Any Color Comfy Cardi

If you're anything like the rest of the world, picking out a cardigan that matches your favorite outfits is a real struggle. If you knit an Any Color Comfy Cardi or seven, you'll never have that problem again. These adorable knitted sweaters look just as good in grey as they do in green. Fun free knitting patterns always seem to work with only one specific kind of yarn, and they're never in the colors you want. Worked with Caron Simply Soft, which has a ton of basic colors, you won't worry about that anymore.
BONUS! If you're just starting your knitting journey and you're not sure what materials you need, be sure to check out our article, Beginning Knitting Supplies: The Ultimate Knitting Tools List, for all the information you need.

Intermediate

Knitting Needle Size8 or 5 mm

Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Gauge1 stitches, 2 rows, 3 inches. stockinette stitch

Materials:

Caron® Simply Soft® (6 oz /170.1 g; 315 yds/288 m) Sizes S (M, L, XL) Any color - 3 (4, 4, 5) balls
One pair size U.S. 8 (5 mm) needles or size to obtain gauge.
Stitch marker.
Yarn needle.
Two buttons, 1" (2.5 cm) diameter.
Two stitch holders.
Yarn needle.

Measurements:

Finished bust measurement

Small: 37 1/4" [94.5cm]

Medium: 41 3/4" [106cm]

Large: 44 1/4" [112.5 cm]

X-Large: 48 1/4" [122.5cm]

Finished length measurement

Small: 25" [63.5 cm]

Medium: 25 1/2" [65 cm]

Large: 26" [66 cm]

X-Large: 26 1/2" [67.5 cm]

Abbreviations:

Alt = Alternate

Beg = beginning

Cont = Continue

Dec = decrease(ing)

Inc = Increase

K = Knit

K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together.

Pat = pattern

Psso = pass slipped stitch over

Rem = remaining

Rep = repeat

RS = right side

Sl1 = Slip next stitch knitwise

St(s) = stitch(es)

WS = wrong side

Yo = yarn over the needle (makes 1 extra stitch).

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" [10 cm].

Instructions

The instructions are written for smaller size. If changes are necessary for larger size the instructions will be written thus ( ).

Lace Pattern (multiple of 6 sts + 5 sts):

1st row: (RS). K4. *yo. sl1. K2tog. Psso. yo. k3. Rep from * across, ending last rep k4.

2nd and alt rows: Purl.

3rd to 8th rows: As 1st and 2nd row 3 times.

9th row: K1. *yo. Sl1. K2tog. Psso. yo. K3. Rep from * across, ending yo. sl1. K2tog. Psso. yo. K1.

10th row: Purl.

11th to 16th row: As 9th and 10th rows 3 times.

1st to 16th rows form Lace pat.

BACK

Cast on 87 (93-99-105)sts. Knit 23 (23-31-27) rows (garter st), noting 1st row is RS, ending on a RS row.

Next row: (WS). Purl, dec 4 sts evenly across row. 83 (89-95-101) sts.

Work 1st to 16th row of Lace pat.

Keeping cont of Lace pat, dec 1 st each side of next row, then every 16th row 3 times more. 75 (81-87-93) sts.

Work even until piece measures 17 (17-17-16½)" [43 (43-43-42) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Shape Armholes

Maintaining pat, cast off 4 (5-6-7) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 67 (71-75-79) sts.

Dec 1 st each side every RS row 7 times. 53 (57-61-65) sts.

Work even in pat until piece measures 23½ (24, 24½, 25)" [59.5 (61-62-63.5) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Shape Shoulders and Neck

Next row: (RS). Pat across 18 (19-21-22) sts. Place next 17 (19-19-21) sts on a st holder. Join a new ball of yarn. Pat to end of row.

Working both sides at the same time, cast off 3 sts at beg of each neck edge once, 2 sts once, and 1 st once. 12 (13-15-16) sts each shoulder. Work even in pat until piece measures 25 (25 ½, 26, 26½)" [63.5 (65-66-67.5) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Cast off rem sts knitwise.

LEFT FRONT

Cast on 50 (56-60-64) sts. Knit 23 (23-31-27) rows (garter st), noting 1st row is RS, ending on a RS row.

Next row: (WS). K13 (13-17-15) sts place these sts on st holder for front band. Purl to end of row, dec 2 sts evenly across. 35 (41-41-47) sts.

Work 1st tor 16th rows of Lace pat.

Keeping cont of Lace pat, dec 1 st at side edge of next row, then every 16th row 3 times more. 31 (37-37-43) sts.

Work even until piece measures 17 (17,17,16½)" [43 (43-43-42) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Shape Armhole

Next row: (RS). Maintaining pat, Cast off 4 (5-6-7) sts beg of next row. 27 (32-31-36) sts. Dec 1 st at armhole edge every RS row 7 times. 20 (25-24-29) sts.

Work even in pat until piece measures 21½ (22, 22½, 23)" [54.5 (56-57-58.5) cm] from beg, ending on a RS row.

