Men's Cowichan Cardigan Pattern

This Cochiwan style cardigan pays homage to a beautiful Salish knitting tradition.

Mens Cowichan Cardigan Pattern

Channel the spirit of Jeff Bridges' character from The Big Lebowski in the this men's Cowichan knit cardigan. This rustic knit cardigan pattern is an ode to The Dude as well as laid back men in general. Featuring an eagle motif as well as fair isle stitch work, the Men's Nordic Cardigan is sure to become your knitting pride and joy.

Intermediate

Knitting Needle Size10.5 or 6.5 mm, 11 or 8 mm

Yarn Weight(5) Bulky/Chunky (12-15 stitches for 4 inches)

Gauge11 sts and 16 rows = 4" [10 cm] with larger needles in stocking st.

Materials List

Bernat® Roving (3.5 oz/100 g; 120 yds/109 m)
Main Color (MC) Rice Paper (00100) - 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6) balls
Contrast A Putty (00032) - 4 (4, 5, 5, 5, 6) balls
Contrast B Flint (00033) - 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) balls
Sizes U.S. 10½ (6.5 mm) and U.S. 11 (8 mm) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge
3 st holders
Separating zipper

Pattern

Measurements
Finished bust/chest:
Extra-Small/Small 40" [101.5 cm]
Medium 44" [112 cm]
Large 48" [122 cm]
Extra-Large 50" [127 cm]
2/3 Extra-Large 58" [147.5 cm]
4/5 Extra-Large 64" [162.5 cm]

Instructions
The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes the instructions will be written
thus ( ). Numbers for each size are shown in the same color throughout the pattern. When only one number is given in black, it applies to all sizes.

BACK

With smaller needles and A, cast on 57 (61-67-69-79-89) sts.
1st row: (RS). K1. *P1. K1. Rep from * to end of row.
2nd row: P1. *K1. P1. Rep from * to end of row.
Rep last 2 rows rows of (K1. P1) ribbing for 3" [7.5 cm], ending on a 2nd row.

Change to larger needles and proceed in stocking st for 2 rows, ending on a purl row. With MC, work 2 rows in stocking st.

Work Chart I in stocking st until row 52 of Chart is complete, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right. (Chart I is shown below)

Raglan shaping
Keeping cont of Chart I, cast off 2 sts beg next 2 rows. 53 (57-63-65-75- 85) sts.
Dec 1 st each end of needle on next and every following alt row 13 (13-13-12-10-5) times more. 25 (29-35-39-53-73) sts.
Purl 1 row.
Dec 1 st each end of needle on next 2 (4-6-8-14-24) rows. 21
(21-23-23-25-25) sts.
Cast off.

Pocket Linings (make 2)
With larger needles and A, cast on 15 sts. Work 15 rows in stocking st. Break yarn. Leave sts on a st holder.

LEFT FRONT

**With smaller needles and A, cast on 31 (33-35-37-41-47) sts. Work 3" [7.5 cm] in (K1. P1) ribbing as given for Back, ending on a 2nd row and inc 0 (0-1-0-1-0) st in center of last row. 31 (33-36-37-42-47) sts.**

Change to larger needles and proceed as follows:
Next row: (RS). With A, knit to last 2 sts. P1. K1.
Next row: Sl1P. Purl to end of row.
Next row: With MC, knit to last 2 sts. P1. K1.
Next row: Sl1P. Purl to end of row.
Next row: Work 1st row of Chart II to end of row, reading row from right to left. With MC, P1. K1.
Next row: With MC, Sl1P. P1. Work 2nd row of Chart II to end of row, reading row from left to right.
(Chart II is shown below).
Chart II is now in position.
(Note: Center front 2 sts are not shown on Chart II and are worked in MC throughout).

Cont working Chart II until row 14 of Chart is complete.

Pocket placement:
Next row: (RS). Work Chart across 7 (9-12-13-18-23) sts. Cast off next 15 sts. Pat to last 2 sts. With MC, P1. K1.
Next row: With MC, Sl1P. P1. Work Chart across 7 sts. P15 from pocket st holder. Work Chart to end of row.
Work Chart II until row 52 of Chart is complete.

Raglan shaping:
Cast off 2 sts beg next row (armhole edge). 29 (31-34-35-40-45) sts.
Work 1 row even.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next and every following alt row 6 times more. 22 (24-27-28-33- 38) sts.

Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL and 2/3XL only:
Neck shaping:
Next row: (WS). Cast off 3 sts. Work Chart to end of row. 19 (21-24-25-30) sts.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to end of row. Rep last 2 rows twice more. 10 (12-15-16-21) sts.
Next row: (RS). Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work Chart to end of row.
Rep last 2 rows 3 (4-4-3-1) time(s) more. 2 (2-5-8-17) sts.

