Azure Drift Ruffle Cuff Cardigan Free Pattern – Knitted Coastal Texture Sweater

Introducing the Azure Drift Ruffle Cuff Cardigan

Imagine a cardigan that captures the essence of a seaside breeze—the crisp contrast of a Breton stripe, the softness of coastal cotton, and a dramatic, sculptural ruffle that elevates it from simple knitwear to a statement piece. The Azure Drift Ruffle Cuff Cardigan is exactly that. This pattern blends timeless nautical stripes with a modern, couture-inspired ruffle cuff, creating a layering piece that is as cozy as it is elegant. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this free pattern will guide you through creating a truly stunning, handmade garment. The relaxed, open-front silhouette and textured body make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe, perfect for cool evenings by the shore or stylish city strolls.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. The quality of your yarn will greatly impact the final drape and texture of your cardigan.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in three colors:
  • Navy (A): Approx. 500g
  • White (B): Approx. 200g
  • Ecru (C): Approx. 100g
  Total approx. 800g.
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles (24-inch or longer) for the body.
  • US 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the sleeves.
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) after blocking. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished measurements match the pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the armholes, then split for the front and back. Sleeves are worked in the round and attached. The ruffle cuffs are added last. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful cardigan in no time.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: S (M, L) – Finished chest: 36 (40, 44) inches. Adjust stitch counts accordingly.

Abbreviations:

• CO = Cast on
• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• K2tog = Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK = Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO = Yarn over (increase)
• PM = Place marker
• SM = Slip marker
• RS = Right side
• WS = Wrong side
• M1L = Make one left (increase)
• M1R = Make one right (increase)

Knitting the Body

Step 1: With yarn A (Navy), CO 180 (200, 220) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist, and PM at the beginning of the round.

Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 2 inches. This will form the rolled hem.

Step 3: Begin the stripe pattern: *K 4 rounds with A, K 4 rounds with B (White)*. Repeat this 8-round stripe sequence until the piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the CO edge, ending after a B stripe.

Step 4: Switch to working with yarn A only. Place markers as follows: PM after 45 (50, 55) sts (front right), after the next 90 (100, 110) sts (back), and after the next 45 (50, 55) sts (front left).

Step 5: Shape armholes: On the next round, work to 2 sts before the first marker, K2tog, SM, K to 2 sts before the second marker, SSK, SM, K to 2 sts before the third marker, K2tog, SM, K to end. This decreases 2 sts per round. Repeat this decrease round every other round 4 (5, 6) times total. You will now have 172 (190, 208) sts on your needles.

Step 6: Continue working even in A until the armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches from the first decrease. Place the stitches on holders: 41 (45, 49) sts for each front, and 90 (100, 110) sts for the back.

Knitting the Sleeves (Make 2)

Step 1: With yarn A, CO 40 (44, 48) sts. Join in the round, PM at the beginning.

Step 2: Work in stockinette stitch for 2 inches.

Step 3: Increase round: K1, M1L, K to the last st, M1R, K1. Repeat this increase round every 6 rounds until you have 60 (66, 72) sts on your needles.

Step 4: Continue even until the sleeve measures 16 (17, 18) inches from the CO edge.

Step 5: Shape the cap: Work back and forth in rows. Bind off 3 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. Then, decrease 1 st at each edge on every RS row 6 (7, 8) times. Bind off the remaining sts.

Assembling the Cardigan

Step 1: Sew the sleeve caps into the armholes of the body. Ensure the center of the sleeve cap aligns with the shoulder seam.

Step 2: Seam the underarm of each sleeve.

Adding the Ruffle Cuffs (Make 2)

Step 1: With the RS facing, pick up and knit 40 (44, 48) sts around the CO edge of each sleeve, using yarn C (Ecru).

Step 2: Row 1 (WS): Purl all sts.

Step 3: Row 2 (RS): *K1, YO* repeat to end. (This doubles your stitch count).

Step 4: Row 3: Purl all sts (including the YOs).

Step 5: Row 4: *K2, YO* repeat to end. (This increases by half again).

Step 6: Row 5: Purl all sts.

Step 7: Row 6: *K3, YO* repeat to end.

Step 8: Row 7: Purl all sts.

Step 9: Bind off loosely with a picot bind off: *K2, YO, pass YO over, K1, pass previous st over* repeat to end. This creates a delicate, scalloped edge.

Finishing Touches

Step 1: Weave in all loose ends carefully with a tapestry needle.

Step 2: Block the cardigan to the specified measurements. This will even out the stitches and give the fabric a beautiful drape.

Step 3 (Optional): For extra polish, add a simple crochet chain edging along the front edges using yarn C. This will help the open front lay flat and add a cohesive, finished look.

Your Azure Drift Ruffle Cuff Cardigan is now complete! The combination of the classic stripes and the dramatic, textured ruffle makes this a truly unique piece. Enjoy wearing your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished project with the knitting community!