Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan Free Pattern

Wrap yourself in the serene comfort of a forest-inspired cocoon cardigan, featuring a rich textured knit that drapes beautifully. This pattern is perfect for cozy evenings and adds a touch of woodland elegance to any outfit. The harmonious palette of forest green, heather gray, and cream evokes the calm of a pine forest, while the relaxed, draped silhouette ensures both style and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this cardigan is a delightful addition to your handmade wardrobe.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Bulky weight yarn (approx. 800-900 yards) in forest green, heather gray, and cream
• Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch length
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
• Notions: Removable stitch markers, yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S/M (M/L) – Finished chest: 40 (46) inches

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together
• P2tog: purl two together
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rep: repeat

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked in one piece from the top down, starting with the back panel.
• Color changes are made at specific rows to create horizontal stripes.
• Use a removable stitch marker to keep track of row counts.

Back Panel

With forest green, CO 70 (80) sts.

Row 1 (RS): K all.

Row 2 (WS): P all.

Rep Rows 1-2 for 10 rows (5 ridges of garter stitch).

Switch to heather gray and work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 20 rows.

Switch to cream and work in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.

Switch to forest green and work in stockinette stitch for 30 rows.

Switch to heather gray and work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows.

Switch to cream and work in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.

Switch to forest green and work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows.

Now shape the shoulders:

Next row (RS): K2tog at beginning and end of row (decrease 2 sts).

Work 1 row even.

Rep these 2 rows until 40 (50) sts remain.

Place remaining sts on a holder. This is the top of the back panel.

Left Front Panel

With forest green, CO 35 (40) sts.

Work garter stitch (K every row) for 10 rows.

Switch to heather gray and work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows.

Switch to cream and work in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.

Switch to forest green and work in stockinette stitch for 30 rows.

Switch to heather gray and work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows.

Switch to cream and work in stockinette stitch for 10 rows.

Switch to forest green and work in stockinette stitch for 20 rows.

Shape the shoulder:

Next row (RS): K2tog at the beginning of the row (neck edge).

Work 1 row even.

Rep these 2 rows until 20 (25) sts remain.

Place sts on a holder.

Right Front Panel

Work same as left front panel, but shape shoulder at the end of RS rows (K2tog at the end of the row).

Sleeves (make 2)

With forest green, CO 30 (35) sts.

Work in garter stitch for 10 rows.

Switch to heather gray and work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st at each end every 6th row until you have 40 (45) sts.

Continue in stockinette until sleeve measures 18 (20) inches from cast-on edge.

Switch to cream and work in stockinette for 10 rows.

Switch to forest green and work in stockinette for 10 rows.

Bind off all sts loosely.

Assembly

Sew shoulder seams of front panels to back panel.

Sew sleeves into armholes, matching the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam.

Sew side seams from the underarm down to the bottom edge.

Finishing

With forest green, pick up and knit sts along the entire front edge (both fronts and bottom) to create a border. Work in garter stitch for 6 rows. Bind off loosely.

Weave in all ends. Block to shape.

Your Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan is now complete! The textured garter stitch border along the front edges and bottom adds a rustic charm, while the set-in sleeves with a slight flare create a relaxed, draped silhouette. Enjoy the cozy, woodland elegance of your handmade creation, perfect for serene evenings and stylish layering.