The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Oversized Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Cozy Luxury: The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan

There's something magical about a cardigan that feels like a warm hug. The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that—a modern, oversized knit that combines rich, heathered yarns with a simple yet stunning textured stitch. This open-front design is perfect for layering over everything from basic tees to cozy turtlenecks, offering effortless style and warmth. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this cardigan will become your new favorite companion. Best of all, this free pattern is accessible for confident beginners and intermediate knitters alike.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
• Color A (Ember): A deep burnt orange/terracotta – 800 (900, 1000) yards
• Color B (Ash): A soft heathered charcoal – 600 (700, 800) yards
• Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Pumpkin' and 'Charcoal'.

Needles

• US Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer for the body
• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles for the ribbing

Other Supplies

• Stitch markers (optional, for keeping track of pattern repeats)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

Gauge

14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in the textured stitch pattern (after blocking) on larger needles. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Finished Measurements

Sizes: S/M (M/L, L/XL). Finished chest circumference: 50 (56, 62) inches. The cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up, then seamed at the shoulders.

Stitch Pattern: Textured Rib

This simple 4-row repeat creates a beautiful woven basket texture. Work all stitches as they appear on the wrong side rows.

• Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2* repeat across.
• Row 2 (WS): *K2, P2* repeat across.
• Row 3: *P2, K2* repeat across.
• Row 4: *P2, K2* repeat across.
• Repeat rows 1-4 for pattern.

Back Panel

1. With smaller needles (US Size 8) and Color A, cast on 88 (96, 104) stitches.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Switch to larger needles (US Size 9). Begin the Textured Rib pattern, working even until piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Shoulder Shaping:
   • Bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows for shoulders.
   • Bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Bind off remaining 48 (52, 56) stitches for back neck.

Left Front Panel

1. With smaller needles and Color A, cast on 44 (48, 52) stitches.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Switch to larger needles. Begin the Textured Rib pattern, working even until piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
4. Shoulder Shaping:
   • Bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next RS row.
   • Work 1 WS row.
   • Bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next RS row.
   • Bind off remaining 24 (26, 28) stitches for front neck.

Right Front Panel

1. Work as for Left Front Panel, reversing shoulder shaping (bind off on WS rows instead of RS rows).
2. Specifically: After ribbing and working even to 18 (19, 20) inches, bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next WS row. Work 1 RS row. Bind off 10 (11, 12) stitches at the beginning of the next WS row. Bind off remaining 24 (26, 28) stitches.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. With smaller needles and Color B, cast on 36 (40, 44) stitches.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
3. Switch to larger needles. Begin the Textured Rib pattern.
4. Increase Section:
   • Increase 1 stitch at each end of the next RS row (use your preferred increase method, such as M1L and M1R).
   • Then increase 1 stitch at each end every 6 rows 8 (9, 10) more times. You will have 54 (60, 66) stitches after all increases.
5. Work even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from cast-on edge.
6. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams: Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the shoulder bind-off edges of the back panel to the shoulder bind-off edges of the front panels.
2. Set in sleeves: Pin the center of the sleeve bind-off edge to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeve cap into the armhole, easing in any fullness evenly. Repeat for the second sleeve.
3. Sew sleeve and side seams: With right sides together, sew the sleeve seam from the cuff to the underarm, then continue down the side seam from the underarm to the bottom edge. Repeat for the other side.

Edging

1. With smaller needles and Color B, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the entire front opening and neckline. Aim for approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the vertical edges, and 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch along the neckline. The exact number isn't critical, but ensure the edge lies flat without puckering.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 1 inch.
3. Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off).

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle, securing them on the wrong side.
2. Block to measurements: Soak the cardigan in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel, roll up to remove more water, then lay flat on a blocking mat or dry towel. Shape to the finished measurements and allow to dry completely. This step is essential for the stitch pattern to bloom and the fabric to drape beautifully.

Your Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan is now complete! The rich, heathered colors and textured stitch pattern will make this a standout piece in your wardrobe. Enjoy the cozy luxury of your handmade creation—perfect for wrapping yourself in warmth and style.