Shape Neck

Next row: (WS). Maintaining pat, Cast off 1 (5-2-6) sts at neck edge once. Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 7 times– 12 (13-15-16) sts. Work even until same length as Back, ending on a WS row. Cast off knitwise.

Front Band

With WS facing, slip 13 (13-17-15) front band sts to needle. Knit in rows (garter st) until there 85 (87-89-91) total ridges from beg, ending on a WS row. Break yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew band to front edge.

RIGHT FRONT

Cast on 50 (56-60-64) sts. Knit 23 (23,31,27) rows (garter st), noting 1st row is RS, ending with a RS row.

Next row: (WS). Purl, dec 2 sts evenly across. Place rem 13 (13-17-15) sts on st holder for front band. 35 (41-41-47) sts.

Work 1st to 16th rows of Lace pat.

Keeping cont of Lace pat, dec 1 st at side edge of next row, then every 16th row 3 times more. 31 (37-37-43) sts. Work even in pat until piece measures 17 (17,17,16½)" [43 (43-43-42) cm] from beg, ending on a RS row.

Shape Armhole

Next row: (WS). Maintaining pat, Cast off 4 (5-6-7) sts beg of next row. 27 (32-31-36) sts.

Dec 1 st at armhole edge every RS row 7 times. 20 (25-24-29) sts. Work even in pat until piece measures 21½ (22,22½,23)" [54.5 (56-57-58.5) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Shape Neck

Next row: (RS). Maintaining pat, cast off 1 (5-2-6) sts at neck edge once. Dec 1 st at neck edge every RS row 7 times. 12 (13-15-16) sts.

Work even in pat until same length as Back, ending on a WS row. Cast off knitwise.

Front Band

With WS facing, slip 13 (13-17-15)front band sts to needle. Knit in rows (garter st) until there 82 (82-84-86) total ridges.

Next row: Buttonhole: (RS). K5 (5-7-6)sts. Cast off 3 sts. knit to end.

Next row: Knit, casting on 3 sts over cast off sts.

Knit in rows until there are 85 (87-89-91) total ridges. Do not break yarn. Sew band to front.

Neckband

Sew shoulder seams. With RS facing, beg at Right Front, K13 (13-17-15) sts from band, pick up and K16 (20-17-21) sts along Right Front neck edge and 8 sts along Back neck edge. K17 (19-19-21) sts from Back st holder. Pick up and K8 sts along Back neck and 16 (20-17-21) along Left Front neck. K13 (13-17-15) from Left front band. 91 (101-103-109) sts.

Knit 11 rows.

Work buttonhole as before over next 2 rows.

Knit 5 rows more. Cast off knitwise on WS. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes.

SLEEVES

Cast on 47 (53-53-55) sts. Knit 23 (23,31,27) rows (garter st), noting 1st row is RS and ending on a RS row.

Next row: (WS). Purl, dec 0 (0-0-2) sts. 47 (53-53-53) sts.

Beg on 1st row, work 16 (24, 8, 4) rows of Lace pat. Keeping cont of pat, inc 1 st at each edge of next row, then every 8th row 3 (2-4-6) times more, working added sts into pat. 55 (59-63-67) sts.

Work even until piece measures 12½ (13, 13, 13½)" [32 (33-33-34.5) cm] from beg, ending on a WS row.

Shape Cap

Maintaining pat, cast off 4 (5-6-7) sts beg of next 2 rows. 47 (49-51-53) sts. Work 0 (0, 2, 2) rows even.

Dec 1 st each edge every RS row until 21 sts rem, ending on a WS row. Cast off knitwise.

FINISHING

Sew in Sleeves. Sew side and Sleeve seams.

Using yarn needle, weave in ends.

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KOAS

Feb 08, 2020

I totally forgot about this pattern... it has been in my queue a long time. I think this is the year I am finally going to make it for ME!!!

gburm 8680979

Aug 17, 2019

I have a question on the front edge. Are the ridges counted on both side or just the right side. Are the 27 rows of garter stitch included? Instructions are not clear.

Lisa

Feb 06, 2022

You're not actually counting the ridges of garter stitch in this pattern, since it is instructing you to measure at the relevant areas, it is instructing you to measure from the beginning, therefore the garter stitch section is included in the measurements. I see your question has been unanswered for a couple of years, thought answering it might help others. Happy knitting.

marshmallowsrule 3 324034

Jun 18, 2018

Has anyone got a reply to the decrease in lace pattern problem have tried several ways. I decrease at start of row 1 of pattern so begin with knit 3 and end with knit three. But not sure how to start row 9 as the knit on the end would disappear so do you start with the yarn over?

