The Whispering Pines Oversized Pocket Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Forest Haze Cocoon

Wrap yourself in the quiet comfort of a misty forest with this oversized, deeply textured cardigan. Featuring generous patch pockets and a draped, cocoon-like silhouette, this design is the perfect layering piece for cool evenings and slow mornings. Knitted in a soft, heathered yarn, the Brioche Rib stitch creates a plush, reversible fabric that feels like a gentle hug. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a stunning, wardrobe-defining garment.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Aran weight (10 ply) yarn in a heathered sage green. Approximately 1200–1400 yards for sizes S–2XL. Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Heather Sage' or a similar soft, heathered yarn.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32 inches or longer (for magic loop or working flat). A US 9 (5.5 mm) set of double-pointed needles for pocket linings (optional).
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in Brioche Rib pattern (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.
• Notions: Stitch holders, stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up, with sleeves picked up and knit in the round. The body is a simple rectangle with a deep V-neck shaping, and the pockets are knit separately and attached. The Brioche Rib stitch creates a plush, reversible fabric that drapes beautifully. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous, cozy cardigan in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• p2tog = purl two together
• yo = yarn over
• sl1yo = slip one stitch with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, then bring yarn over the needle to the back – this creates a 'brioche' stitch)
• brk = brioche knit (knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp = brioche purl (purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• BO = bind off

Special Stitch Pattern – Brioche Rib (multiple of 2 + 1)

• Row 1 (RS): *k1, sl1yo* repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
• Row 2 (WS): *p1, brk* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
• Row 3 (RS): *k1, brp* repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
• Repeat Rows 2–3 for pattern.

Body (worked flat, bottom up)

1. Cast on: Cast on 161 (177, 193, 209, 225) stitches loosely. Ensure your cast-on is not too tight, as the Brioche Rib needs elasticity.
2. Initial Ribbing: Work in Brioche Rib pattern as established for 2 inches, ending with a WS row. This creates a neat, stretchy edge.
3. Main Body: Continue in Brioche Rib until the piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This will form the main body of the cardigan.
4. Shape V-Neck:
   • Next row (RS): Work in pattern across the first 70 (77, 84, 91, 98) stitches, place these on a holder for the left front. Bind off the center 21 (23, 25, 27, 29) stitches for the neck. Work in pattern across the remaining 70 (77, 84, 91, 98) stitches for the right front.
   • Right Front: Work the right front side only. Decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) times. To decrease, work k2tog or p2tog as appropriate to maintain the Brioche pattern. Then work even until the piece measures 28 (30, 32, 34, 36) inches from the cast-on. Bind off all stitches loosely.
   • Left Front: Attach yarn to the left front stitches and work symmetrically, mirroring the decreases at the neck edge.

Sleeves (worked in the round, picked up from armhole)

1. Pick up stitches: With the RS facing, pick up and knit 72 (78, 84, 90, 96) stitches evenly around the armhole opening (between the body side edges, about 8–9 inches down from the shoulder). Ensure the stitches are picked up evenly to avoid gaps.
2. Join in the round: Place a marker at the beginning of the round and join, being careful not to twist the stitches.
3. Work in Brioche Rib in the round:
   • Round 1: *k1, sl1yo* repeat around.
   • Round 2: *brk, p1* repeat around.
   • Repeat Round 2 for the pattern.
4. Decrease for sleeve shaping: Decrease 1 stitch at each side of the marker every 6th round (by working k2tog or p2tog as appropriate to maintain the pattern) until the sleeve measures 16 (17, 18, 19, 20) inches from the pick-up, or your desired length. This creates a gently tapered sleeve.
5. Bind off: Bind off loosely in pattern. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Pockets (make 2)

1. Cast on: Cast on 24 stitches.
2. Work in Brioche Rib: Work in Brioche Rib flat for 6 inches. This will create a sturdy, textured pocket.
3. Bind off: Bind off loosely.
4. Attach pockets: Fold the pocket in half to find the center. Attach to the front of the cardigan at hip level (about 4 inches up from the bottom edge and 3 inches from the center front edge) using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the top edge open. Ensure the pockets are positioned symmetrically on both fronts.

Finishing

1. Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely.
2. Block to measurements: Block the cardigan to the specified measurements. This will even out the Brioche Rib and give the garment a professional finish.
3. Optional edging: For a cleaner finish, add a simple crochet edging (single crochet) around the entire front opening and neckline. This will prevent rolling and give a polished look.

Your Whispering Pines Oversized Pocket Cardigan is now complete! Slip it on, wrap yourself in the forest haze, and enjoy the cozy, chic comfort of your handmade creation. Happy knitting!