Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Forest Hearth Layer

Wrap Yourself in Autumn: The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan

There are certain knitting projects that feel like a warm hug from the very first stitch. The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that—a luxurious, oversized layering piece that captures the essence of a crackling forest hearth. Knitted in a rich, heathered palette of deep forest green, burnt orange, and cream, this cardigan drapes like a beloved blanket while offering the structure of a classic, open-front layer.

This pattern is a dream for beginners and experienced knitters alike. It is knitted flat in one piece from the top down, featuring simple raglan shaping that creates a beautiful, relaxed silhouette. The textured stockinette body is punctuated by cozy garter stitch bands in contrasting autumn tones, making it a striking statement piece for cool evenings. Best of all, this is a free pattern that you can recreate at home with just a few basic supplies.

Let’s dive into the pattern and create your own forest-hearth layer.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. This project uses worsted weight yarn, which is perfect for creating a thick, cozy fabric that works up relatively quickly.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Deep Forest Green): Approx. 600 (700, 800) yards
  • Color B (Burnt Orange): Approx. 300 (350, 400) yards
  • Color C (Cream): Approx. 300 (350, 400) yards
  Total yardage: Approximately 1200 (1400, 1600) yards.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needles with a 32-inch cable (required for the large number of stitches).
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 6), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch holders or waste yarn for the sleeves.
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes S/M (L/XL, XXL). The finished chest measurements are 50 (56, 62) inches, giving a generous, oversized fit. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful cardigan in no time.

Abbreviations

• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• K2tog = Knit two stitches together
• YO = Yarn over
• PM = Place marker
• SM = Slip marker
• RS = Right side
• WS = Wrong side

Getting Started: The Yoke

The yoke is worked from the top down, increasing stitches to shape the shoulders and chest. We'll use Color A (Deep Forest Green) for this section.

1. Cast On: With Color A, cast on 80 (88, 96) stitches.
2. Set-Up Row (RS): K2, PM, K14 (16, 18), PM, K2, PM, K44 (48, 52), PM, K2, PM, K14 (16, 18), PM, K2. Your markers now divide the work into: Front, Sleeve, Back, Sleeve, Front.
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
4. Row 3 (RS - Increase Row): K2, YO, SM, K14 (16, 18), YO, SM, K2, YO, SM, K44 (48, 52), YO, SM, K2, YO, SM, K14 (16, 18), YO, SM, K2. You have just increased 8 stitches (one YO on each side of the 4 markers).
5. Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
6. Repeat Rows 3-4: Continue repeating these two rows. On every RS row, you will create a YO before and after each marker. To avoid holes, on the following RS row, knit the YO through the back loop. Continue this pattern until you have increased a total of 18 (20, 22) times. You will now have 224 (248, 272) stitches on your needle.

Separating the Sleeves

Now we will divide the work to create the armholes and start the body.

1. Next RS Row: Knit across the front section (including the 2 edge stitches) to the first marker. Remove the marker. Place the next 50 (56, 62) stitches (the sleeve) onto a stitch holder or waste yarn. Remove the next marker.
2. Underarm Cast-On: Cast on 6 (8, 10) stitches onto the right needle (this bridges the underarm).
3. Continue: Knit across the back section to the next marker. Remove the marker. Place the next 50 (56, 62) stitches (the second sleeve) onto a holder. Remove the next marker.
4. Final Underarm: Cast on 6 (8, 10) stitches for the second underarm. Knit across the remaining front section.
5. Body Stitch Count: You should now have 130 (144, 158) stitches on your needle for the body.

Knitting the Body

We'll work the body in a simple stockinette stitch, then add the contrasting garter stitch bands at the bottom.

1. Stockinette Stitch: Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) until the body measures 18 (20, 22) inches from the underarm, ending with a WS row.
2. Color B Band: Switch to Color B (Burnt Orange). Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows.
3. Color C Band: Switch to Color C (Cream). Work in garter stitch for 6 rows.
4. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Tip: Use a larger needle or a stretchy bind-off to keep the edge flexible.

Knitting the Sleeves

Now we'll finish the sleeves, working them in the round for a seamless finish.

1. Transfer Stitches: Transfer the 50 (56, 62) sleeve stitches from the holder back onto your circular needle.
2. Pick Up Underarm: Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10) stitches from the underarm cast-on edge you created earlier. Place a marker at the beginning of the round to track your rounds.
3. Knit the Sleeve: Work in stockinette stitch in the round (knit every round) for 12 (14, 16) inches, or until the sleeve reaches your desired length.
4. Cuff: Switch to Color B. Work in garter stitch in the round (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 4 rounds.
5. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing Touches

Your Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan is almost complete! Just a few final steps to make it perfect.

1. Weave in Ends: Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Blocking: Block the cardigan gently to shape. Lay it flat on a towel, pin it to the desired dimensions, and mist with water. Allow it to dry completely. This will even out the stitches and give your cardigan a professional, polished look.

And there you have it—a stunning, handcrafted Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan that brings the warmth of the forest into your home. The combination of the deep green body with the burnt orange and cream bands creates a beautiful, earthy aesthetic that pairs perfectly with jeans, dresses, or cozy loungewear. Enjoy your new favorite layering piece!