Knitoneperltwo

Jun 19, 2018

I went to Yarnspirations and asked. Here's the answer. Recommend putting a marker at the beginning and end of the last pattern section. This will help to identify if you have enough stitches to complete the pattern. If you do not have enough for the pattern just knit or purl stitches. Good luck I don't know if I understand this answer. Let us know if it works.

suzieqtme 1070199

Feb 10, 2020

The instructions work. For example on a size large, you would do 1st decrease on row 16 of lace pattern. (93 stitches after decrease).This would leave 3 knits now instead of 4 on row 1 so you cannot complete pattern and so you just knit 3 stitches and continue with pattern and knit 3 stitches at end of row one. Make sure you maintain 93 stitches. At next decrease on row 16, you have 2 knit stitches at beginnin row 1 so you can knit 2 , yo, and then continue with pattern. The pattern is beautiful so far!

suzieqtme 1070199

Feb 10, 2020

Two photos of back after 2nd decrease on row 16, and now on row 7 of lace pattern.

Lisa

Feb 06, 2022

The pattern repeat is 6 stitches, the decrease occurs at the beginning and end of the row, so start with the decrease, complete the row leaving enough stitches to finish the end and do the decrease. In this pattern you are doing the decrease in addition to the lace pattern, so you will not alter any of the line by line instructions to achieve it. For example the first row including decrease should read Dec, K4. yo. sl1. K2tog. Psso. yo. k3. Rep from across, ending last rep k4, decrease. I think what is throwing everyone off is the keep continuity of the lace pattern, this is a general instruction that does not require any alterations to the pattern as written. By the time you have finished these shaping instructions, you will have reduced the stitches by one pattern repeat across the row. Hope this helps someone, happy knitting.

Knitoneperltwo

Jun 14, 2018

I too am having trouble with the decreases in the lace pattern. After making the dec. on each side should next row start with the knit 4 or knit 1 depending on which row? Or do you knit the 3 and continue with the lace pattern? Please answer soon. There are others with same questions. Thanks

lunasmom1 6368858

Apr 16, 2018

I am having problems decreasing in the lace pattern. It is not coming out evenly.

gmm451 9953994

Feb 24, 2018

How do I print this project. Can it be made bigger

KathrynAllison

Feb 26, 2018

Hi gmm451, at the bottom of the instructions, you will see a gray button that says "More" with a down arrow. Click the button and then you will see a button with a picture of a printer on it. Click that button to print the pattern. In terms of sizing, the pattern includes instructions for sizes small - x-large. Hope this helps! -Editors of AllFreeKnitting

Hippie Chick

Feb 13, 2018

This pattern includes instructions for sizes small to extra large and uses Caron Simply Soft yarn which is widely available at almost all yarn stores. It comes in a variety of colors so choosing just one will be super difficult unless you already have an outfit in mind that you want this to work with.

sthnxstitch 752369 4

Feb 17, 2017

What a great cardigan. I love the idea of just two buttons at the top, and the versatility of the lacy pattern.

Linda

Feb 06, 2017

Lace pattern stitch comfy cardi is beautifully knit in and color. You can never have enough cardigans to accentuate your wardrobe. Great to knit in any type of yarn, I myself prefer cotton or cotton blends.

ChaCha Rizzo

Jan 24, 2017

This is the sweetest little pattern, I think that it would be lovely in black for the office. The lace pattern looks very easy to memorize and the knit sweater pattern seems to be very easy to follow.

Dec 21, 2016

After a few failed attempts..I got through it and it turned out great...Just wondering if anyone has a hint for the best stitch to seam it together....hard to figure out with the lace pattern. I know the mattress stitich...but don't think it will work for this pattern.

Sep 14, 2016

Im having a problem with the decreases. It's not coming out even. Can you help. Would be nice to have row by row instructions....so much work and I might be just ripping it out. Please help.

Giasabine

May 14, 2016

It would be nice to have a picture of the pattern up close and a pattern chart .

The Designing Peng uin

May 05, 2016

Not fond of cardigans as they so often look frumpy not this one even to the three/quarter sleeves, although one could knit the sleeve wrist-length if one so desired - the slightly flared hem line adds to the overall appeal I am guessing that one could knit any size the longer length?

jwmarion 6723969

Apr 27, 2016

I am doing something wrong but I can't find it and have the same problems when I do it over. Perhaps someone can help-in the LACE Pattern at the end of the first row it says k4. I have just TWO stitches left after the rep.

DanniK

Jul 22, 2016

I'm having the same problem and can't figure it out. I've started the sweater twice but my knitting just doesn't look right. I love the look of the sweater so will try again.

Lisa

Sep 24, 2016

I gave up on this sweater ages ago, after about 6 attempts. There is something wrong in the pattern, it states stitch count is 6 5 but the repeat is in fact 6 stitches with the 4 on each end the stitch count must be even for this to work as written. I've tried emailing yarnspirations several times, I always receive an automated reply that someone has reviewed the pattern and it looks correct as written to them, so no help there. If anyone figures it out i would be very interested in hearing about it.

Canary Red

Dec 31, 2016

The wording of the first row of the lace pattern is a little confusing.... "1st row (RS). K4. yo. sl1. K2tog. Psso. yo. k3. Rep from across, ending last rep k4." It actually means that at the end of the final repeat you knit 4 stitches instead of 3. If you do this I think you will find the stitch count is correct. )