Whispering Pines Study Cardigan: A Cozy Knitted Textured Youth Cardigan Pattern

Imagine wrapping yourself in the serene calm of a forest while you study. The Whispering Pines Study Cardigan brings that peaceful woodland aesthetic to life. This textured youth cardigan features a unique pine forest stitch pattern that mimics tree bark and forest ridges, all in warm, earthy tones of Forest Green, Cream, and Rust. Designed for the modern student, this relaxed and cozy cardigan is perfect for long library sessions or brisk walks to class. With its classic button-down front, ribbed collar, and charming patch pockets, this free knitting pattern is a rewarding project that blends style and comfort.

Whether you are a seasoned knitter looking for a textured challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern offers clear, detailed instructions to guide you through every step. Let's dive into creating a handmade garment that will be treasured for years.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your knitting journey, gather all the necessary materials. Having everything ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Forest Green – approximately 600-700 yards
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Cream – approximately 100-150 yards
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Rust – approximately 100-150 yards
  • Total yardage: approximately 800-1000 yards
• Needles:
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles with a 32-inch cable for the body
  • US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the sleeves
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Five wooden buttons (approximately ¾ inch in diameter)
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS). Always knit a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Sizing Information

This pattern is written for Youth size 14/16 with the following finished measurements:

• Chest: 38 inches
• Length: 22 inches
• Sleeve Length: 18 inches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your Whispering Pines Study Cardigan. The pattern is broken down into sections for clarity. Remember to check off each step as you complete it.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
• SSK = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO = yarn over (increase)
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• St st = stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS)

Special Stitch Pattern: Pine Forest Panel (worked over 12 stitches)

This textured pattern creates the beautiful forest motif. Repeat rows 1-10 for the pattern.

• Row 1 (RS): K3, P2, K2, P2, K3
• Row 2 (WS): P3, K2, P2, K2, P3
• Row 3: K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2
• Row 4: P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2
• Row 5: K1, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K1
• Row 6: P1, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P1
• Row 7: K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2
• Row 8: P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2
• Row 9: K3, P2, K2, P2, K3
• Row 10: P3, K2, P2, K2, P3

Back Panel

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 96 stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Body: Switch to St st (K on RS, P on WS) and work even until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge.
4. Shape Armholes: Bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You will have 86 stitches remaining.
5. Continue: Work even in St st until the armhole measures 7 inches.
6. Shape Shoulders: Bind off 8 stitches at the beginning of the next 6 rows. You will have 38 stitches remaining.
7. Finish: Bind off the remaining 38 stitches for the back neck. Set this piece aside.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 48 stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Body: Switch to St st and work even until the piece measures 14 inches from the cast-on edge.
4. Shape Armhole: At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 5 stitches. You will have 43 stitches remaining.
5. Continue: Work even in St st until the armhole measures 5 inches.
6. Shape Neck: At the neck edge (end of RS rows), bind off as follows:
   • Bind off 5 stitches once.
   • Bind off 3 stitches once.
   • Bind off 2 stitches twice.
   • Decrease 1 stitch every RS row 4 times (using SSK or K2tog).
7. Result: You will have 29 stitches remaining.
8. Continue: Work even until the armhole measures 7 inches.
9. Shape Shoulder: Bind off 8 stitches at the beginning of the next 3 RS rows. You will have 5 stitches remaining.
10. Finish: Bind off the remaining 5 stitches.

Right Front Panel

1. Cast On & Ribbing: Work the same as the Left Front Panel through the ribbing and body sections.
2. Shape Armhole: At the beginning of the next WS row, bind off 5 stitches. You will have 43 stitches remaining.
3. Continue: Work even in St st until the armhole measures 5 inches.
4. Shape Neck: At the neck edge (beginning of RS rows), bind off and decrease exactly as described for the Left Front Panel, creating a mirror image.
5. Shape Shoulder: Bind off 8 stitches at the beginning of the next 3 WS rows. Bind off the remaining 5 stitches.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Cast On: With MC, cast on 40 stitches.
2. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches.
3. Increase Section: Switch to St st. Increase 1 stitch each side every 6 rows until you have 64 stitches on your needles. To increase, simply K1, M1 (make one) at the beginning and end of the row.
4. Continue: Work even until the sleeve measures 17 inches from the cast-on edge.
5. Shape Cap: Bind off 5 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. You will have 54 stitches.
6. Decrease: Decrease 1 stitch each side every RS row 12 times (using SSK at the beginning and K2tog at the end). You will have 30 stitches.
7. Final Bind Off: Bind off 3 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows. You will have 18 stitches.
8. Finish: Bind off the remaining 18 stitches.

Finishing and Assembly

1. Sew Shoulder Seams: Using your yarn needle and MC, sew the shoulder seams of the front and back panels together.
2. Set in Sleeves: Pin the sleeves into the armholes, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place.
3. Sew Side and Sleeve Seams: With RS facing, sew the side seams from the bottom hem up to the underarm, then continue down the sleeve seam to the cuff.

Collar and Front Bands

1. Pick Up Stitches: With RS facing and MC, pick up and knit stitches along the edges:
   • 90 stitches along the right front edge.
   • 38 stitches along the back neck.
   • 90 stitches along the left front edge.
2. Total: You will have 218 stitches on your needle.
3. Ribbing: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch.
4. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches in pattern (K over K, P over P).

Pockets (Make 2)

1. Cast On: With CC1 (Cream), cast on 20 stitches.
2. Pattern: Work in the Pine Forest Panel pattern for 3 inches.
3. Switch: Switch to MC and work in St st for 1 inch.
4. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches.
5. Attach: Sew the pockets onto the front pieces, positioning them 2 inches from the bottom edge and 1 inch from the center front.

Buttons and Buttonholes

1. Mark Buttons: On the left front band (for a women's/child's cardigan, buttons are typically on the left), mark the placement for 5 buttons evenly spaced.
2. Sew Buttons: Sew the wooden buttons securely onto the marked positions.
3. Create Buttonholes: On the right front band, create buttonholes at the corresponding positions. During the ribbing, work a buttonhole by working YO, K2tog at the marked spots. Ensure the buttonholes align perfectly with the buttons.

Final Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all loose yarn ends using your yarn needle.
2. Block: Block the cardigan to the specified measurements. This will even out the stitches and give your garment a professional finish. Lay it flat to dry.

Congratulations! You have completed your very own Whispering Pines Study Cardigan. This textured, cozy garment is not just a piece of clothing; it's a handmade treasure that brings the peace of the forest into everyday life. Perfect for studying, reading, or simply relaxing, this cardigan is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy wearing your beautiful creation!