Brith Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Wave lapping calmly on the beach 

Pebbles worn smooth along the coast 

The beauty of windswept sand dunes

These are some of the images that inspired this cozy cardigan design. When planning for this pattern began, I knew I wanted to use brioche for a couple of reasons. First, the plump texture traps warmth close to the body for a fabric that will keep you warm all day long. Second, I love the way brioche fabric can be textural and graphic at the same time. The wave motif worked sideways along the hem and echoed down each sleeve was a fun challenge to design, and I wanted a graphic element that captured the beauty of a windswept coastline. This is a sweater that is fun to knit and will keep you warm and cozy all winter long.

Construction

The Brith cardigan is an open-front raglan brioche cardigan worked seamlessly from the top down. After casting-on around the back of the neck, raglan increases are worked simultaneously with v-neck increases to shape the yoke and v-neck opening of the sweater. The body includes optional A-line shaping and a wave hem that is worked sideways starting from the center back around to the front on either side. The sleeves are worked without sleeve decreases for a slightly gathered look around the cuff and finished with a tubular bind-off. Once the body is complete, stitches are picked up along the front and neck opening to knit a generous shawl collar, which is finished with an i-cord bind-off. Finally, the hem is also finished with an applied i-cord.

Sizes 
 

1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9

Finished Measurements 
 

Bust Circumference - 38, 42, 46 (50, 54, 58) 62, 66, 70 in (95, 103, 115 (125, 135, 145) 155, 165, 175 cm) 

Yoke depth - 8, 8.5, 9 (9.5, 10, 10.5) 11, 11.5, 12 in (20, 21, 22.5 (24, 25, 27) 27, 29, 30 cm) 

Upper Arm - 12.5, 14, 16 (16, 17.5, 19) 21, 23, 24 in (31, 34, 40 (41, 44, 47) 53, 56, 59 cm)

Recommended Ease


5-7in (12-18cm) positive ease at bust

Gauge 
 

16 sts x 34 rows = 4in (10cm) in brioche rib, worked flat

Yarn 
 

Sample used  

Red Stag Fibre - Estate DK 

100% SW Merino (231yds/211m - 100g) Color A (light color) - Aberdeenshire - 4 skeins 

Color B (dark color) - Dun Eideann - 3 skeins

To substitute, use 

DK or light worsted weight yarn 

Color A - 914, 1024, 1165 (1237, 1390, 1514) 1652, 1865, 1968 yds 

Color B - 683, 793, 1396 (1006, 1160, 1282) 1421, 1634, 1737 yds

(Note: I try to always make my yardage suggestions generous, but you may need more than the suggested yardage if you choose certain modifications like extra length in the body and/or sleeves.)

Needles


US 5 (3.75mm) 16” and 36” circular needles 

US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs 


or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions


12 stitch markers 

tapestry needle 

blocking supplies

For questions or pattern support, email refractedlightfiberarts@gmail.com

Copyright December 2022, all rights reserved.