The Aurora Duster Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Flowing, Gradient Masterpiece

Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Duster, a flowing, open-front cardigan with mesmerizing gradient stripes. This cozy layering piece is perfect for adding a touch of handcrafted elegance to any outfit. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a casual stroll, this duster cardigan is designed to be your new favorite handmade companion. With its relaxed, oversized fit and smooth stockinette stitch, it's a rewarding project that knits up beautifully in worsted weight yarn.

This pattern is worked in one piece from the top down, making it a seamless and enjoyable knit. The gradient stripes are created by simply changing colors every 10 rows, and the open front means no buttonholes or zippers to fuss with. Even if you're new to knitting garments, the clear instructions and step-by-step guidance will help you create a stunning, professional-looking cardigan that you'll be proud to wear.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience. All yarn amounts are approximate and based on the size you choose to make.

Yarn

You will need worsted weight yarn in 4 colors. The total yardage varies by size, so be sure to check the amount for your specific size.

• Color A (Deep Teal): Approximately 300 (340, 375, 410, 450, 490, 525, 560, 600) yards
• Color B (Dusty Rose): Approximately 300 (340, 375, 410, 450, 490, 525, 560, 600) yards
• Color C (Golden Ochre): Approximately 300 (340, 375, 410, 450, 490, 525, 560, 600) yards
• Color D (Cream): Approximately 300 (340, 375, 410, 450, 490, 525, 560, 600) yards

Total yardage: 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650, 1800, 1950, 2100, 2250, 2400) yards.

Needles and Hooks

• US Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch length (or longer for magic loop)
• US Size 9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook for edging
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for sleeves
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

To achieve the correct measurements, it's crucial to check your gauge. In stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) after blocking, you should have 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in one piece from the top down, with increases for the sleeves and body. The gradient stripes are created by working in stockinette stitch and changing colors every 10 rows. The body is worked flat, then the sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. The edging is crocheted for a neat finish.

Sizes and Measurements

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Finished Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68) inches

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• yo = yarn over (increase)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side

Pattern Notes

• The cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the neckline down.
• The stripe sequence is: 10 rows Color A, 10 rows Color B, 10 rows Color C, 10 rows Color D, repeat.
• When changing colors, do not cut the yarn; carry it up the side (for flat knitting) or twist it (for circular knitting) to avoid holes.

Yoke (Worked Flat)

With Color A, cast on 76 (80, 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108) sts.

Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, k12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), yo, pm, k2, yo, k12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), yo, pm, k2, yo, k24 (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40), yo, pm, k2, yo, k12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), yo, pm, k2, yo, k12 (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), yo, k2. (84 (88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116) sts)

Row 2 (WS): p all sts, slipping markers.

Row 3 (RS): k2, yo, k to marker, yo, sm, k2, yo, k to marker, yo, sm, k2, yo, k to marker, yo, sm, k2, yo, k to marker, yo, sm, k2, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, k2. (8 sts increased)

Row 4 (WS): p all sts.

Repeat Rows 3-4 until you have worked 20 (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) increase rows total (including the first row). You will have 236 (264, 292, 320, 348, 376, 404, 432, 460) sts. End with a WS row.

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Next row (RS): k to first marker, remove marker, place next 48 (54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96) sts on a holder for sleeve, cast on 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) sts for underarm, k to next marker, remove marker, place next 48 (54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96) sts on a holder for sleeve, cast on 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) sts for underarm, k to end. (152 (168, 184, 200, 216, 232, 248, 264, 280) sts for body)

Body (Worked Flat)

Continue in stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) following the stripe sequence. Work until the body measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) inches from the underarm, or desired length. End with a WS row. Bind off all sts loosely.

Sleeves (Worked in the Round)

With Color A, pick up and knit 48 (54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96) sts from the holder, plus 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) sts from the underarm cast-on. Place a marker at the beginning of the round. (54 (60, 68, 74, 82, 88, 96, 102, 110) sts)

Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) following the stripe sequence. Decrease 2 sts every 10 rounds as follows: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat until you have 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72) sts. Continue even until sleeve measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20) inches from underarm, or desired length. Bind off all sts loosely.

Edging (Crochet)

With Color D and crochet hook, work a round of single crochet (sc) evenly around the entire front opening and bottom edge. Work 3 sc in each corner. Fasten off. Weave in all ends. Block to finished measurements.

Final Touches and Care

Once you've completed all the pieces and woven in your ends, it's time to block your cardigan. Blocking is essential for achieving the correct measurements and giving your garment a professional finish. Lay the cardigan flat on a blocking mat, pin it to the desired dimensions, and gently steam or mist with water. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.

To care for your Aurora Duster, hand wash in cold water with a gentle wool wash, and lay flat to dry. This will keep the yarn soft and the stripes vibrant for years to come.

Enjoy your beautiful, handcrafted cardigan! The Aurora Duster is more than just a garment—it's a statement of your creativity and skill. Wear it with pride, and don't be surprised when friends ask where you bought it!