Aurora Bloom Oversized Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Garden of Clouds

Introducing the Aurora Bloom Oversized Cardigan

Wrap yourself in the softest embrace of a hand-knitted cloud with this oversized, textured cardigan. Its unique blend of bobbles and lace panels creates a dreamy, botanical aesthetic that feels like a gentle garden in full bloom. This free pattern is designed for knitters who love a relaxing, rhythmic project with a stunning result. The combination of a soft sage green main color with delicate dusty rose accents produces a garment that is both cozy and elegant, perfect for cool evenings and creative mornings.

This cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up, then split for the armholes, and finished with sleeves and a button band. The oversized silhouette and deep V-neck offer a modern, relaxed fit that drapes beautifully. Whether you are a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a new challenge, the Aurora Bloom is a rewarding project that will become a wardrobe staple.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in two complementary colors, creating the signature two-tone look.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC) – Sage Green: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. Approximately 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650) yards.
• Contrast Color (CC) – Dusty Rose: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn. Approximately 300 (350, 400, 450) yards.

Needles & Notions

• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer for magic loop or working flat.
• US Size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles for sleeves (optional, if you prefer not to use the magic loop method).
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for holding back stitches.
• Stitch markers.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.
• Buttons (approximately 5-7, depending on spacing).

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for the perfect fit, so be sure to knit a swatch and block it before measuring.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up, then split for the armholes, and finished with sleeves and a button band. Sizes: XS (S, M, L) – finished bust: 38 (42, 46, 50) inches.

Pattern Notes & Special Stitches

• Slip first stitch of every row purlwise for a neat edge.
• Bobble (MB): In same stitch, (k1, p1, k1, p1, k1) – 5 stitches, turn, p5, turn, k5, turn, p5, turn, k2tog, k1, k2tog – 3 stitches, turn, k3tog – 1 stitch.
• Lace Panel (worked over 8 stitches):
  • Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, k2tog, k4.
  • Row 2 and all WS rows: purl all stitches.
  • Row 3: k3, yo, k2tog, k3.
  • Row 5: k4, yo, k2tog, k2.
  • Row 7: k5, yo, k2tog, k1.
  • Row 8: purl.
  • Repeat rows 1-8.

Body

With MC, cast on 171 (189, 207, 225) stitches. Work in seed stitch (k1, p1) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Next row (RS): Work seed stitch over first 6 stitches (button band), place marker, work pattern across: *work 8-stitch Lace Panel, then k10 (12, 14, 16) stitches in stockinette, repeat from * across, ending with last 6 stitches in seed stitch (button band).

Continue in this pattern, maintaining button bands in seed stitch, until piece measures 12 (13, 14, 15) inches from cast-on, ending with a WS row.

Divide for Armholes

Next row (RS): Work 42 (46, 50, 54) stitches for right front, bind off 8 (10, 12, 14) stitches for right armhole, work 71 (77, 83, 89) stitches for back, bind off 8 (10, 12, 14) stitches for left armhole, work 42 (46, 50, 54) stitches for left front. Place back stitches on holder. Work each front and back separately.

Right Front

Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 stitch at armhole edge every other row 4 (5, 6, 7) times – 38 (41, 44, 47) stitches. Work even until armhole measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches.

Shape neck: At neck edge (button band side), bind off 8 (9, 10, 11) stitches, then decrease 1 stitch at neck edge every row 6 times – 24 (26, 28, 30) stitches remain. Work even until armhole measures 9 (10, 11, 12) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Left Front

Work same as right front, reversing shaping.

Back

Work even on 71 (77, 83, 89) stitches, decreasing at each armhole edge as for fronts – 63 (67, 71, 75) stitches. Work even until armhole measures same as fronts. Bind off all stitches.

Sleeves (make 2)

With MC, cast on 40 (44, 48, 52) stitches. Work in seed stitch for 1 inch. Switch to stockinette, increasing 1 stitch each edge every 6 rows until you have 60 (66, 72, 78) stitches. Work even until sleeve measures 17 (18, 19, 20) inches from cast-on. Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Set in sleeves, sewing to armhole edges. Sew sleeve seams.

With CC, pick up and knit stitches along entire front edge (including button bands) – approximately 1 stitch per row. Work in seed stitch for 1 inch, binding off. On left front band, create buttonholes: after 2 inches of seed stitch, work buttonholes (k2tog, yo) every 3 inches. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes.

Weave in all ends. Block to finished measurements.

Your Aurora Bloom Oversized Cardigan is now complete! Enjoy the soft, cloud-like texture and the beautiful botanical details you've created with your own hands. This garment is perfect for layering and will surely become a cherished piece in your handmade wardrobe.