Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan Free Pattern – Oversized Brioche Knit Wrap

Wrap Yourself in Warmth: The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan

There are some knitting projects that are more than just garments—they're experiences. The Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan is exactly that. This isn't just a cardigan; it's a wearable hug, a statement piece, and a masterclass in the luxurious brioche stitch. With its dramatic, oversized silhouette and a stunning gradient that shifts from vibrant ember orange to deep, smoky charcoal, this wrap is designed for crisp autumn walks and cozy winter evenings by the fire.

The magic of this pattern lies in its construction. Knitted seamlessly from the top down, it creates a beautiful cocoon shape with dolman sleeves that taper elegantly at the cuffs. The brioche stitch produces a plush, reversible, honeycomb-like fabric that is incredibly lofty and squishy. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to learn a new technique, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a truly stunning, one-of-a-kind piece.

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Toolkit

Before you cast on, let's gather everything you'll need for this project. The beauty of this pattern is its simplicity—you only need a few key items to get started.

Yarn

• Weight: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 800g total)
• Color A (Ember Orange): Approx. 270g
• Color B (Burnt Sienna): Approx. 270g
• Color C (Charcoal Ash): Approx. 260g

Tip: Choose a soft, wool-blend yarn for the best stitch definition and cozy warmth.

Needles & Notions

• Needle: US 9 (5.5mm) circular knitting needle with a 32-inch cable (required for the large number of stitches)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn (for sleeves)
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful)
• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
• Scissors

Gauge

14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (after blocking). Always take time to swatch—this ensures your finished cardigan fits perfectly!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Knitting Your Cocoon

This cardigan is knitted in one piece from the top down, creating a seamless cocoon shape with dolman sleeves. The brioche stitch is worked with a slipped stitch and yarn over pattern, giving a lofty, ribbed fabric. Don't be intimidated by the brioche stitch—once you get into the rhythm, it's meditative and incredibly rewarding.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• yo = yarn over
• sl1yo = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip stitch, bring yarn over needle to back)
• brk = brioche knit (knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp = brioche purl (purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

• The brioche stitch is worked in a 2-row repeat. Row 1 is the setup row, Row 2 is the brioche row.
• The cardigan is worked flat, back and forth, with increases to shape the cocoon.
• Color changes are made every 10 rows to create the gradient.

Getting Started: The Foundation

Setup Row (RS): With Color A, cast on 80 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Sl1yo, *p1, sl1yo* repeat from * to * until last st, p1.

Row 2 (RS): Sl1yo, *brk, sl1yo* repeat from * to * until last 2 sts, brk, k1.

Row 3 (WS): Sl1yo, *brp, sl1yo* repeat from * to * until last 2 sts, brp, p1.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for the brioche pattern. Work 10 rows in Color A, then switch to Color B for 10 rows, then Color C for 10 rows. Continue alternating colors in this manner.

Shaping the Cocoon: Increasing

After 30 rows (3 color blocks), begin increasing on Row 2 of the brioche pattern. This will create the dramatic, oversized silhouette.

Increase Row (RS): Sl1yo, brk, yo, sl1yo, *brk, sl1yo* repeat from * to * until last 2 sts, brk, yo, k1. This adds 2 sts (one at each edge).

Work the increase row every 6th row (i.e., every 3rd brioche repeat) until you have 120 sts total. This will take 20 increase rows.

Continue working in brioche pattern without increases until the piece measures 30 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Dividing for Sleeves

This is where the cardigan starts to take its shape. You'll now separate the sleeve stitches from the body.

Next RS row: Work across first 40 sts (front), place next 40 sts on a holder (sleeve), work across next 40 sts (back), place next 40 sts on a holder (sleeve), work across last 40 sts (front). You now have 120 sts on the needle (40 front + 40 back + 40 front).

Knitting the Body

Continue in brioche pattern across all 120 sts for 20 inches, or until desired length. End with a WS row.

Bottom Ribbing: Switch to a k1, p1 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Creating the Dolman Sleeves

Now for the sleeves! Place 40 sleeve sts back onto the needle. Pick up and knit 10 sts along the underarm gap (using the same color as the last row worked). You now have 50 sts.

Work in brioche pattern in the round (using a circular needle or double-pointed needles) for 12 inches, decreasing 2 sts every 6 rounds (k2tog at beginning and end of round) until you have 30 sts. Work k1, p1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely.

Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Block the cardigan to shape, gently stretching to open up the brioche texture. The cocoon silhouette will naturally drape when worn.

And there you have it—your very own Ember & Ash Cocoon Cardigan! This piece is more than just a knit; it's a testament to your skill and patience. The reversible brioche texture means you can wear it two ways, and the gradient colors will make it the star of your autumn and winter wardrobe. Enjoy the process, and wear your creation with pride!