Even a small amount of wool can irritate sensitive skin, so consider superwash wools, bamboo blends, or plant-based fibers like cotton and linen if you have sensitivities.
Understanding the Pattern: A Few Notes Before You Begin
This pattern is written for one size that fits most adults. The turtleneck portion is worked in the round using 2×2 ribbing, which gives it a nice stretchy quality that accommodates different neck sizes comfortably. The body of the dickey is worked flat (back and forth in rows) to create a simple rectangular bib shape.
The pattern uses standard abbreviations. Here is a quick reference:
CO — cast on
BO — bind off
k — knit
p — purl
k2tog — knit two stitches together (a right-leaning decrease)
pm — place marker
sm — slip marker
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
st(s) — stitch(es)
If any of these abbreviations are unfamiliar to you, the video tutorial walks through each technique in detail before incorporating it into the pattern. You can pause, rewind, and practice at your own pace.
Free Turtleneck Dickey Knitting Pattern
Finished Measurements
Neck circumference: approximately 14 inches (unstretched), stretches to fit up to 20 inches
Collar height: 8 inches
Bib length: 10 inches
Bib width: 11 inches
Cast On and Collar
Using your 16-inch circular needles (or DPNs) and long-tail cast on method, CO 72 stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
Round 1: k2, p2 — repeat from to to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until your ribbing measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge. This creates the tall turtleneck collar. If you would prefer a shorter mock-neck style, work until the collar measures 4 to 5 inches instead.
Transitioning to the Bib
At this point, you will stop working in the round and begin working flat. Turn your work so the wrong side is facing you.
Next row (WS): BO 36 stitches in pattern (meaning you will bind off while keeping the k2, p2 ribbing intact). Work the remaining 36 stitches in ribbing pattern to end of row. You should have 36 stitches on your needle.
This bound-off section forms the back of the dickey neckline, while the remaining 36 stitches will become your front bib.
Bib Section
Work the 36 remaining stitches flat in stockinette (knit on RS rows, purl on WS rows) until the bib measures 10 inches from the base of the collar, ending on a WS row.
BO all stitches loosely on the RS.
Finishing
Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle. If the bib has curled at the edges (which is normal for stockinette), block your dickey by wetting it gently, squeezing out excess water in a towel, and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape. Blocking will also help open up the ribbing on the collar and give the whole piece a more polished appearance.
That is it. Your turtleneck dickey is finished and ready to wear.
Video Tutorial: Watch Before You Knit
The video tutorial that accompanies this pattern is designed to walk you through every step of the process from start to finish. Here is a breakdown of what is covered in each section of the video:
Introduction (0:00–2:00): An overview of the finished project, what a dickey is, and what materials you will need. The yarn and needles used in the video are shown up close so you can get a sense of what to look for at your local yarn store.
Casting On (2:00–8:00): The long-tail cast on is demonstrated slowly and clearly, including a tip for estimating how much of a tail you need before you begin. If you have always struggled with the long-tail cast on, this section breaks it down into a very simple two-step motion.
Joining in the Round and Beginning the Ribbing (8:00–18:00): This section covers how to join your work without twisting, how to place a stitch marker, and how to work 2×2 ribbing. Common mistakes — like accidentally twisting the cast on — are shown and explained so you know what to watch out for.
Working the Collar (18:00–28:00): The video shows the collar being worked over several rounds so you can see how the ribbing grows and what it should look like as you progress. Tips for keeping your tension even throughout are shared here.
Transitioning to Flat Knitting (28:00–36:00): This is where many knitters feel uncertain, so the tutorial spends extra time explaining why we transition to flat knitting here, how to bind off in pattern, and how to hold the needles for flat knitting after working in the round.
Working the Bib in Stockinette (36:00–46:00): The bib section is worked through in real time, with reminders about which side is the right side and which is the wrong side, how to maintain even tension when switching between knit and purl rows, and what the fabric should look like as it grows.
Binding Off and Finishing (46:00–56:00): A stretchy bind-off technique is demonstrated for the final row of the bib, followed by a full walkthrough of weaving in ends neatly and invisibly. Blocking is demonstrated at the end of this section.
