The Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Oversized Layer

Wrap Yourself in Cozy Texture: The Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan

There’s something magical about a cardigan that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that—a modern, oversized layering piece that combines comfort with stunning texture. Inspired by the bark of ancient trees, this free knitting pattern features an all-over Broken Rib Stitch that creates a rich, reversible fabric. Whether you’re curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this cardigan is your new best friend. And the best part? It’s beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to knitting garments, you can confidently create this beautiful, boxy silhouette.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn weight and needle sizes ensures your cardigan matches the gauge and fits perfectly.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. Approximately 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650) yards. Shown in 'Mossy Glen' by Cozy Wool Co. (or any worsted weight yarn of your choice).
• Needles:
  • US Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer (for working flat or using magic loop).
  • US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer (for ribbing).
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, measuring tape.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Broken Rib Stitch pattern (knit 1, purl 1 on right side; purl all on wrong side) after blocking. Always check your gauge—if you have more stitches per inch, go up a needle size; if fewer, go down.

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) – Finished chest circumference: 50 (54, 58, 62) inches. The oversized fit means this cardigan is meant to be roomy, so choose the size that matches your desired ease.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• Rep: Repeat

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked flat in three pieces: back, left front, and right front. Pieces are seamed together after blocking.
• The Broken Rib Stitch is reversible and creates a beautiful, textured fabric that looks great on both sides.
• Sleeves are picked up and knit down from the armholes, so no separate sleeve pieces to sew—just a clean, professional finish.
• Always end with a WS row before shaping to keep the pattern consistent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back

1. Cast on: With smaller needles (US Size 8), CO 90 (98, 106, 114) sts.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. End with a WS row.
3. Switch to larger needles (US Size 9).
4. Begin Broken Rib Stitch:
   • Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; rep from * across.
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
   • Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape Shoulders:
   • BO 8 (9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of next 6 rows. (You will have 3 BO rows on each side.)
   • After all BO rows, you will have 42 (44, 46, 48) sts remaining. BO these sts loosely for the back neck.

Left Front

1. Cast on: With smaller needles, CO 46 (50, 54, 58) sts.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. End with a WS row.
3. Switch to larger needles.
4. Work in Broken Rib Stitch (same as back: Row 1 RS: *K1, P1; Row 2 WS: Purl all) until piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape Neck:
   • At beginning of next RS row, BO 6 sts.
   • Then, decrease 1 st at neck edge (beginning of RS rows) every RS row 6 times. To decrease: K1, K2tog (or P2tog if the stitch pattern calls for purl—maintain the pattern as best you can).
   • After all decreases, you will have 34 (38, 42, 46) sts remaining.
   • Work even (no more decreases) until piece measures same as back to shoulder (16-19 inches from CO edge, depending on size).
6. Shape Shoulder:
   • BO 8 (9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of next 3 RS rows. (This will bind off the shoulder stitches.)
   • After the last BO row, you will have 10 (11, 12, 13) sts remaining. BO these loosely.

Right Front

1. Cast on and ribbing: Same as Left Front.
2. Work in Broken Rib Stitch until piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Neck (reverse shaping):
   • At beginning of next WS row, BO 6 sts.
   • Then, decrease 1 st at neck edge (beginning of WS rows) every WS row 6 times.
   • Work even on remaining 34 (38, 42, 46) sts until piece measures same as back to shoulder.
4. Shape Shoulder (reverse):
   • BO 8 (9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of next 3 WS rows.
   • BO remaining sts.

Sleeves (make 2)

1. Pick up stitches: With larger needles, pick up and knit 72 (76, 80, 84) sts evenly around the armhole edge. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
2. Work in the round: Work in Broken Rib Stitch in the round (knit 1, purl 1 around) for 2 inches.
3. Decrease: Decrease 2 sts evenly every 6 rounds until 48 (52, 56, 60) sts remain. To decrease, work K2tog (or P2tog) at two evenly spaced points in the round.
4. Work even: Continue in pattern without decreasing until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19) inches from pick-up edge.
5. Ribbing: Switch to smaller needles and work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. BO loosely in pattern.

Finishing

1. Seam shoulders: Use mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method to sew the shoulder seams together.
2. Seam sleeves: Sew the sleeve seams from the underarm to the cuff.
3. Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails securely.
4. Block: Soak the cardigan in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat on a blocking mat. Pin to the finished measurements listed in the pattern. Allow to dry completely. Blocking opens up the stitch pattern and ensures a professional finish.

Your Whispering Pines Cocoon Cardigan is now ready to wear! The rich texture and oversized fit make it a statement piece you’ll reach for again and again. Enjoy the cozy, woodland-inspired warmth—and don’t forget to tag your creation with #WhisperingPinesCardigan so we can admire your work!