The Driftwood Duster: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Long, Textured, Open-Front Cardigan with a Woven Collar

Introducing the Driftwood Duster: Your New Favorite Cozy Layer

Embrace the slow fashion movement with this stunning, oversized duster cardigan. The Driftwood Duster features a unique woven collar and a rich, textured body, knit in a soft, heathered yarn. This piece is the ultimate cozy layering essential for a modern, artisan wardrobe. With its long, flowing silhouette and distinctive hand-woven collar, this cardigan is a statement piece that combines comfort with bohemian elegance. Perfect for beginners looking to expand their skills, this pattern is designed to be both rewarding and achievable.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn. Shown in Lion Brand 'Touch of Alpaca' in 'Sand' (approx. 1200-1500 yards for size M/L). Choose a soft, heathered yarn for the best texture.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer for magic loop or working flat), US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles for the collar.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, crochet hook (for fringe), scissors.
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in Broken Rib Stitch (knit 1, purl 1 on right side; purl all on wrong side), after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L, XL). Instructions for size S, with changes for larger sizes in parentheses.

Abbreviations: CO = cast on, K = knit, P = purl, RS = right side, WS = wrong side, M1L = make one left (increase), M1R = make one right (increase), st(s) = stitch(es), rep = repeat.

Back Panel

1. CO 80 (88, 96, 104) stitches.
2. Work in Broken Rib Stitch:
   • Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; rep from * to end.
   • Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Rep these 2 rows until piece measures 28 (29, 30, 31) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Bind off all stitches loosely. Set aside.

Left Front Panel

1. CO 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches.
2. Work in Broken Rib Stitch as for back, until piece measures 28 (29, 30, 31) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Bind off all stitches loosely. Set aside.

Right Front Panel

1. Work same as Left Front Panel.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. CO 36 (40, 44, 48) stitches.
2. Work in Broken Rib Stitch for 4 inches.
3. Increase Row (RS): K1, M1L, work in pattern to last stitch, M1R, K1. (2 stitches increased)
4. Work 5 rows even.
5. Rep increase row every 6 rows until you have 56 (60, 64, 68) stitches.
6. Continue even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.
7. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams: Place back and front panels with right sides together. Sew the top 6 (7, 8, 9) inches of the side edges together for each shoulder. Leave center 20 (22, 24, 26) inches open for neckline.
2. Sew sleeve seams: Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew the long edge, leaving the top 2 inches open (this will be sewn to the armhole).
3. Set in sleeves: With right sides together, pin the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Pin the rest of the sleeve cap evenly around the armhole opening. Sew in place.
4. Sew side seams: With right sides together, sew from the bottom of the sleeve to the bottom of the cardigan, matching the underarm seam.

Woven Collar

1. Using double-pointed needles, pick up and knit 80 (88, 96, 104) stitches evenly around the neckline (including the front edges).
2. Work in a 2x2 Rib (K2, P2) for 6 inches.
3. Bind off loosely in pattern.
4. To create the woven effect: Cut 12-inch lengths of yarn. Fold each length in half. Using a crochet hook, pull the folded loop through a stitch at the edge of the collar, then pull the ends through the loop to form a fringe. Repeat around the entire collar edge. Then, gently braid or twist the fringe strands in groups of 4 to create a woven, textured border. Trim ends evenly.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
2. Block the cardigan to measurements, focusing on opening up the stitch pattern and relaxing the woven collar. Lay flat to dry for best results.

Your Driftwood Duster is now complete! Enjoy your cozy, artisan cardigan that perfectly blends modern style with timeless comfort.