The Lyndie Cardi: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Cocoon Cardigan

Wrap Yourself in Modern Comfort: Introducing The Lyndie Cardi

Are you ready to knit a statement piece that feels like a warm hug? Meet The Lyndie Cardi, a free knitting pattern that combines cozy, oversized comfort with a chic, modern silhouette. This textured, asymmetrical cocoon cardigan is designed to be the ultimate layering piece for your handmade wardrobe. With its unique overlapping front and rich broken rib stitch, The Lyndie Cardi is deceptively simple to knit yet looks incredibly sophisticated. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for coffee, this cardigan will keep you stylish and snug. Let's get started on creating your new favorite wardrobe staple!

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn. The sample uses 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease (80% acrylic, 20% wool; 197 yds / 180 m per 85g skein) in the color 'Oatmeal'. You can substitute any worsted weight yarn that meets gauge.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch (80 cm) or longer for working flat and using the magic loop method. You will also need US 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working the sleeves in the round (optional, you can use the magic loop method for sleeves as well).
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, tape measure, and blocking pins/mats.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 16 stitches x 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Broken Rib Stitch pattern, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for the perfect fit.

Sizes: XS/S (M, L, XL, 2XL/3XL)

Finished Bust Circumference: 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) inches / 102 (112, 122, 132, 142) cm, with approximately 4-6 inches of positive ease. Choose a size that gives you the desired amount of slouch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The cardigan is worked from the top down in one piece, with the front panels and sleeves added later. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Stitch Guide: Broken Rib Stitch

This pattern uses a simple, reversible stitch that creates a beautiful textured fabric.

• Worked Flat (over an even number of stitches):
  • Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
  • Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
  • Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern.
• Worked in the Round (for sleeves, over an even number of stitches):
  • Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
  • Round 2: Knit all stitches.
  • Repeat Rounds 1-2 for pattern.

Back Yoke

Cast on 64 (70, 76, 82, 88) stitches using your preferred method. Work in Broken Rib Stitch (flat) until the piece measures 10 (10.5, 11, 11.5, 12) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side (WS) row. This forms the back of the cardigan.

Divide for Sleeves

On the next right side (RS) row, you will create the armholes. Work 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) stitches in pattern, then bind off the next 32 (34, 36, 38, 40) stitches loosely. Work the remaining 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) stitches in pattern. You will now have two separate groups of stitches on your needle – these are the left and right back shoulders. Place each group on a stitch holder or waste yarn and break the yarn.

Left Front Panel

With the right side (RS) facing you, pick up and knit 32 (35, 38, 41, 44) stitches along the left side of the back yoke. Start at the shoulder edge and work down to the cast-on edge. Work in Broken Rib Stitch for 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) inches, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neckline (Left Front): On the next RS row, work in pattern to the last 3 stitches, then k2tog (knit two together), k1. This decreases 1 stitch at the neck edge. Repeat this decrease on every RS row 6 more times (for a total of 7 decreases).

Shape Left Front Hem: While shaping the neckline, when the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the pick-up row, begin shaping the hem. On the next RS row, increase 1 stitch at the beginning of the row (use a make 1 (M1) increase). Repeat this increase on every RS row 4 more times (for a total of 5 increases). After completing all neckline and hem increases/decreases, continue even in pattern until the piece measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from the pick-up row. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Right Front Panel

With the right side (RS) facing you, pick up and knit 32 (35, 38, 41, 44) stitches along the right side of the back yoke. Start at the cast-on edge and work up to the shoulder edge. Work in Broken Rib Stitch for 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) inches, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neckline (Right Front): On the next RS row, k1, ssk (slip, slip, knit), then work in pattern to the end. This decreases 1 stitch at the neck edge. Repeat this decrease on every RS row 6 more times (for a total of 7 decreases).

Shape Right Front Hem: While shaping the neckline, when the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the pick-up row, begin shaping the hem. On the next RS row, increase 1 stitch at the end of the row (use a make 1 (M1) increase). Repeat this increase on every RS row 4 more times (for a total of 5 increases). After completing all neckline and hem increases/decreases, continue even in pattern until the piece measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from the pick-up row. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Sleeves (Make 2)

With the right side (RS) facing you, pick up and knit 48 (52, 56, 60, 64) stitches evenly around the armhole opening. Join to work in the round, placing a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Work in Broken Rib Stitch in the round for 2 inches.

Shape Sleeve: On the next round, work a decrease round: K1, k2tog, work in pattern to the last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. This decreases 2 stitches. Work 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) rounds even in pattern. Repeat these 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) rounds until 36 (38, 40, 42, 44) stitches remain. Continue even in pattern until the sleeve measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from the pick-up row, or to your desired length. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block the cardigan to the specified measurements, gently stretching the asymmetrical front panels to lie flat. The cardigan is designed to be worn open, with the left front overlapping the right front, creating a beautiful, modern silhouette. Enjoy your new hand-knit masterpiece!