The Crimson Cascade Collar Sweater: A Free Knitting Pattern for Cozy Elegance

Wrap yourself in the plush warmth of this deep crimson sweater, featuring a dramatic folded collar and intricate cable panels that cascade down the sleeves. This modern take on classic comfort is perfect for cozy evenings and stylish layering. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or ready to tackle your first big project, this pattern offers a rewarding challenge with stunning results. The rich red hue and textured cables create a statement piece that will become a staple in your winter wardrobe.

This free knitting pattern is designed to guide you through every step, from casting on to the final blocking. With detailed instructions and clear abbreviations, you'll be able to create a beautiful, handmade sweater that fits you perfectly. Let's dive into the world of cables and cozy knits!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all your materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in deep crimson red (approx. 1200-1400 yards for size M). Choose a soft, plush yarn for maximum coziness.
• Needles:
  • US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 24" length (for body)
  • US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles, 32" length (for collar)
  • US 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (for sleeves, if not using magic loop)
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or waste yarn.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in pieces from the bottom up, then seamed. The collar is picked up and knitted last. Follow along carefully, and don't hesitate to refer back to the abbreviations if needed.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• P2tog: Purl two together (decrease)
• C4F: Cable 4 front (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
• C4B: Cable 4 back (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle)
• M1: Make one (increase)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• BO: Bind off

Sizes & Finished Measurements

Sizes: S (M, L, XL) – Finished chest: 36 (40, 44, 48) inches. Choose the size that matches your desired fit.

Back Panel

1. Cast On & Ribbing: CO 90 (100, 110, 120) stitches. Work in 2x2 ribbing (K2, P2) for 3 inches.
2. Body: Switch to stockinette stitch (K on right side, P on wrong side) and work even until piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Armhole Shaping: BO 5 (6, 7, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Continue in stockinette stitch until armhole measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches. BO all stitches.

Front Panel

1. Cast On & Ribbing: CO 90 (100, 110, 120) stitches. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 3 inches.
2. Set Up Pattern: On the next right-side row, set up the cable pattern: K 20 (25, 30, 35) stitches in stockinette, PM, work 50 stitches in center cable pattern (see below), PM, K 20 (25, 30, 35) stitches in stockinette. Work even until piece measures 14 (15, 16, 17) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
3. Center Cable Pattern (over 50 stitches):
   • Row 1 (RS): P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4
   • Row 2 and all even rows: K the knits and P the purls as they appear.
   • Row 3: P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4
   • Row 5: P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4
   • Row 7: Same as Row 3.
   • Row 8: Repeat Row 2. Repeat Rows 1-8 for the pattern.
4. Armhole Shaping: BO 5 (6, 7, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Continue in pattern until armhole measures 5 (6, 7, 8) inches, ending with a wrong-side row.
5. Neck Shaping: Work across 30 (35, 40, 45) stitches, place center 30 stitches on a holder, join a second ball of yarn and work remaining 30 (35, 40, 45) stitches. Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge every other row 5 times. Work even until armhole measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches. BO remaining 25 (30, 35, 40) stitches for each shoulder.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On & Ribbing: CO 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 3 inches.
2. Increase & Cable Setup: Switch to stockinette, increasing 1 stitch each edge every 6 rows until you have 70 (76, 82, 88) stitches. At the same time, when piece measures 5 inches from cast-on, begin the cable panel down the center of the sleeve: K 15 (18, 21, 24) stitches, work 40-stitch cable panel (same as front but over 40 stitches: P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4, C4F, P4, C4B, P4), K 15 (18, 21, 24) stitches.
3. Continue: Continue in pattern until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21) inches from cast-on. BO all stitches.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Seams: Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Sew side and sleeve seams.
2. Collar: With the right side facing, using the 32" circular needle, pick up and knit 90 (100, 110, 120) stitches around the neckline, including stitches on the holder. Work in 2x2 ribbing for 8 inches. BO loosely in pattern. Fold the collar over to the outside and tack down at the shoulders with a few stitches.
3. Final Touches: Weave in all ends. Block to measurements for a professional finish.

Congratulations! You've completed your Crimson Cascade Collar Sweater. This beautiful piece is a testament to your skill and patience. The dramatic collar and intricate cables make it a standout addition to any wardrobe. Enjoy the warmth and style of your handmade creation!