Driftwood Dune Cardigan Free Pattern – Knitted Oversized Beach Cover-Up

Driftwood Dune Cardigan: Your New Favorite Beach Cover-Up

Imagine the perfect coastal morning: the soft whisper of waves, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt and sea lavender. That's the feeling we've captured in the Driftwood Dune Cardigan—a breezy, oversized knit that drapes beautifully over swimwear or a summer dress. This free knitting pattern is designed for beginners and experienced makers alike, using simple stockinette and ribbing to create an effortlessly chic, boho-inspired layering piece.

Knitted in soft, sand-toned cotton with contrasting seafoam and driftwood accents, this cardigan is as practical as it is beautiful. The open, airy stitch pattern keeps you cool, while the relaxed, boxy silhouette and dropped shoulders give it that perfect "just threw it on" coastal vibe. Whether you're strolling the shoreline or lounging on a weathered deck, this cardigan is your new go-to summer companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Sand): Main body – approx. 400g
  • Color B (Seafoam): Sleeves – approx. 200g
  • Color C (Driftwood): Edging & pockets – approx. 200g
  Total: approximately 800g
• Needles: US 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for larger pieces)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS)

Tip: Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in flat pieces and seamed together. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, custom-fit cardigan in no time. The instructions are written for Sizes S/M (M/L), with finished bust measurements of 40 (46) inches.

Back Panel

With Color A (Sand):

1. Cast on: Cast on 80 (92) stitches.
2. Ribbing (Rows 1-10):
   • Row 1 (RS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Row 2 (WS): *P2, k2; repeat from * to end of row.
   • Repeat these 2 rows for a total of 10 rows of ribbing.
3. Body (Stockinette): Switch to stockinette stitch (knit all RS rows, purl all WS rows). Work even (no increases or decreases) until the piece measures 18 (20) inches from the cast-on edge.
4. Shape Shoulders:
   • Bind off 10 (12) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Then bind off 9 (11) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Bind off the remaining 42 (46) stitches for the back neck. Cut yarn and pull through the last loop.

Left Front Panel

With Color A (Sand):

1. Cast on: Cast on 40 (46) stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work the same 2×2 ribbing (K2, P2) as the back for 10 rows.
3. Body: Switch to stockinette stitch. Work even until the piece measures 12 (14) inches from the cast-on edge.
4. Shape Neck: At the neck edge (which is the beginning of RS rows for the left front):
   • Bind off 5 stitches once.
   • Then decrease 1 stitch every RS row 4 times (by knitting 2 together at the neck edge).
5. Continue: Work even on the remaining 31 (37) stitches until the piece measures the same length as the back to the shoulder.
6. Shape Shoulder: Bind off as for the back panel (10/12 sts, then 9/11 sts).

Right Front Panel

With Color A (Sand):

1. Work exactly as for the Left Front Panel, but shape the neck at the beginning of WS rows (the neck edge is now at the end of RS rows).
2. All other steps (cast on, ribbing, body, shoulder shaping) are identical to the left front.

Sleeves (Make 2)

With Color B (Seafoam):

1. Cast on: Cast on 36 (40) stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work 2×2 ribbing (K2, P2) for 8 rows.
3. Body (Stockinette): Switch to stockinette stitch.
   • Increase row (RS): K1, increase 1 stitch (by knitting into the front and back of the next stitch), knit to the last 2 stitches, increase 1 stitch, K1.
   • Repeat this increase row every 6th row until you have 56 (62) stitches on your needle.
4. Continue: Work even (no increases) until the sleeve measures 16 (18) inches from the cast-on edge.
5. Bind off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut yarn and pull through.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Sew Shoulder Seams: Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, sew the shoulder seams of the front panels to the back panel.
2. Set in Sleeves: Pin the sleeves into the armhole openings, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place.
3. Sew Side & Sleeve Seams: With right sides together, sew the side seams from the underarm down to the hem. Then sew the sleeve seams from the underarm to the cuff.

Edging (Front Opening & Bottom)

With Color C (Driftwood):

1. Pick up stitches: Starting at the bottom right front edge, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire front opening (right front, back neck, left front) and along the bottom edge of the cardigan. You can do this in one continuous round or in sections.
2. Garter stitch border: Work 5 rows of garter stitch (knit every row, back and forth).
3. Bind off: Bind off all stitches loosely to prevent the edge from pulling.

Pockets (Optional, Make 2)

With Color C (Driftwood):

1. Cast on: Cast on 20 stitches.
2. Body: Work in stockinette stitch for 6 inches.
3. Ribbing: Work 2×2 ribbing for 4 rows.
4. Bind off: Bind off all stitches.
5. Attach: Sew the pockets to the front panels at hip level, approximately 2-3 inches from the side seams and 1-2 inches above the bottom edging. Use a whipstitch or mattress stitch for a clean finish.

Final Touches

1. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Block to finished measurements: Lay the cardigan flat on a blocking mat. Gently pin it to the specified measurements (bust 40/46 inches, length 18/20 inches). Mist with water and allow to dry completely. This will even out your stitches and give the cardigan its beautiful, drapey shape.

Your Coastal Masterpiece Awaits

And there you have it—your very own Driftwood Dune Cardigan! This versatile piece is perfect for layering over a swimsuit, pairing with linen trousers, or throwing on over a sundress for a breezy evening. The combination of sand, seafoam, and driftwood tones evokes the calm of the coast, making every wear feel like a mini escape.

We'd love to see your finished cardigan! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #DriftwoodDuneCardigan and tag us so we can admire your handiwork. Happy knitting, and may your days be filled with sunshine and soft yarn.