Introducing this free knitting pattern the Aspen Cardigan, a delightful knitted cardigan from Leelee Knits that promises to be your go-to layering piece for both summer and fall. This lightweight yet cozy cardigan is perfect for adding a touch of warmth on breezy summer evenings or as a stylish layer during the cooler days of autumn. With its flattering, slouchy design featuring extra roomy sleeves, the Aspen Cardigan is designed to look fabulous on all body types.
The cardigan pairs beautifully with casual tank tops and shorts or can be elegantly draped over your favorite summer dress. Its versatility continues into the fall, making it a fantastic addition to your wardrobe that transcends seasons. The design is beginner-friendly, making it an excellent project for knitters who are fairly new to the craft but eager to create something beautiful and functional.
The Aspen Cardigan is primarily knit in stockinette stitch, highlighted by a striking chunky cable running down the center of the back panel, adding a touch of sophistication. The recommended yarn for this project is Knit Picks Twill Worsted in Gold Rush, a choice that not only enhances the stitch definition but also offers a super soft feel and perfect drape, thanks to its luxurious merino wool composition. Additionally, the yarn is machine washable, ensuring that the cardigan is as practical as it is chic.
Whether you’re out for a summer adventure or enjoying a crisp fall day, the Aspen Cardigan is designed to keep you stylish and comfortable. The pattern is available for free on the Leelee Knits website, or you can support the designer by purchasing an ad-free PDF version for easy printing and reading. This pattern is not just a garment but a journey into the world of knitting, promising both a rewarding project and a lovely final product.
Materials:
To make this cardigan, you will need the following supplies:
- US Size 10/6mm circular (min 32” cord) or straight (14” long) knitting needles.
- US Size 10/6mm double pointed needles (optional for sleeves if knitting in the round).
- Knit Picks Twill Worsted Weight Yarn in Gold Rush.
- Approx. 900(970-1140-1200-1450-1510) yards or 7(7,8, 9, 10, 11) skeins.
- Scissors.
- Tapestry/Yarn needle.
Gauge:
15 stitches X 22 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch.
Sizes:
XS (S-M-L-XL-XXL).
Abbreviations & Special Stitches:
K: Knit.
P: Purl.
K2Tog: Knit two stitches together decrease.
P2Tog: Purl two stitches together decrease.
SSK: Slip, Slip Knit decrease.
Sts: Stitches.
C10B: Cable 10 Back – Slip five stitches onto cable needle and hold at the back of your work. Knit the next five stitches on left-hand needle, and then knit the stitches from the cable needle.
C10F: Cable 10 Front – Slip five stitches onto cable needle and hold at the front of your work. Knit the next five stitches on left-hand needle, and then knit the stitches from the cable needle.
Measurements:
Back Width: 19.5 (20.5-21.5-22.5-23.5-24.5) inches.
Body Length: 28 (28-30-30-32-32) inches.
Armhole: 6.5 (7-7.5-8-8.5-9) inches.
Sleeve Length: 17 (17-18-18-19-19) inches.
Notes:
- The front and back panels are worked flat from the bottom up.
- There are two options for knitting the sleeves. Instructions are included for both. Choose the method you prefer:
- Worked flat, and then folded in half seamed up the length.
- Worked in the round using the magic loop method or double pointed needles.
- When assembling the sweater, it is assumed that you already know the basic seaming methods for knits (mattress stitch, whip stitch, etc.). Use whichever method you prefer. If you are new to grafting knitted pieces together, there are many great online tutorials/videos demonstrating the most popular methods that can be found with a quick google search.
Free Knitting Pattern The Aspen Cardigan Instructions
Crochet Back Panel Instructions
Cast on 84 (88-92-96-100-104) stitches.
Rows 1-12: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end of row to create 2 by 2 rib.
Row 13: Knit 30 (32-34-36-38-40), Purl 2, Knit 20, Purl 2, Knit 30 (32-34-36-38-40).
Row 14: Purl 30 (32-34-36-38-40), Knit 2, Purl 20, Knit 2, Purl 30 (32-34-36-38-40).
Row 15: Knit 30 (32-34-36-38-40), Purl 2, Cable 10 Front, Cable 10 Back, Purl 2, Knit 30 (32-34-36-38-40).
Rows 16, 18, 20, 22, 24: As row 14.
Rows 17, 19, 21, 23: As row 13.Repeat rows 13-24 until work measures 28 (28-30-30-32-32) inches.Bind off and weave in ends.
Instructions for Front Panel (make two):
Cast on 32(34-36-38-40-42).
Rows 1-12 for sizes Extra Small, Medium, Extra Large:*Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to end of row for 12 rows to create 2 by 2 rib.
Rows 1-12 for sizes Small, Large, Double Extra Large:
Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from * to last two stitches, Knit 2.
Row 2: *Purl 2, Knit 2; repeat from * to last two stitches, Purl 2.Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you have 12 rows of 2 by 2 rib.
All sizes:
Row 13: Knit all stitches.
Row 14: Purl all stitches.Repeat rows 13 -14 (stockinette stitch) until work measures 28 (28-30-30-32-32) inches.Bind off and weave in ends.
Sleeves Knit in the Round Method (crochet two):
Use either magic loop method with circular knitting needles, or double pointed needles.Cast on 52 (56-60-64-68-72) stitches.Work in stockinette stitch (knitting all stitches) in the round until sleeve measures 6 (6-7-7-8-8) inches long.Start decreasing two stitches every eight rounds to shape sleeve as follows:
Round 1: Knit 1, Knit 2 Together; Knit the remaining stitches until 3 stitches remain, Slip Slip Knit, Knit 1.
Rounds 2-8: Knit all stitches.Repeat rounds 1-8 three more times. 44 (48-52-56-60-64) stitches remain.Continue knitting in stockinette stitch in the round until sleeve measures 14.5 (14.5-15.5-15.5-16.5-16.5) inches. Continue to Cuff.
Cuff:
Setup Round: *Knit 2 Together, Purl 2 Together; repeat from * to end of round. 22( 24-26-28-30-32) stitches remain.
Rounds 1-20: *Knit 1, Purl 1; repeat from * to end of round to create 1 by 1 ribbing.Bind off and weave in ends.
Sleeves Knit Flat Method (make two):
If you prefer not to knit in the round, you can knit the sleeves flat and then fold in half and seam with the mattress stitch.Cast on 52 (56-60-64-68-72) stitches.
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.Repeat rows 1 and 2 (stockinette stitch) until sleeve measures 6 (6-6.5-6.5-7-7) inches.Start decreasing two stitches every eight rows to shape sleeve as follows:
Row 1: Knit 2 Together; Knit the remaining stitches until the last 2 stitches, Knit 2 Together.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8: Purl all stitches.
Rows 3, 5, 7: Knit all stitches.Repeat rows 1-8 three more times; 44 (48-52-56-60-64) stitches remain.Continue knitting in stockinette stitch until sleeve measures 14.5 (14.5-15.5-15.5-16.5-16.5) inches. Continue to Cuff.
Assembly & Seaming:
Step 1: Place front panels on top of back panel with wrong sides facing together. Line up outside edges (leaving space in the middle) and seam in place at the shoulders
Step 2: Seam front panels to back panel at the sides, leaving room for armhole (use measurements). Do not cut yarn, you can continue with the same the same strand for sewing the arms in place.
Step 3: Sew arms in place.
Enjoy your new crochet clothing!