The Misty Moorland Cocoon Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Texture: The Misty Moorland Cocoon Cardigan

Imagine a cardigan that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, with a modern, asymmetrical silhouette and a rich tapestry of stitches. The Misty Moorland Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that—a free knitting pattern designed to drape beautifully and add a touch of elegant, handcrafted charm to any outfit. This pattern combines the cozy bumpiness of moss and seed stitches with a delicate lace panel, creating a visually stunning piece that is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Whether you're layering it over jeans or a dress, this wrap-style cardigan is your new go-to for effortless style and comfort.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This pattern uses worsted weight yarn, which is easy to work with and widely available.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 1000-1200 yards for size M/L). Sample uses 4 skeins of 'Moorland Mist' in heather grey and 2 skeins of 'Heather Bloom' in dusty rose.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer for magic loop), US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles for ribbing.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes S/M (M/L, L/XL). Finished bust: 40 (46, 52) inches. Length: 28 (30, 32) inches. Follow the instructions for your size carefully.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• k2tog: Knit two together
• yo: Yarn over
• sl1: Slip one purlwise
• psso: Pass slipped stitch over
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Stitch Patterns

Practice these stitches before starting. They create the beautiful texture of the cardigan.

• Moss Stitch (multiple of 2 + 1): Row 1 (RS): *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1. Row 2: *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1. Repeat rows 1-2.
• Seed Stitch (multiple of 2): Row 1: *k1, p1; repeat from *. Row 2: *p1, k1; repeat from *. Repeat rows 1-2.
• Lace Panel (over 8 sts): Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k1. Row 2 and all WS rows: purl. Row 3: k3, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, yo, k2. Row 5: k4, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3. Row 7: k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k2, yo, k1. Row 8: purl. Repeat rows 1-8.

Back Panel

1. With larger needles (US 9) and heather grey, CO 90 (102, 114) sts.
2. Work in Moss Stitch for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Switch to Stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) and work even until piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from CO.
4. Shape Shoulders: BO 8 (9, 10) sts at beginning of next 6 rows (3 times on each side). BO remaining 42 (48, 54) sts for neck.

Left Front Panel

1. With larger needles and heather grey, CO 50 (56, 62) sts.
2. Work in Seed Stitch for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Begin Lace Panel: Next row (RS): Work 21 (24, 27) sts in Seed Stitch, place marker, work 8-st Lace Panel, place marker, work remaining 21 (24, 27) sts in Seed Stitch.
4. Continue in pattern, working Lace Panel as established, until piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from CO.
5. Shape Neck and Shoulder: At neck edge (beginning of RS rows), BO 4 sts once, then BO 2 sts once, then BO 1 st twice. At the same time, when piece measures same as back to shoulder, BO 8 (9, 10) sts at armhole edge 3 times.

Right Front Panel

1. Work as for Left Front, reversing shaping (neck shaping at beginning of WS rows).

Sleeves (make 2)

1. With larger needles and heather grey, CO 40 (44, 48) sts.
2. Work in Moss Stitch for 4 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Switch to Stockinette stitch. Increase 1 st each edge every 6 rows 10 (12, 14) times = 60 (68, 76) sts.
4. Work even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from CO. BO all sts loosely.

Finishing

1. Sew Shoulder Seams: Use mattress stitch or your preferred method to join the shoulders of the back and front panels.
2. Set in Sleeves: Pin the center of the sleeve top to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves into the armholes using a smooth, even stitch.
3. Sew Side and Sleeve Seams: Sew the side seams from the underarm down to the hem, and the sleeve seams from the underarm to the cuff.
4. Edging: With smaller needles (US 8) and dusty rose, pick up and knit sts evenly along the entire front edge (including the neckline). Work in Seed Stitch for 1.5 inches. BO loosely in pattern.
5. Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely.
6. Block: Soak the cardigan in cool water, gently squeeze out excess, and lay flat to dry, shaping to the finished measurements. This evens out the stitches and gives the lace panel a beautiful drape.

Your Misty Moorland Cocoon Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, textured warmth and the modern, asymmetrical style you created with your own hands.