The Tidal Drift Cardi: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Breezy, Open-Front Seaglass Cardigan
Introducing the Tidal Drift Cardi: Your New Favorite Summer Layer
Embrace the serene beauty of the coast with this effortlessly chic cardigan. The Tidal Drift Cardi features a unique combination of slipped stitches and delicate lace that mimics the look of sea glass—soft, frothy, and full of subtle texture. Knitted in a soft, airy cotton blend, this open-front design is perfect for layering over summer dresses or tank tops. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first garment or an experienced knitter seeking a relaxing project, this pattern offers a rewarding and beautiful result. The relaxed, slightly A-line shape and three-quarter length sleeves create a flattering silhouette that feels as good as it looks.
Materials Needed
To create your own Tidal Drift Cardi, gather the following supplies. The yarn is a DK weight cotton or linen blend, perfect for breathable summer wear.
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any DK weight cotton/linen blend) in 3 colors:
- Main Color (MC) - Seafoam: approx 600 yds
- Contrast A - Sand: approx 200 yds
- Contrast B - Driftwood: approx 150 yds
- Needles:
- US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles (32” or longer) for the main body
- US 5 (3.75 mm) needles for ribbing (straight or circular)
- Notions: Stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers, measuring tape.
Gauge: 20 sts x 28 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes and Finished Measurements
This pattern is written for sizes S (M, L, XL). The finished bust measurement is 36 (40, 44, 48)”. Choose the size that gives you 2-4 inches of positive ease for a relaxed fit.
Important Notes Before You Begin
- This cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the top down, with sleeves picked up and worked in the round.
- The stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat that creates a subtle wave effect.
- Slip stitches are slipped purlwise with yarn in back (wyib) on RS rows, and purlwise with yarn in front (wyif) on WS rows.
- For a seaglass effect, you can work 2 rows of MC, then 2 rows of Contrast A, then 2 rows of Contrast B, repeating throughout. Alternatively, use MC for the body and sleeves, and add stripes of Contrast A and B at the hem and cuffs.
Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 4 + 2)
Work this 4-row repeat for the entire body and sleeves.
- Row 1 (RS): K1, *sl1 wyib, k3; rep from * to last st, k1.
- Row 2 (WS): P1, *p3, sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, p1.
- Row 3 (RS): K1, *k1, yo, k2tog, sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, k1.
- Row 4 (WS): P1, *sl1 wyif, p3; rep from * to last st, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for pattern.
Body (Worked in One Piece to Armholes)
- With MC and larger needles, cast on 90 (100, 110, 120) sts.
- Work in Stitch Pattern until piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15)” from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Divide for Fronts and Back
- Next row (RS): Work 22 (24, 27, 29) sts for left front, bind off 4 (6, 6, 8) sts for underarm, work 38 (40, 44, 46) sts for back, bind off 4 (6, 6, 8) sts for underarm, work 22 (24, 27, 29) sts for right front.
- Place left front and back sts on holders or waste yarn. You will now work on the right front sts only.
Right Front
- Continue on right front sts, working in pattern.
- Armhole shaping: Decrease 1 st at armhole edge (the side where you bound off) every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6) times. To decrease, work to last 3 sts on RS rows, k2tog, k1.
- At the same time, when armhole measures 6 (7, 8, 9)” from the bind-off, begin neck shaping: at neck edge (center front), bind off 4 (5, 6, 7) sts once, then decrease 1 st every RS row 3 times. To decrease at neck edge, k1, ssk, work to end.
- Work even (without further decreases) until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11)” from the bind-off.
- Bind off remaining 12 (12, 13, 13) sts for shoulder.
Left Front
- Place left front sts back on needles.
- Work same as right front, reversing shaping. For armhole decreases, work to last 3 sts on RS rows, k1, ssk. For neck decreases, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
Back
- Place back sts back on needles.
- Work in pattern, decreasing 1 st at each armhole edge every RS row 3 (4, 5, 6) times. To decrease at beginning of RS row: k1, ssk. At end of RS row: work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
- Work even until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11)” from the bind-off.
- Bind off all sts.
Sleeves (Make 2)
- With MC and larger needles, pick up and knit 48 (52, 56, 60) sts around armhole. Join to work in the round, place marker to mark beginning of round.
- Work in Stitch Pattern in the round. Adjust the pattern for in-the-round as follows:
- Round 1: *sl1 wyib, k3; rep from *.
- Round 2: *p3, sl1 wyif; rep from *.
- Round 3: *k1, yo, k2tog, sl1 wyib; rep from *.
- Round 4: *sl1 wyif, p3; rep from *.
- Decrease: Decrease 1 st each side of marker every 6th round 6 (7, 8, 9) times. To decrease, work to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, slip marker, ssk. You will have 36 (38, 40, 42) sts after all decreases.
- Work even until sleeve measures 12 (13, 14, 15)” from underarm.
- Switch to smaller needles and work in k1, p1 rib for 1”. Bind off loosely in pattern.
Finishing
- Sew shoulder seams: Use mattress stitch or your preferred method to join the shoulder stitches of the front and back pieces.
- Edging: With smaller needles and MC, pick up and knit sts evenly along right front edge, neckline, and left front edge. The number of stitches isn't critical, but aim for about 3 sts for every 4 rows along the vertical edges and 1 st for every bound-off stitch along the neckline. Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 rows. Bind off in pattern.
- Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails securely.
- Block: Soak the cardigan in cool water with a gentle wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel, shape to the finished measurements, and allow to dry completely. Blocking will even out the stitches and open up the lace pattern.
Your Tidal Drift Cardi is now complete! Enjoy the breezy, coastal elegance of your new handmade treasure.