Sizes XL and 2/3XL only:
Next row: (RS). Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last 2 rows (1-4) time(s) more. 2 sts.

Size 4/5XL only:
Neck shaping:
Next row: (WS). Cast off 3 sts. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. 34 sts.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last row 6 times more. 20 sts.
Next row: (WS). Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last 2 rows 5 times more. 2 sts.

All sizes:
Next row: P2.
Next row: K2tog. Fasten off.

RIGHT FRONT

Work from ** to ** as given for Left Front. Change to larger needles, A and proceed as follows:
Next row: (RS). Sl1. P1. Knit to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: With MC, Sl1. P1. Knit to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: With MC, Sl1. P1. Work 1st row of Chart III to end of row, reading row from right to left.
Next row: Work 2nd row of Chart III to last 2 sts, reading row from left to right. With MC, P2. (Chart III is shown below).
Chart III is now in position.
(Note: Center front 2 sts are not shown on Chart III and are worked in MC throughout).
Work Chart III until row 14 of Chart is complete.

Pocket placement:
Next row: (WS). With MC, Sl1. P1. Work Chart across 7 sts. Cast off next 15 sts. Work Chart to end of row.
Next row: Work Chart across 7 (9-12-13-18-23) sts. P15 from pocket st holder. Pat to last 2 sts.
With MC, P2.
Work Chart III until row 53 of Chart is complete.

Raglan shaping:
Cast off 2 sts beg next row (armhole edge). 29 (31-34-35-40-45) sts.
Dec 1 st at armhole edge on next and every alt row 6 times more. 22 (24-27-28-33-38) sts.
Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL and 2/3XL only:
Neck shaping:
Next row: (WS). Work Chart to last 3 sts.
Cast off last 3 sts.
Next row: Rejoin yarn to rem sts. Work2tog (neck edge). Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last 2 rows twice more. 10 (12-15-16-21) sts.
Next row: (RS). Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work Chart to end of row.
Rep last 2 rows 3 (4-4-3-1) time(s) more. 2 (2-5-8-17) sts.

Sizes XL and 2/3XL only:
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to end of row. Rep last 2 rows (1-4) time(s) more. 2 sts.

Size 4/5XL only:
Neck shaping:
Next row: (WS). Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Cast off last 3 sts. 34 sts.
Next row: Rejoin yarn to rem sts. Work2tog (neck edge). Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last row 5 times more. 20 sts.
Next row: (WS). Work2tog.
Work Chart to end of row.
Next row: Work2tog. Work Chart to last 2 sts. Work2tog. Rep last 2 rows 5 times more. 2 sts.

All sizes:
Next row: P2.
Next row: K2tog. Fasten off.

SLEEVES

With smaller needles and A, cast on 29 (29-31-31-33-33) sts. Work 3" [7.5 cm] in (K1. P1) ribbing as given for Back, ending with a 2nd row and inc 1 st in center of last row. 30 (30-32- 34-36-36) sts.
Change to larger needles and work Chart IV for Left Sleeve or Chart V for Right Sleeve in stocking st to end of Chart, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right and inc 1 st each end of needle on 7th and every following 6th row to 44 (44-46- 48-50-50) sts. (Charts IV and V shown below).

Raglan shaping:
Cast off 2 sts beg next 2 rows. 40 (40-42-44-46-46) sts.
Dec 1 st each end of needle on next and every alt row 13 (13-15- 16-17-17) times more, then dec 1 st each end of needle on every row 2 (2-0-0-0-0) times more.
Cast off rem 8 (8-8-10-10-10) sts.

FINISHING

Sew raglan seams.

Collar:
With smaller needles and A, cast on 3 sts.
1st row: (RS). Sl1. (Inc 1 st in next st) twice. 5 sts.
2nd row: Sl1. Knit to end of row.
3rd row: Sl1. Inc 1 st in next st. Knit to last 2 sts. Inc 1 st in next st. K1.
4th row: Sl1. Knit to end of row. Rep last 2 rows 8 (8-9-9-10-10) times more. 23 (23-25-25-27- 27) sts. Place marker at each end of needle.
Cont in garter st (knit every row) until Collar from markers
measures 13½ (14-14½-14½-15- 15)" [34.5 (35.5-37-37-38-38) cm], ending on a WS row.
Next row: Sl1. K2tog. Knit to last 2 sts. K2tog.
Next row: Sl1. Knit to end of row.
Rep last 2 rows 8 (8-9-9-10-10) times more. 3 sts. Cast off.

Sew Collar to neck edge. Sew side and sleeve seams. Sew pocket linings in position on WS. Sew zipper in position.

Chart I
Chart II and III
Chart IV and V

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Nadine

Dec 09, 2021

Are the yarn quantities specified sufficient to make this using the woven stranded technique using 2-3 stitch floats?

