The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan: A Textured Knit Free Pattern

Wrap Yourself in Texture: The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan

There's something magical about a cardigan that feels like a warm hug. The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that—a modern, oversized layering piece that combines the rich, heathered depth of charcoal with a pop of burnt orange for a stunning visual contrast. This free knitting pattern is designed to be approachable for confident beginners, using a unique blend of slipped stitches and brioche-like techniques to create a fabric that is both textured and plush. Worked from the top down in one piece, this pattern minimizes seaming and maximizes coziness. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this cardigan will become your new favorite companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample shown uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Charcoal' and 'Pumpkin', but any worsted weight yarn (Category 4) will work beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (Main - deep charcoal/ash): Approx 800-1000 yards
  • Color B (Contrast - burnt orange/ember): Approx 400-500 yards
• Needles:
  • US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length (for ribbing and edging)
  • US 10 (6 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length (for main fabric)
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 14 sts x 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in one piece from the top down, with sleeves picked up and worked in the round. The unique texture is created by alternating slipped stitches and brioche-like increases. Read through all instructions before beginning.

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
• yo: Yarn over
• k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
• ssk: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• brk: Brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over from the previous row)
• brp: Brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over from the previous row)

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked flat for the back and fronts, then joined in the round for the sleeves.
• The slipped stitch pattern creates a woven, heathered effect.
• The brioche sections add plushness and drape.

Yoke (worked flat)

With smaller needles (US 9) and Color A, CO 80 sts.
Work 6 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
Switch to larger needles (US 10).

Row 1 (RS): K1, *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 2 (WS): K1, *p1, sl1 wyib; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 3: K1, *k1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 4: K1, *sl1 wyib, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern. Work even for 6 inches, ending with a WS row.

Divide for Sleeves

Next Row (RS): K20 (left front), place next 40 sts on holder (left sleeve), CO 4 sts underarm, k40 (back), place next 40 sts on holder (right sleeve), CO 4 sts underarm, k20 (right front). Total body sts: 88 sts.

Body

Continue in pattern on body stitches until piece measures 12 inches from underarm, or desired length, ending with a WS row.
Switch to smaller needles (US 9) and Color A. Work 6 rows of garter stitch.
Bind off loosely.

Sleeves (worked in the round)

With larger needles (US 10) and Color A, pick up and knit 40 sts from holder, plus 4 sts from underarm cast-on = 44 sts. Place marker for beginning of round.

Work in pattern as established (adjusting for in-the-round):
Rounds 1-2: *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from *.
Rounds 3-4: *k1, sl1 wyif; repeat from *.

Work even for 2 inches.
Decrease Round: K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat decrease every 2 inches until 30 sts remain.
Work even until sleeve measures 16 inches from underarm, or desired length.
Switch to smaller needles (US 9) and Color A. Work 4 rounds of garter stitch (knit one round, purl one round). Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block to measurements.

Edging

With smaller needles (US 9) and Color A, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire front edge (including the neckband). Work 4 rows of garter stitch. Bind off loosely. Repeat for other front edge.

Tie Belt (optional)

With smaller needles (US 9) and Color A, CO 6 sts. Work in garter stitch for 60 inches. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Your Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the cozy, textured warmth and the beautiful contrast of colors. This piece is perfect for layering over jeans and a tee or a simple dress. Happy knitting!