The Bordeaux Bramble Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Ode to Autumn's Richness

Wrap yourself in the deep, wine-soaked hues of fall with this luxuriously textured cardigan, featuring a cascading bramble stitch that mimics the wild beauty of hedgerows. This free pattern offers a modern, oversized silhouette that drapes elegantly, perfect for crisp evenings and cozy gatherings. The rich bordeaux color and dense, nubby texture create a garment that feels both handcrafted and high-end—a true statement piece for your autumn wardrobe.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or an ambitious beginner ready to tackle your first garment, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step. The seamless top-down construction means minimal finishing work, and the forgiving oversized fit makes it incredibly wearable. Let's dive into creating this stunning piece together.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in deep bordeaux (approx. 1200-1400 yards for sizes S/M/L). Look for a yarn with good stitch definition to showcase the bramble texture—a wool or wool-blend works beautifully.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles (32-inch or longer) for the body and yoke, and US 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles for the sleeves.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch first—this ensures your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 8), stitch holders or waste yarn for sleeves, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and buttons (optional, if you prefer a buttoned cardigan).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is knitted seamlessly from the top down, starting with a modified saddle shoulder construction. The body is worked in one piece to the underarms, then split for the front and back panels. Sleeves are picked up and knitted in the round. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, professional-looking cardigan in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO: yarn over
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• M1R: make one right (increase)—pick up the bar between stitches from back to front and knit through the front loop
• M1L: make one left (increase)—pick up the bar between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop

Special Stitch – Bramble Stitch (multiple of 4 + 2)

This stitch creates the beautiful, nubby texture reminiscent of blackberry clusters. Practice on a swatch first to get comfortable with the rhythm.

• Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1, K1 into same stitch (increase 2), P3tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): *P3tog, K1, P1, K1 into same stitch; repeat from * to last 2 sts, P2.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat rows 1-4 for the pattern. Note: When working in the round for sleeves, the pattern will naturally alternate, so simply repeat rows 1-4 as written.

Yoke

Step 1: CO 86 (94, 102) sts. Work 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row) for the neckline edge. This creates a neat, sturdy foundation.

Step 2: Set up raglan increases on the next RS row:

Row 1 (RS): K14 (15, 16) for left front, PM, K1 (raglan line), PM, K18 (20, 22) for left sleeve, PM, K1 (raglan line), PM, K28 (30, 32) for back, PM, K1 (raglan line), PM, K18 (20, 22) for right sleeve, PM, K1 (raglan line), PM, K14 (15, 16) for right front.

Step 3: Increase Row (RS): *Knit to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, SM, M1L; repeat from * across all raglan lines (8 increases total). Knit all sts on WS rows.

Step 4: Repeat the increase row every RS row until you have increased 20 (22, 24) times total. You will now have 246 (270, 294) sts on your needles. Tip: Count your stitches after each increase row to ensure accuracy.

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Step 5: On the next RS row, you'll separate the sleeves from the body:

Knit across left front (34 (37, 40) sts), place next 58 (64, 70) sleeve sts on a holder, CO 6 (8, 10) sts underarm, knit across back (68 (74, 80) sts), place next 58 (64, 70) sleeve sts on holder, CO 6 (8, 10) sts underarm, knit across right front (34 (37, 40) sts).

Total body sts: 148 (164, 180) sts.

Body

Step 6: Work in Bramble Stitch pattern across all body sts, keeping the first and last 5 sts in garter stitch for the button bands (knit these edge sts on every row). This creates a clean, stable edge that won't curl.

Step 7: Continue in pattern until body measures 12 (13, 14) inches from underarm, ending with a WS row. Try it on at this point to check the length—adjust if needed for your preferred fit.

Step 8: Work 4 rows in garter stitch for the bottom edge. Bind off loosely to maintain stretch and drape.

Sleeves

Step 9: Transfer sleeve sts from holder to double-pointed needles. Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10) sts from the underarm CO. PM at center underarm to mark the beginning of the round.

Step 10: Work in Bramble Stitch pattern in the round. Since you're working in the round, the pattern will naturally alternate—simply repeat rows 1-4 as written.

Step 11: Decrease 2 sts every 6th round (K2tog at beginning and SSK at end of round) until you have 44 (48, 52) sts. This creates a subtle taper for a comfortable fit.

Step 12: Continue without decreases until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18) inches from underarm. For a longer or shorter sleeve, adjust this measurement to your preference.

Step 13: Work 4 rounds in garter stitch (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for the cuff. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Step 14: Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Take your time—neat finishing makes a professional-looking garment.

Step 15: Block to measurements. Wet blocking is ideal for this pattern—soak the cardigan in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring), and lay flat to dry, shaping to the desired dimensions. This will even out the stitches and enhance the bramble texture.

Step 16: For the button closure, you have two options:

• Option A: Sew buttons onto the left front band, using the garter stitch spaces as natural buttonholes.
• Option B: Create buttonholes by working YO, K2tog at desired intervals on the right front band during the body. This gives a more polished, intentional look.

For a seamless, modern look, use the garter stitch edge as a natural button band—simply sew buttons on the left front and use the spaces between garter ridges as buttonholes.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning, handcrafted cardigan that captures the essence of autumn. The Bordeaux Bramble Cardigan is more than just a garment—it's a labor of love that will keep you cozy for years to come. The textured bramble stitch and rich color make it a standout piece in any wardrobe.

Don't be afraid to make this pattern your own—experiment with different colors, adjust the length, or add pockets if you're feeling adventurous. The beauty of handmade is in the personal touches. Happy knitting!