Franny Granny Adult Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern – Cozy Textured Cocoon

Introducing the Franny Granny Cardigan: A Cozy Textured Cocoon

Wrap yourself in the luxurious comfort of the Franny Granny Adult Cardigan, a generously oversized knitting pattern that combines modern style with timeless texture. This stunning cardigan features a rich honeycomb cable pattern that creates a three-dimensional, braided effect across the entire body, making it a true statement piece for your handmade wardrobe.

Designed with a relaxed, cocoon-like silhouette, this cardigan drapes beautifully over any outfit, making it perfect for chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or simply elevating your everyday style. The deep V-neck and button-free design add to its modern, minimalist appeal, while the worsted-weight yarn ensures warmth without bulk. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying project or an ambitious beginner ready to tackle cables, this pattern offers a rewarding knitting experience with stunning results.

Knitted in one piece from the top down, the Franny Granny is surprisingly simple to construct. The back panel is worked first, followed by picking up stitches for the shoulders and front panels, then joining everything together for a seamless body. The sleeves are worked in the round with a classic ribbed cuff, completing this beautiful, handcrafted garment.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your knitting journey, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in a warm oatmeal color
• Approximately 1200 (1350, 1500) yards for sizes S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)

Needles & Notions

• US 9 (5.5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch length
• Stitch markers
• Cable needle
• Stitch holders (or waste yarn)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

• 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb cable pattern (after blocking)

Note: Always check your gauge before starting to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is knitted in one piece from the top down, starting with the back panel, then picking up stitches for the shoulders and front panels. The honeycomb cable pattern is worked on the back and front panels, while the sleeves are simple stockinette with a ribbed cuff.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: knit two together
• SSK: slip slip knit
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker

Honeycomb Cable Pattern (multiple of 8 + 2)

This beautiful cable pattern creates the signature honeycomb texture. Follow these rows carefully:

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *C4B, C4F, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
• Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K2, *C4F, C4B, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.
• Row 5: Repeat Row 1.
• Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 8: Purl all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

Back Panel

1. CO 82 (90, 98) stitches.
2. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Switch to honeycomb cable pattern, starting with Row 1. Work even until piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shoulder Shaping

1. Next row (RS): Work pattern across first 25 (28, 31) stitches, place these on a holder for left front.
2. Bind off next 32 (34, 36) stitches for back neck.
3. Work pattern across remaining 25 (28, 31) stitches for right front. Place these on a holder.

Left Front Panel

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 25 (28, 31) stitches from left front holder along the shoulder edge.
2. Work in honeycomb cable pattern, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge (SSK at beginning of RS rows) every 4 rows, 6 times.
3. Then work even until front panel measures same length as back panel to underarm (about 12-13 inches from shoulder).

Right Front Panel

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 25 (28, 31) stitches from right front holder.
2. Work in honeycomb cable pattern, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge (K2tog at end of RS rows) every 4 rows, 6 times.
3. Work even to match left front.

Join Fronts and Back

1. Place all stitches on one needle: left front (19-22-25 sts), back (32-34-36 sts), right front (19-22-25 sts). Total: 70 (78, 86) stitches.
2. Work in honeycomb cable pattern across all stitches until body measures 18 (20, 22) inches from underarm, or desired length.
3. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

1. With RS facing, pick up and knit 40 (44, 48) stitches evenly around armhole opening.
2. Place marker at beginning of round. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) in the round, decreasing 1 stitch each side of marker every 6 rounds, 8 times (24-28-32 sts remaining).
3. Work even until sleeve measures 16 (17, 18) inches from underarm.
4. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends with tapestry needle.
2. Block cardigan to measurements for a professional finish.
3. Sew side seams from underarm to bottom ribbing.
4. Fold back collar if desired for a relaxed, cozy look.

Your beautiful Franny Granny Cardigan is now complete! The rich honeycomb texture and oversized silhouette make this a truly special piece that you'll reach for again and again. The oatmeal color pairs beautifully with everything, and the handcrafted quality will be admired by all who see it. Enjoy your new favorite cozy companion!