Trying On and Styling Tips (56:00–60:00): The finished dickey is modeled under a few different outfits to show how versatile the finished piece can be.
Customizing Your Turtleneck Dickey
One of the best things about knitting your own accessories is that you can customize them exactly to your liking. Here are some ideas for making this pattern your own:
Change the collar height. If you prefer a shorter mock-neck look, work the ribbing until it measures 4 to 5 inches. For an extra-dramatic tall turtleneck, go up to 10 or even 12 inches. Keep in mind that a taller collar will use more yarn.
Add a fold-over turtleneck. To create a collar that folds over at the top, work the ribbing section until it is about 12 inches long and use a looser bind-off for the back neck. When you wear the dickey, fold the top half of the collar down over the bottom half for a classic turtleneck look.
Try a different stitch pattern for the bib. Instead of plain stockinette, try working the bib in seed stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern) or even a simple two-row cable repeat. This adds texture to the front of the dickey, which can peek out attractively from beneath a low-cut top.
Make it colorful. A striped dickey is a fun and eye-catching variation. Simply change yarn colors every two inches in the bib section, or even in the collar for a bolder look.
Adjust the bib size. If you are wearing the dickey under a low-cut neckline, you may want a longer bib to ensure it stays hidden. Add an extra 2 to 4 inches to the bib section. If you are wearing it under a high-neck garment, a shorter bib of 6 to 8 inches may be sufficient.
Sizing Notes
This pattern is designed as a one-size-fits-most for adult necks. The 2×2 ribbing at the collar stretches considerably, making it comfortable for a wide range of neck circumferences. However, if you have a particularly large or particularly small neck, here are some adjustments to consider:
For a larger circumference, cast on 84 stitches instead of 72, making sure your stitch count is divisible by 4 for the 2×2 ribbing. When you reach the transition row, bind off 42 stitches and work the remaining 42 as your bib.
For a smaller circumference, cast on 60 stitches. Bind off 30 stitches at the transition and work the remaining 30 as your bib.
Caring for Your Knitted Dickey
How you care for your finished dickey will depend largely on the fiber content of your yarn. Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions.
As a general rule, wool and wool-blend dickeys should be hand washed in cool water with a gentle wool wash or baby shampoo. Lay flat to dry to avoid stretching. Never wring or twist a wet wool item.
Cotton and acrylic blends are generally more durable and can often be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Again, lay flat or dry on a low-heat setting to preserve the shape.
Blocking your dickey after washing will keep the collar looking neat and the bib lying flat. If you notice the bib curling up at the edges after washing, a quick blocking session will solve the problem immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I knit this pattern on straight needles instead of circular needles?
The collar section needs to be worked in the round to avoid a seam at the neck, so circular needles or double-pointed needles are necessary for that portion. The bib is worked flat, so once you transition, you can use straight needles if you prefer.
What if I do not know how to do the long-tail cast on?
The video tutorial covers the long-tail cast on in detail. You can also use any cast on you are comfortable with — a simple knitted cast on or cable cast on will work fine. The long-tail cast on creates a slightly more elastic edge, which is nice for the collar, but it is not essential.
Can I make this pattern in a chunky or bulky yarn?
Yes, absolutely. Use a larger needle size to match your yarn’s recommended gauge and cast on fewer stitches to achieve a similar circumference. A bulky dickey will be quicker to knit and very cozy, though it may add more bulk under fitted tops.
Can children wear this pattern too?
With some adjustments, yes. Cast on fewer stitches for a smaller neck circumference and reduce the bib length proportionally. A child-sized dickey would likely need around 48 to 56 stitches for the collar and a bib of about 6 inches.
Final Thoughts
A knitted turtleneck dickey is one of those projects that earns its place in your knitting repertoire very quickly. It is fast, practical, stash-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Once you have made one, you will likely want to make them in every color — they are that useful and that satisfying to wear.
Whether you are following along with the video tutorial or working through the written pattern on your own, take your time with each step, and do not be afraid to rip back and try again if something does not look quite right. Knitting is a skill that grows with practice, and every project — even the small ones — teaches you something new.
If you make this turtleneck dickey, share a photo in the comments or tag us on social media. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the creative ways that different knitters adapt and interpret the same pattern. Happy knitting!
