Willowmere Waffle Stitch Cardigan Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Textured Layer

Wrap yourself in the plush, honeycomb-like texture of the Willowmere Waffle Stitch Cardigan, a modern knit that feels like a warm hug. This free pattern guides you through creating a relaxed, open-front layer with a flattering V-neck and gentle A-line silhouette. The rich waffle stitch creates a three-dimensional honeycomb pattern across the entire garment, giving it a sophisticated, handcrafted look that's perfect for layering over everything from simple tees to flowing dresses.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying textured project or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first cardigan, the Willowmere is designed to be approachable and rewarding. The pattern uses basic knit and purl stitches in a simple repeat, making it easy to memorize and relaxing to work on during cozy evenings. The result is a wardrobe staple that will keep you warm and stylish for years to come.

Materials Needed

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

Yarn

• Weight: Worsted weight yarn
• Amount: Approximately 1200-1500 yards (depending on your size)
• Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Oatmeal' or 'Mist' (or any worsted weight yarn that meets gauge)

Needles & Notions

• Knitting Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) – or size needed to obtain gauge
• Stitch Markers (at least 4)
• Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape

Gauge

18 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches in waffle stitch pattern (blocked)

It's essential to check your gauge before starting. Knit a swatch at least 4x4 inches in the waffle stitch pattern, block it, and measure. Adjust your needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in pieces and seamed together. The waffle stitch is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, squishy texture. Let's get started!

Sizes & Measurements

Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL)
Finished Bust: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54) inches

Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. Follow the numbers that correspond to your chosen size throughout the pattern.

Stitch Pattern: Waffle Stitch (multiple of 4 + 2 stitches)

This is the main pattern used for the entire cardigan. It's a simple repeat that's easy to memorize:

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: *K2, P2* repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
• Row 4: *P2, K2* repeat from * to last 2 stitches, P2.

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. The combination of knit and purl columns creates the waffle texture.

Back Panel

1. Cast On: Cast on 86 (94, 102, 110, 118) stitches.
2. Work Body: Work in waffle stitch pattern until the piece measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row.
3. Shape Shoulders: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next 6 rows. This creates the sloped shoulder seams.
4. Bind Off Neck: Bind off the remaining 38 (40, 42, 44, 46) stitches for the back neck. Cut yarn and pull through the last loop.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast On: Cast on 46 (50, 54, 58, 62) stitches.
2. Work Body: Work in waffle stitch pattern until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row.
3. Shape V-Neck:
   • Next Row (RS): Work in pattern to the last 3 stitches, k2tog (knit two together), k1. This decreases one stitch at the neck edge.
   • Continue decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every 4th row 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) times total.
   • After all decreases are complete, work even in pattern until the piece measures the same as the back panel to the shoulder, ending with a wrong side row.
4. Shape Shoulder: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next right side row, and every other row 3 times total. If any stitches remain after the shoulder shaping, bind them off.

Right Front Panel

1. Cast On: Cast on 46 (50, 54, 58, 62) stitches.
2. Work Body: Work in waffle stitch pattern until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row.
3. Shape V-Neck:
   • Next Row (RS): K1, ssk (slip, slip, knit – a left-leaning decrease), work in pattern to the end. This decreases one stitch at the neck edge, mirroring the left front.
   • Continue decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every 4th row 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) times total.
   • After all decreases are complete, work even in pattern until the piece measures the same as the back panel to the shoulder, ending with a wrong side row.
4. Shape Shoulder: Bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next wrong side row, and every other row 3 times total. If any stitches remain, bind them off.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On: Cast on 42 (46, 50, 54, 58) stitches.
2. Work Cuff: Work in waffle stitch pattern for 2 inches.
3. Increase Rows: Continue in waffle stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each edge (by knitting into the front and back of the first and last stitch) every 6th row until you have 62 (66, 70, 74, 78) stitches on your needle. The increases should be worked into the pattern as you go.
4. Work Even: Continue in pattern without increases until the sleeve measures 18 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches from the cast-on edge.
5. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn and weave in the end.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Sew Shoulder Seams: Using a tapestry needle and yarn, sew the shoulder seams of the front panels to the back panel. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a neat finish.
2. Set in Sleeves: With the right sides facing, pin the sleeves into the armhole openings. The center of the sleeve cap should align with the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place using a mattress stitch.
3. Sew Side and Sleeve Seams: With right sides together, sew the side seams from the bottom hem up to the underarm, then continue down the sleeve seam to the cuff. Weave in all loose ends.

Edging

1. Pick Up Stitches: With the right side facing, using your US Size 8 needles, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire front edge, including the V-neck and the bottom hem. Pick up approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the vertical edges, and 1 stitch for every cast-on stitch along the bottom.
2. Work Garter Stitch Border: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a neat, rolled edge that frames the cardigan beautifully.
3. Bind Off Loosely: Bind off all stitches loosely to prevent the edge from pulling. Weave in all remaining ends.

Blocking

Blocking is essential for this cardigan to achieve the correct measurements and to open up the waffle stitch texture. Soak the finished cardigan in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 20-30 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel and roll up to remove more water. Place the cardigan on a blocking mat and pin it to the finished measurements listed at the top of the pattern. Allow it to dry completely before unpinning.

Congratulations! You've completed your Willowmere Waffle Stitch Cardigan. This cozy, textured layer will quickly become a favorite in your wardrobe. The beautiful honeycomb pattern and relaxed fit make it perfect for everything from casual weekends to cozy office days. Enjoy wearing your handmade creation!