Emberfall Drape Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Ombre Cocoon
Emberfall Drape Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Ombre Cocoon
Wrap yourself in the warm gradient of a hand-knitted cocoon cardigan that flows like autumn leaves. This oversized, slouchy design features a unique ombre stripe sequence and a draped open front, perfect for cozy layering. Whether you're curling up with a book or stepping out on a crisp fall day, the Emberfall Drape Cardigan is your new go-to handmade companion. With its seamless gradient of deep rust, burnt orange, golden yellow, and cream, this pattern is as beautiful to knit as it is to wear.
Designed for knitters who love a relaxed fit, this cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, making it surprisingly simple despite its dramatic look. The oversized silhouette means you don't need perfect shaping—just consistent stitches and a love for color. Let's dive into this cozy project that celebrates the beauty of autumn in every row.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The quality of your yarn will make a huge difference in the drape and warmth of your finished cardigan, so choose a soft worsted weight yarn that feels good against your skin.
Yarn
- Worsted weight yarn in 4 shades:
- A: Deep rust (approx. 300-400 yds)
- B: Burnt orange (approx. 300-400 yds)
- C: Golden yellow (approx. 300-400 yds)
- D: Cream (approx. 300-400 yds)
- Total yardage: Approximately 1200 (1400, 1600) yards for sizes S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)
Needles & Notions
- US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32 inches long (for working flat with plenty of room for stitches)
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
- Scissors
Gauge
16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS). Always knit a swatch first to ensure your gauge matches—this is crucial for achieving the correct finished size and drape.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, then seamed at the shoulders. The ombre stripe sequence creates a beautiful gradient effect that transitions smoothly from deep rust to cream and back again. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a stunning cocoon cardigan in no time.
Sizes & Finished Measurements
- S/M: Finished chest 50 inches (intentionally oversized)
- L/XL: Finished chest 56 inches
- 2XL/3XL: Finished chest 62 inches
Pattern Notes
- Worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, then seamed at shoulders.
- The ombre stripe sequence creates a gradient effect: A, B, C, D, C, B, A, repeating.
- Use long-tail cast on for a stretchy, neat edge.
- All decreases are worked on the right side (RS) unless otherwise noted.
Body (Worked Flat)
Cast on: With color A, cast on 200 (224, 248) stitches using the long-tail method.
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Continue in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) following the stripe sequence below:
Stripe Sequence: *Work 10 rows in A, 10 rows in B, 10 rows in C, 10 rows in D, 10 rows in C, 10 rows in B, 10 rows in A* – repeat from * to * until the piece measures 20 (22, 24) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Pro Tip: When changing colors, twist the new yarn around the old yarn on the WS to avoid holes. Carry the unused yarn loosely up the side, or cut and rejoin for each stripe—whichever you prefer. For a cleaner look, weave in ends as you go.
Divide for Armholes
Next row (RS): Knit 50 (56, 62) stitches for the right front, bind off 10 (12, 14) stitches for the armhole, knit 80 (88, 96) stitches for the back, bind off 10 (12, 14) stitches for the armhole, knit 50 (56, 62) stitches for the left front.
You will now work each section separately. Leave the other stitches on the needle or place them on stitch holders.
Right Front
Continue in stockinette stitch, decreasing 1 stitch at the armhole edge every RS row 4 (5, 6) times. To decrease: on RS rows, knit to the last 2 stitches, k2tog (knit 2 together).
After decreases, 46 (51, 56) stitches remain. Work even (no decreases) until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Bind off all stitches.
Back
Continue in stockinette stitch, decreasing 1 stitch at each armhole edge every RS row 4 (5, 6) times. To decrease: on RS rows, k2tog at the beginning of the row, work to the last 2 stitches, k2tog.
After decreases, 72 (78, 84) stitches remain. Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Bind off all stitches.
Left Front
Work as for the right front, mirroring the decreases. To decrease at the armhole edge: on RS rows, ssk (slip, slip, knit) at the beginning of the row.
After decreases, 46 (51, 56) stitches remain. Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Bind off all stitches.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Cast on: With color A, cast on 40 (44, 48) stitches.
Work in stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each edge every 6th row until you have 60 (66, 72) stitches. To increase: on RS rows, kfb (knit front and back) at the beginning and end of the row.
Continue in the same stripe sequence as the body (A, B, C, D, C, B, A). Work until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches.
Pro Tip: To ensure your sleeves match the body's stripe sequence, count your rows carefully. The goal is to have the sleeve stripes align with the body stripes when seamed.
Finishing
- Sew shoulder seams: Place the right front and left front shoulder edges against the back shoulder edges. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch to seam them together neatly.
- Set in sleeves: Pin the sleeve caps to the armhole edges, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place using a mattress stitch or backstitch.
- Weave in all ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose yarn ends on the WS of the fabric. Be thorough—this ensures your cardigan lasts for years.
- Block lightly: Lay the cardigan flat on a blocking mat. Gently shape it to the correct measurements and pin if needed. Spray with water or use a steam iron (without touching the yarn) to relax the fibers. Allow to dry completely.
Optional Crochet Edging
For a polished finish, add a simple crochet edging around the entire front opening and bottom edge using color D (cream).
- With a crochet hook (size H/8 or 5mm), join color D at the bottom right corner of the cardigan.
- Work a row of single crochet (sc) evenly along the bottom edge, up the right front, around the neckline, down the left front, and back along the bottom edge to the starting point.
- Slip stitch to join, then fasten off and weave in the end.
This edging not only adds a clean, professional look but also helps the cardigan lay flat and prevents the edges from curling.
Wear Your Autumn Masterpiece
Your Emberfall Drape Cardigan is now complete! The rich gradient of rust, orange, gold, and cream will remind you of crisp autumn walks and cozy evenings by the fire. Because it's oversized and open-front, it layers beautifully over turtlenecks, tees, or dresses. The slouchy silhouette is forgiving and comfortable, making it a piece you'll reach for again and again.
This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, or confident beginners ready for a rewarding project. The repetitive stripe sequence is meditative, and the simple construction means you can focus on enjoying the process. Share your finished cardigan with the hashtag #EmberfallCardigan—we'd love to see your color choices and how you style it!
Happy knitting, and may your autumn be as warm and beautiful as your new handmade cocoon.
