The Elodie Pullover Sweater: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Oversized Cocoon Cardigan

Wrap Yourself in Cozy Elegance: The Elodie Pullover Sweater Pattern

There's something truly magical about wrapping yourself in a hand-knit sweater that feels like a warm hug. The Elodie Pullover is a modern, oversized cocoon cardigan that combines effortless style with incredible comfort. Featuring a stunning textured stitch pattern that looks like a subtle woven basketweave, this sweater is both reversible and visually captivating. Made with thick, cozy Aran weight yarn in a warm oatmeal color, the Elodie is designed to be your new favorite layering piece for fall and winter. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced knitter, this free pattern will guide you through creating a luxurious, oversized sweater that is both effortlessly chic and wonderfully warm.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience.

Yarn

• Weight: Aran weight (10 ply) yarn
• Yardage: Approximately 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650, 1800) yards, depending on size
• Sample Shown: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Aran weight) in 'Oatmeal'

Needles & Notions

• Main Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length (for working the body and sleeves flat)
• Ribbing Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length (for ribbing edges)
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, tape measure

Gauge

• Stockinette Stitch (on larger needles): 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches
• Textured Pattern Stitch (on larger needles): 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches

Always take time to check your gauge. If your gauge is off, adjust needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Fit

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL)
Finished Chest Circumference: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) inches
Fit: Designed for 4-6 inches of positive ease. Choose a size that gives you the desired amount of roominess.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• BO: Bind off
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• K2tog: Knit two together
• P2tog: Purl two together
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)

Pattern Stitch (Multiple of 4 + 2)

This reversible stitch creates a beautiful woven texture. Repeat these 4 rows for the entire pattern.

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 3 (RS): P2, *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4 (WS): K2, *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.

Back

1. Cast On & Ribbing: With smaller needles (US 8), CO 78 (86, 94, 102, 110) sts. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Body: Switch to larger needles (US 9). Work in Pattern Stitch until piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Shoulders: BO 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Then BO 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) sts at beginning of next 2 rows. BO remaining 52 (56, 60, 64, 68) sts for back neck.

Front (Make 2 Identical Pieces)

1. Cast On & Ribbing: With smaller needles, CO 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) sts. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Body: Switch to larger needles. Work in Pattern Stitch until piece measures 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Neck: At neck edge (beginning of RS rows for left front, end of RS rows for right front), BO 4 sts once, then BO 2 sts once, then BO 1 st 3 times. At the same time, when piece measures same as back to shoulder, shape shoulder as for back.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On & Ribbing: With smaller needles, CO 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) sts. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
2. Sleeve Body: Switch to larger needles. Work in Pattern Stitch, increasing 1 st each side every 6th row 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) times. To increase, work M1L and M1R at edges. You will have 54 (62, 70, 78, 86) sts.
3. Finish: Continue until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge. BO all sts loosely.

Finishing

1. Blocking: Block all pieces to measurements. This is crucial for achieving the correct fit and opening up the stitch pattern.
2. Seams: Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. Sleeves: Sew sleeves into armholes, matching center of sleeve to shoulder seam.
4. Side & Sleeve Seams: Sew sleeve and side seams.
5. Neckband: With smaller needles, pick up and knit 80 (84, 88, 92, 96) sts around neck edge. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch. BO loosely in pattern.
6. Weave in Ends: Weave in all ends securely. Give your sweater a final gentle block if desired.

Congratulations! You've just created your very own Elodie Pullover Sweater. This cozy, textured cocoon cardigan will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe, perfect for layering over everything from jeans to dresses. Enjoy the warmth and style of your handmade creation!