Rhea V-Neck Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern – Cozy Textured Cocoon Wrap

Introducing the Rhea V-Neck Cardigan: Your New Cozy Cocoon Wrap

Wrap yourself in the gentle embrace of the Rhea V-Neck Cardigan, a modern cocoon-style knit that drapes beautifully with a soft, textured stitch. This pattern offers a relaxed, oversized fit perfect for layering over any outfit, bringing warmth and elegance to your handmade wardrobe. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a casual stroll, this cardigan is designed to be your go-to layering piece. The deep V-neckline and flared sleeves give it a relaxed, bohemian feel, while the chunky ribbed edges add structure and visual interest. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly, making it an ideal project for knitters ready to move beyond scarves and hats.

This free knitting pattern creates a stunning, heathered oatmeal cardigan with a soft, fuzzy halo that looks and feels luxurious. The oversized silhouette is both fashionable and functional, providing plenty of room for layering over sweaters or dresses. The 2x2 ribbed hem, cuffs, and neckline create a beautiful contrast against the smooth stockinette body, giving the cardigan a polished, designer look.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx. 1200-1400 yards, depending on size) – suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Oatmeal' or 'Mist'
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch length
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking)

Pro tip: Always knit a gauge swatch before starting your project. This ensures your finished cardigan will match the intended measurements. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is available in three sizes to accommodate different body types:

• S/M: Finished chest 42 inches, length 24 inches
• M/L: Finished chest 46 inches, length 25 inches
• L/XL: Finished chest 50 inches, length 26 inches

The oversized fit means you can comfortably wear this cardigan over thicker layers without feeling restricted. When in doubt, choose the size that matches your usual sweater size – the cocoon silhouette is meant to be roomy!

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before you begin:

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• P – purl
• K2tog – knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK – slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• Yo – yarn over
• PM – place marker
• SM – slip marker
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side

Pattern Stitch

The Rhea Cardigan features a simple 2x2 ribbing pattern that creates a beautiful, textured edge. This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 4 + 2 stitches:

Row 1 (RS): K2, *P2, K2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): P2, *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.

Repeat Rows 1-2 for ribbing. This pattern is incredibly easy to memorize and creates a stretchy, professional-looking edge that lies flat and neat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Main Body (Worked in One Piece from Bottom Up)

Step 1: CO 168 (184, 200) stitches onto your circular needle. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round to help you keep track of your rows.

Step 2: Work in the ribbing pattern (K2, P2) for 3 inches, ending with a wrong side row. This creates the hem of your cardigan. The ribbing should feel stretchy but not too loose – if it feels tight, you may need to go up a needle size for the ribbing only.

Step 3: Switch to stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) and work even until the piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This is the main body of your cardigan. The stockinette will naturally curl at the edges, which is normal – the ribbed hem and neckline will help control this.

Divide for V-Neck

Step 4: On the next RS row, K84 (92, 100) stitches, PM, then K84 (92, 100) stitches. You will now work each side of the V-neck separately. The marker indicates the center of your cardigan where the V-neck will begin.

Left Front (First Half)

Step 5: Work in stockinette on the first 84 (92, 100) stitches, leaving the remaining stitches on a holder or spare needle. This will be the left front of your cardigan (as worn).

Step 6: Decrease row (RS): K2, SSK, knit to end. This creates a left-leaning decrease that slopes toward the V-neck. Repeat this decrease every 4th row 10 (11, 12) times total. This gradual decrease creates the elegant V-neckline shape.

Step 7: At the same time, when the piece measures 20 (21, 22) inches from the cast-on edge, begin shaping the shoulder. Bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at the beginning of the next RS row, then bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at the beginning of the following RS row. Bind off the remaining stitches loosely. This creates a sloped shoulder that will fit comfortably.

Right Front (Second Half)

Step 8: Attach yarn to the remaining stitches on your holder or spare needle. Work in stockinette stitch.

Step 9: Decrease row (RS): Knit to the last 4 stitches, K2tog, K2. This creates a right-leaning decrease that mirrors the left front. Repeat this decrease every 4th row 10 (11, 12) times total.

Step 10: At the same time, when the piece measures 20 (21, 22) inches from the cast-on edge, shape the shoulder. Bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at the beginning of the next WS row, then bind off 8 (9, 10) stitches at the beginning of the following WS row. Bind off the remaining stitches loosely.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Step 11: CO 40 (44, 48) stitches. Work in the ribbing pattern (K2, P2) for 3 inches. This creates the cuff of your sleeve.

Step 12: Switch to stockinette stitch and increase 1 stitch at each end every 6th row until you have 60 (64, 68) stitches. To increase, simply knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch of the row. This creates a gentle flare that gives the sleeve its relaxed, bohemian shape.

Step 13: Work even until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off all stitches loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing

Step 14: Sew the shoulder seams using a tapestry needle and yarn. Use a mattress stitch for a seamless, invisible join.

Step 15: Sew the sleeve caps into the armholes, then sew the sleeve seams. Take your time with this step – proper sleeve insertion makes a huge difference in how the cardigan drapes.

Step 16: Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave in ends on the wrong side of the fabric so they're invisible from the outside.

V-Neck Edging

Step 17: With the RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the V-neck and back neck edge. The key to a clean V-neck is picking up stitches consistently – aim for about 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the diagonal edges, and 1 stitch for every cast-on stitch along the back neck.

Step 18: Work in the ribbing pattern (K2, P2) for 1 inch. This creates a neat, structured edge that frames the V-neck beautifully.

Step 19: Bind off in pattern. This means knitting the knit stitches and purling the purl stitches as you bind off, which keeps the ribbing stretchy and neat.

Step 20: Block your cardigan to the specified measurements. Wet blocking is recommended for this yarn – soak the cardigan in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (never wring!), then lay flat on towels and shape to the measurements. Allow to dry completely before wearing.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches regularly – especially during the decrease sections – to ensure you don't accidentally drop or add stitches.
• Use stitch markers to mark your decrease rows. This makes it easy to see where you are in the pattern at a glance.
• Blocking is essential – it evens out your stitches, relaxes the fabric, and gives your cardigan that professional, polished look.
• Take breaks – this is a relaxing project, not a race. Enjoy the process of watching your cardigan take shape.

The Rhea V-Neck Cardigan is more than just a knitting project – it's a wearable hug that you'll reach for again and again. The oversized cocoon silhouette flatters every body type, while the textured ribbing adds visual interest without complicating the pattern. Whether you're a confident beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a relaxing project, this cardigan delivers on every level.

Once you've finished your Rhea Cardigan, we'd love to see how it turned out! Share your creation on social media with the hashtag #RheaCardigan and inspire other knitters in the community. Happy knitting!