Whispering Pines Textured Cardigan Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Forest Wrap

Wrap yourself in the quiet comfort of a woodland retreat with this beautifully textured cardigan, featuring a unique blend of cables and moss stitch. The oversized fit and drop shoulders create a relaxed, cozy silhouette perfect for cool evenings. Whether you're curling up by the fire or taking a crisp autumn stroll, this cardigan will become your go-to layering piece. The deep forest green body with cream trim evokes the serenity of pine forests, and the tactile combination of smooth stockinette, nubby moss stitch, and elegant cable panels makes this project as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in Forest Green (MC) and Cream (CC) – approximately 1200 (1350, 1500) yards of MC and 200 yards of CC
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) circular needles 32 inches long, US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeves
• Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch; 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch. Always take time to check your gauge to ensure proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Measurements

SIZES: S (M, L) – Finished bust: 40 (44, 48) inches. Length: 24 (25, 26) inches. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Stitch Patterns

Master these two stitch patterns before beginning your project:

Moss Stitch (multiple of 2):
Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat to end.
Row 2: *P1, K1* repeat to end.
Repeat these 2 rows for pattern.

Cable Panel (over 8 stitches):
Row 1 (RS): Slip 4 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, K4, K4 from cable needle.
Rows 2-6: Work in stockinette (K on RS, P on WS).
Repeat rows 1-6 for pattern.

Back Panel

With MC, cast on 90 (98, 106) stitches. Work in moss stitch for 2 inches.

Next row (RS): Work 10 (12, 14) stitches in moss stitch, place marker, work cable panel over next 8 stitches, place marker, work 54 (58, 62) stitches in stockinette, place marker, work cable panel over next 8 stitches, place marker, work 10 (12, 14) stitches in moss stitch.

Continue in pattern, working cable panels every 6 rows, until piece measures 22 (23, 24) inches from cast-on edge.

Shape shoulders: Bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at beginning of next 6 rows. Bind off remaining 42 (44, 46) stitches for back neck.

Left Front Panel

With MC, cast on 46 (50, 54) stitches. Work in moss stitch for 2 inches.

Next row (RS): Work 10 (12, 14) stitches in moss stitch, place marker, work cable panel over next 8 stitches, place marker, work 28 (30, 32) stitches in stockinette.

Continue in pattern until piece measures 20 (21, 22) inches from cast-on edge.

Shape neck: At neck edge (end of RS rows), bind off 6 stitches once, then bind off 2 stitches every other row 3 times, then decrease 1 stitch every other row 4 times.

Work even until piece measures same as back to shoulder.

Shape shoulder: Bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at beginning of next 3 RS rows.

Right Front Panel

Work as for left front, reversing shaping (neck shaping at beginning of RS rows, shoulder bind-offs at beginning of WS rows).

Sleeves (Make 2)

With MC, cast on 40 (44, 48) stitches. Work in moss stitch for 2 inches.

Switch to stockinette stitch, increasing 1 stitch each side every 6 rows until you have 60 (64, 68) stitches.

Work even until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing and Assembly

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, matching center of sleeve to shoulder seam. Sew sleeve and side seams.

Collar and Front Bands

With CC, pick up and knit stitches along right front edge (approximately 1 stitch per row), then along back neck, then left front edge. Work in moss stitch for 1.5 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Final Touches

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Block to measurements for a professional finish. Lay flat to dry, gently shaping the cables and moss stitch to showcase their texture.

This cardigan is a joy to knit and even more delightful to wear. The combination of textures creates a rich, tactile fabric that feels luxurious against the skin. The cream collar and front bands provide a striking contrast, framing the face and adding a touch of elegance. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to tackle cables, this pattern offers a rewarding project with stunning results. Happy knitting!