Pajama Cardigan Knitting Pattern (Bottom-Up)

Bottom-up cardigan, so comfy you’ll want to wear it with your pajamas!

Pajama Cardigan Knitting Pattern – Bottom-Up Cozy Cardigan – Classic Oversized Knit – The Autumn Acorn

Description:

The original Pajama Cardigan is a cozy, oversized layering piece designed to be lived in—whether you’re starting your morning slowly or heading out the door.

This bottom-up version is where it all began. Designed with a classic construction, the cardigan is knit in separate pieces and seamed, creating a structured, durable garment that holds its shape beautifully over time.  

With its relaxed fit, simple silhouette, and thoughtful texture, this is the kind of sweater that replaces your robe—easy to throw on, endlessly wearable, and quietly timeless.

Design Features:

• Bottom-up construction (knit flat in pieces)
• Seamed for added structure and longevity
• Relaxed, oversized fit with positive ease
• Classic V-neck shaping
• Textured stitch sections for subtle detail
• Optional pockets
• Optional button closure
• Inclusive sizing from XS to 5X  

Why knit the original version:

This version is perfect for knitters who prefer traditional garment construction and want a cardigan with a bit more structure. Seaming adds stability, helping the sweater keep its shape and wear well over time.

This is the cardigan you reach for without thinking—

the one that lives by your bedside, on the back of a chair, or folded near the door.

Sizes + Finished Measurements:

Size to fit women: 30 (34, 38, 42)[46, 50, 54, 58, 62]” chest; XS (S, M, L)[XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]

Positive ease + 2”

Chest at underarm: 32 (36, 40, 44)[48, 52, 56, 60, 64]”

Length (measured from center back neck to hem): 25.5 (26.5, 27, 27.5)[28, 28.5, 28.5, 29, 29]”

Sleeve circumference at upper arm: 11.75 (12.25, 13, 14)[15.5, 17.5, 19, 20.5, 20.5]”

Yarn:

6 (6, 7, 7)[8, 8, 9, 9, 10] skeins of Mungo by Rosa Pomar of Retrosaria (made in Portugal) in color Fossil (002). Each skein has 100 g/220 m/240 yds and is 50% recycled wool and 50% recycled cotton. This yarn works PERFECTLY for this pajama cardigan! You can also use 1,440-2,400 yards of any wool/cotton blend yarn in worsted wt.  

Needles:

US size 3/3.25 mm + US size 6/4 mm (32”/80 cm or 40”/100 cm) circular needles and dpns (for the sleeves). You can also use circular needles in place of the dpns to knit the magic loop method.

Notions:

1 st marker

Yarn needle

Gauge:

24 sts + 28 rows = 4”/10 cm, BLOCKED, with larger needle in stockinette st.