Lisa

Dec 15, 2021

Probably not, this pattern uses intarsia technique, so there shouldn't be any floats, I think the pattern would still work out if you did it that way but it would need more yarn.

Jastalia48 5310836

Nov 11, 2020

Want to knit this mens cowichan pattern.My Grandson sent me a printed version but it does not include the chart. I geueds he didnt download it. please could yo mail the chart to meHave just wasted 70 in wool .

beverlyannebishop 4021499

Jun 08, 2019

How much wool do I need? I cant see the amounts anywhere!

anneg 4042526

Jun 09, 2019

I would like to know also. I have yarn that I want to use. Need a yard amount of the suggested skeins. That would help.

Kristina K

Jun 10, 2019

Hi, beverlyannebishop! Thanks for bringing this omission to our attention. We've updated the pattern with the number of balls of yarn you'll need for this pattern. We hope this helps! Happy knitting! -Editors of AllFreeKnitting

Titti

Nov 12, 2018

Buongiorno possibile avere la traduzione per il cardigan in italiano vi ringrazio infinitamente buona giornata titti

rmorrison 7985306

Oct 03, 2018

Chart I and Chart II don't show up at "the bottom" of the pattern, only the shapes.

Jambags

Mar 01, 2018

I seem to have lost the "Save pattern" button, so have to copy and paste it. Has the button moved or just gone?

KathrynAllison

Mar 01, 2018

Hi Jambags, the button has moved. At the very bottom of the pattern (directly under the charts), you will see a gray button that says "+Save." Hope this helps! -Editors of AllFreeKnitting

gturcotte76 572360 2

Feb 15, 2018

Is it poosible to have french pattern for men cowichan sweater

savagechristine0 4 668176

Feb 23, 2017

How do I get the pattern on the cardigan? I guess it is the graph that I need.

Lisa

Nov 12, 2020

All of the charts can be found at the bottom of the pattern in green, just click on them, they may not have been there when you posted the question but they are now.

Lynn K

Feb 12, 2017

Wow, such a beautiful mens cardigan! From the comments it seems that a few people have been knitting it. Has anyone completed it? I would love to know whether the sizing was fairly accurate so that I can make the correction choice of size for my man. He is going to love this and I would really like to have it finished for him by the time our South African winter gets here in about May.

svspiro 5868145

Jan 18, 2017

Your visual reference for the Men's Nordic Cardigan is actually Cowichan knitting, developed by the Cowichan people of southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Sep 15, 2016

For the front Left and Right sections, do you continue to work the 2 extra stitches RS-K1, P1, WS-Sl1P throughout the entire chart? or just RS-Knit, WS-Purl for the chart? Thanks

parings8 3676219

Jun 04, 2016

There is a problem with the sleeve part of the pattern. The written part does not match up stitich wise as in count SLEEVES With smaller needles and A, cast on 29 (29-31-31-33-33) sts. Work 3" 7.5 cm in (K1. P1) ribbing as given for Back, ending with a 2nd row and inc 1 st in center of last row. 30 (30-32- 34-36-36) sts. The chart shows 36 sts, but the written state there should be 33 plus the one added in when doing the cuff which would only give you 34 sts. Waiting on Bernat for confirmation of directions

parings8 3676219

Jun 04, 2016

I'm working on the 2X version which is the 2nd from last st count.

debrataylor07 6864 124

Oct 28, 2015

the pattern text will not print, just images. same happened on hat pattern, wrote that one by hand, this is one is too long can you help

eneurian 9251538

Aug 30, 2015

this is a lovely pattern but when i cannot find a download button nor shift the info into a pdf, then have to open 3 other pages all with the same problems. it simply becomes too difficult to use your patterns before i've even had a chance to cast on. i am done with bernat patterns and yarn. there are too many others more user friendly to deal with this crap.

Lisa

Nov 12, 2020

The format of this pattern is standard for this type of intermediate/advanced project, to disparage the pattern based on your lack of skills is unfair and to rate it so low, when you haven't even made it, makes you particularly unkind, since so many knitters depend on the comments for assistance with the patterns, yours can only serve to discourage others who wish to make it.

eileenferguson68 2 150962

Feb 09, 2015

would like a pattern like that for little boys

irenebardgett 2640 400

Jul 08, 2014

where are the charts for the Men's Nordic sweater? I have printed the pattern off but there are no charts shown, so I cannot knit it.

ahuggett782014 707 7423

Jul 08, 2014

There are links provided to the pattern charts. They are located just above the pattern diagram. When you click on each chart it should open up in a new window. Editors of AllFreeKnitting

annahoep 8702280

May 28, 2014

This really isn't a Nordic style sweater: it's a Cowichan style, from Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Canada