The Woodland Wanderer Cabled Hoodie: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Cozy, Adventure-Ready Sweater

Wrap Your Little Explorer in Cozy Cables: The Woodland Wanderer Cabled Hoodie

There’s something magical about a hand-knit sweater that feels like a warm hug from the forest. The Woodland Wanderer Cabled Hoodie is designed for the little adventurer in your life—a durable, textured garment with a playful hood and a relaxed, modern fit. Using super bulky yarn, this free pattern works up quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gifts or a satisfying weekend project. The central cable panel mimics the bark of ancient trees, while the contrasting cream hood adds a cozy, layered look. Whether it’s for crisp autumn walks or snuggling by the fire, this sweater is built for comfort and style.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience. The pattern uses two colors of chunky yarn for a beautiful contrast.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky, 80% Acrylic, 20% Wool, 106 yds/97 m per 170g skein) in 'Oatmeal' (MC) and 'Fisherman' (CC). Quantities: 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) skeins MC, 1 skein CC.
• Needles: US 11 (8 mm) circular needles (24-inch or longer) for the body and sleeves; US 10.5 (6.5 mm) circular needles (16-inch for hood) for ribbing.
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving ends.
• Gauge: 10 sts and 14 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on larger needles. Always check your gauge for the best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes: 2T (4T, 6, 8, 10)
Finished Chest: 22 (24, 26, 28, 30) inches

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together
• SSK: slip slip knit (decrease)
• C4F: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k2, k2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k2, k2 from cable needle
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• BO: bind off

Pattern Notes

• The sweater is worked flat in pieces and seamed together.
• The cable pattern is a 4-stitch cable repeated across the front and back.
• The hood is picked up from the neckline and worked in the round.

Back

With smaller needles and MC, CO 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 (2, 2.5, 2.5, 3) inches.
Switch to larger needles.
Row 1 (RS): K all sts.
Row 2 (WS): P all sts.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Shoulders:
BO 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
BO 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
BO remaining 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts for neck.

Front

With smaller needles and MC, CO 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 (2, 2.5, 2.5, 3) inches.
Switch to larger needles.
Row 1 (RS): K8 (10, 12, 14, 16), PM, work Cable Pattern over next 24 sts, PM, K8 (10, 12, 14, 16).
Cable Pattern (worked over 24 sts):
Row 1 (RS): P2, C4F, P2, C4B, P2, C4F, P2, C4B, P2.
Row 2 (WS): K2, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2.
Row 3 (RS): P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2.
Row 4 (WS): K2, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2, P4, K2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 for cable pattern.
Continue until piece measures 7 (8, 9, 10, 11) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Neck:
Work across 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts, join second ball of yarn, BO center 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) sts, work to end.
Work both sides at the same time, decreasing 1 st at each neck edge every RS row 3 times. (13 (15, 17, 19, 21) sts each shoulder)
Continue straight until piece measures same as back to shoulders.
Shape Shoulders:
BO 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts at armhole edge once, then BO 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) sts at armhole edge once.

Sleeves (make 2)

With smaller needles and MC, CO 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 (2, 2.5, 2.5, 3) inches.
Switch to larger needles.
Work in Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS), increasing 1 st each side every 4 rows 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times. (28 (32, 36, 40, 44) sts)
Continue until sleeve measures 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) inches from cast-on edge.
BO all sts loosely.

Hood

With larger needles and CC, pick up and knit 40 (44, 48, 52, 56) sts around neckline.
Work in Stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) for 6 (7, 8, 9, 10) inches, ending with a WS row.
Shape Top:
Next Row (RS): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (38 (42, 46, 50, 54) sts)
Repeat this decrease row every RS row 3 more times. (32 (36, 40, 44, 48) sts)
BO all sts.
Fold hood in half and sew top seam.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves. Sew side and sleeve seams.
Hood Edging: With smaller needles and CC, pick up and knit 60 (66, 72, 78, 84) sts around hood opening.
Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. BO in pattern.
Weave in all ends. Block gently to open up the cables and even out the stitches.

Your Woodland Wanderer Cabled Hoodie is now ready for adventure! The thick, plush texture and intricate cables will keep your little one warm and stylish all season long. Happy knitting!