The Driftwood Dune Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Cocoon Cardigan

Wrap Yourself in Texture: Introducing the Driftwood Dune Cardigan

There’s something magical about a cardigan that feels both cozy and artistic—a piece that drapes like a gentle wave and carries the organic texture of driftwood smoothed by the sea. The Driftwood Dune Cardigan is exactly that: a modern, asymmetrical cocoon cardigan that combines slipped stitches and garter ridges to create a fabric reminiscent of woven sand and sea-washed wood. Whether you’re curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this free knitting pattern offers a relaxed, oversized silhouette with deep, slouchy pockets and a hem that dips elegantly longer in the back. Designed for adventurous beginners and intermediate knitters alike, this pattern uses bulky yarn for quick gratification and stunning results. Let’s dive into creating your new favorite wardrobe staple.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample shown uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Charcoal (MC) and Fisherman (CC), but feel free to choose your own color palette.

• Yarn: Bulky weight yarn (size 5), approximately 800–1000 yards. You’ll need two colors: Main Color (MC) and Contrast Color (CC).
• Needles: US 11 (8.0 mm) circular needles, 32 inches or longer (for magic loop or working flat). US 11 (8.0 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeves (optional).
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in pieces from the top down, then joined. The asymmetrical hem is created with short rows, and sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. Follow each step carefully for a flawless finish.

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S/M (M/L, L/XL). Finished chest: 44 (48, 52) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
• Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• K2tog: Knit 2 together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• BO: Bind off

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked in one piece from the top down, with sleeves picked up and worked in the round.
• The asymmetrical hem is created by working short rows.
• The texture is a simple slipped-stitch pattern that mimics woven driftwood.

Back Panel

With MC, CO 66 (72, 78) sts.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; repeat from * to last st, K1.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Repeat Rows 1–2 until piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Left Front Panel

With MC, CO 33 (36, 39) sts.

• Work in pattern as for Back until piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from CO, ending with a WS row.

Right Front Panel

Work same as Left Front.

Joining the Body

Place all pieces on one circular needle: Right Front (33/36/39 sts), Back (66/72/78 sts), Left Front (33/36/39 sts). Total: 132 (144, 156) sts.

• Knit 2 rows (garter ridge) across all sts.

Body Pattern

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.
• Repeat these 2 rows until body measures 10 (11, 12) inches from joining, ending with a WS row.

Asymmetrical Hem (Short Rows)

Work short rows to create a longer back hem. Wrap stitches as you turn to avoid holes.

• Row 1 (RS): Work in pattern across 88 (96, 104) sts, wrap next st, turn.
• Row 2 (WS): Work in pattern across 44 (48, 52) sts, wrap next st, turn.
• Row 3 (RS): Work in pattern across 66 (72, 78) sts, wrap next st, turn.
• Row 4 (WS): Work in pattern across 22 (24, 26) sts, wrap next st, turn.
• Row 5 (RS): Work in pattern across all sts, picking up wraps as you go (knit the wrap together with the wrapped stitch).
• Row 6 (WS): Purl all sts, picking up wraps.

Hem Border

• Knit 4 rows (garter stitch) across all sts.
• BO loosely knitwise.

Sleeves

With DPNs or circular needle, pick up and knit 40 (44, 48) sts evenly around armhole opening. PM for beginning of round.

• Round 1: *K1, Sl1 wyif; repeat from * around.
• Round 2: Knit all sts.
• Repeat Rounds 1–2 until sleeve measures 12 (13, 14) inches from pick-up, or desired length.
• Decrease round: *K2tog, K8 (9, 10); repeat from * around. (36, 40, 44 sts)
• Knit 4 rounds even.
• BO loosely.

Pockets (Make 2)

With MC, CO 20 sts.

• Work in pattern (Rows 1–2 as for Back) for 6 inches.
• BO all sts.
• Sew pockets to front panels, positioning them about 4 inches from the bottom hem and 2 inches from the side edge.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
• Block to measurements, pinning the asymmetrical hem to shape. Lay flat to dry.
• Enjoy your Driftwood Dune Cardigan—a cozy, textured masterpiece that’s uniquely yours!