The Aurora Frost Cardi Free Pattern – A Cozy Knit with Diamond Lattice and Faux Fur Trim

Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights with this uniquely textured cardigan, featuring a diamond lattice stitch and plush faux fur collar. This pattern is designed to be both a statement piece and a warm embrace for the coldest winter days. The intricate lattice pattern creates a frost-like mesh effect that catches the light beautifully, while the soft faux fur trim adds a touch of luxury and glamour. Whether you're curling up by the fire or heading out for a winter stroll, this cardigan will keep you cozy and stylish.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all your materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. Here's what you'll need:

• Yarn: Aran weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650) yards of a soft wool blend in a deep twilight blue
  • Contrast Color (CC): 150 yards of a cream or silver yarn for the lattice accents
  • 1 skein of faux fur yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Go For Faux) for the collar and cuffs
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch length, and US 7 double-pointed needles for sleeves (or magic loop method)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in Diamond Lattice pattern. Always knit a swatch first to ensure your gauge matches, as this will affect the final fit of your cardigan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) – Finished bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches.

Abbreviations: k = knit, p = purl, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, yo = yarn over, sl = slip, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, RS = right side, WS = wrong side.

Special Stitches: Diamond Lattice Panel (worked over 12 stitches)

This is the signature stitch pattern that creates the beautiful frost-like effect. Follow these rows carefully:

• Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k2
• Row 2 and all WS rows: purl all stitches
• Row 3: k3, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k3
• Row 5: k4, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k4
• Row 7: k3, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k3
• Row 9: k2, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, ssk, k2
• Row 11: k1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk, k1
• Row 12: purl

Repeat rows 1-12 for the pattern. The yarn overs and decreases create the open, lacy diamond shapes that give this cardigan its distinctive look.

Back Panel

With MC, cast on 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) stitches. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a nice, stretchy hem that will hold its shape.

Next row (RS): knit all stitches, increasing 6 (8, 10, 12) stitches evenly across – you should now have 96 (108, 120, 132, 142) stitches.

Begin Diamond Lattice pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): k2 (4, 6, 8, 10) stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm, *work 12 stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm; repeat from * across until 2 (4, 6, 8, 10) stitches remain, k2 (4, 6, 8, 10).

Continue in pattern, maintaining the lattice panels as established, until piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes

Bind off 6 (8, 10, 12) stitches at beginning of next two rows. Continue in pattern until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches.

Shape Shoulders

Bind off 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches at beginning of next 4 rows. Bind off remaining 32 (36, 40, 44, 46) stitches for back neck.

Left Front Panel

With MC, cast on 48 (53, 58, 63, 68) stitches. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Next row (RS): knit all stitches, increasing 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) stitches evenly across – you should now have 51 (57, 63, 69, 75) stitches.

Begin pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): k2 (4, 6, 8, 10) stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm, *work 12 stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm; repeat from * across until 1 stitch remains, k1.

Continue in pattern until piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armhole

Bind off 6 (8, 10, 12) stitches at beginning of next row. Continue in pattern until armhole measures 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) inches, ending with a RS row.

Shape Neck

Bind off 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) stitches at beginning of next row. Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge every other row 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) times. Work even until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches.

Shape Shoulder

Bind off 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches at beginning of next row, then work 1 row even. Bind off remaining stitches.

Right Front Panel

Work as for Left Front, reversing all shaping. This means you'll bind off for the armhole at the end of the row instead of the beginning, and shape the neck on the opposite side.

Sleeves (Make Two)

With MC, cast on 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) stitches. Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Next row (RS): knit all stitches, increasing 4 (6, 8, 10, 12) stitches evenly across – you should now have 44 (50, 56, 62, 68) stitches.

Begin pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): k2 (4, 6, 8, 10) stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm, *work 12 stitches in stockinette, pm, work Diamond Lattice Panel over next 12 stitches, pm; repeat from * across until 2 (4, 6, 8, 10) stitches remain, k2 (4, 6, 8, 10).

Continue in pattern, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) times – you should now have 64 (74, 84, 94, 104) stitches. The increases should be worked in stockinette stitch, maintaining the lattice panels as established.

Work even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing and Assembly

Block all pieces to measurements. This is crucial for the lattice pattern to open up and drape beautifully. Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, easing to fit armhole. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Collar and Cuffs

With faux fur yarn, pick up and knit 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) stitches around neckline. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 inches. Bind off loosely. The garter stitch will create a soft, squishy collar that frames your face beautifully.

Pick up and knit 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) stitches around each cuff. Work in garter stitch for 2 inches. Bind off loosely.

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Give your finished cardigan a final gentle block to even out the stitches and let the faux fur fluff up.

Tips for Success

• Always count your stitches after completing each Diamond Lattice Panel row to ensure you haven't dropped or added any stitches.
• Use stitch markers to clearly define the lattice panels – this will make it much easier to keep track of your pattern.
• When working with faux fur yarn, it can be tricky to see your stitches. Work in a well-lit area and use your fingers to feel the stitches.
• Take your time with the blocking process – it makes a huge difference in how the lattice pattern opens up and drapes.

Your Aurora Frost Cardi will be a stunning addition to your winter wardrobe, combining intricate stitch work with plush, cozy comfort. The deep twilight blue with cream lattice accents evokes the magic of the Northern Lights, while the faux fur trim adds a touch of glamour. Enjoy the process and the beautiful result!