Aurora Lattice Cabled Cardigan Free Pattern – A Knitted Northern Lights Embrace

Wrap yourself in the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis with this uniquely textured cabled cardigan. Featuring an intricate latticework of cables that mimics the dancing lights of the northern sky, this cozy layering piece is knitted in a soft, gradient yarn that transitions from deep twilight blues to shimmering teals and violets. The result is a wearable work of art that combines classic cable techniques with modern, seamless construction. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, one-of-a-kind garment.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Aran weight yarn in a gradient colorway (e.g., Malabrigo Rios in 'Aurora' or similar), approximately 1200-1500 yards for sizes S-2XL.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles (32-inch or longer) for the body, US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles for ribbing.
• Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers (at least 8), stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and buttons (optional).
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 7 needles (after blocking). Always check your gauge to ensure proper fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, starting with the yoke and then dividing for sleeves and body. The cable pattern is provided both in written form and described clearly below. Take your time, and enjoy the rhythmic flow of the cables as they develop.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C6F: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 3 stitches, then knit 3 from cable needle
• C6B: Slip 3 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 3 stitches, then knit 3 from cable needle
• M1: Make one (increase)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Cable Pattern (Worked over 12 stitches)

This 8-row repeat creates the signature lattice effect. Practice on a swatch if you're new to cabling.

• Row 1 (RS): C6F, C6B
• Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches
• Row 3: K12
• Row 5: C6B, C6F
• Row 7: K12
• Row 8: Purl

Repeat these 8 rows for the lattice cable pattern.

Yoke

Step 1: With US 6 needles, CO 90 (100, 110, 120, 130) stitches for sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL).

Step 2: Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. This forms the neat, defined neckline edge.

Step 3: Switch to US 7 needles. Work 2 rows in stockinette stitch (RS knit, WS purl), increasing 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) stitches evenly across the last row. You should now have 100 (112, 124, 136, 148) stitches.

Step 4: Place 4 markers to divide the yoke as follows:

• PM after 15 (17, 19, 21, 23) stitches (left front)
• PM after 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) stitches (left sleeve)
• PM after 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) stitches (back)
• PM after 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) stitches (right sleeve)
• With 15 (17, 19, 21, 23) stitches remaining for the right front.

Step 5: Begin raglan increases and cable pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): K to 2 stitches before first marker, M1, K2, SM, M1, K to 2 stitches before second marker, M1, K2, SM, M1, K to 2 stitches before third marker, M1, K2, SM, M1, K to 2 stitches before fourth marker, M1, K2, SM, M1, K to end. (8 increases total)
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): Repeat Row 1, but work the cable pattern on the back section (between the second and third markers) as follows: K to 6 stitches before second marker, work Cable Pattern over 12 stitches (centered on the back), then continue with raglan increases as before.

Step 6: Continue working raglan increases every RS row, and maintain the cable pattern on the back section (and later on the fronts) as stitches allow. Work the cable pattern on the fronts once there are at least 12 stitches between the edge and the raglan markers. This ensures the cables integrate seamlessly into the fabric.

Step 7: Repeat the raglan increase rows until the yoke measures approximately 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches from the cast-on edge, and you have increased to a total of 220 (244, 268, 292, 316) stitches.

Divide for Sleeves

Step 1: On the next RS row, knit across the left front stitches (including the cable pattern if applicable).

Step 2: Place the next set of sleeve stitches (between the first and second markers) onto a stitch holder or waste yarn.

Step 3: CO 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches under the arm.

Step 4: Knit across the back stitches.

Step 5: Place the next set of sleeve stitches onto a holder.

Step 6: CO 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches under the arm.

Step 7: Knit across the right front stitches. You are now ready to work the body.

Body

Step 1: Continue working in stockinette stitch, maintaining the cable patterns on the fronts and back as established. Work even until the body measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14) inches from the underarm, or desired length.

Step 2: Switch to US 6 needles and work in K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. This provides a polished, structured hem.

Step 3: Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain elasticity.

Sleeves

Step 1: Place the held sleeve stitches onto US 7 needles.

Step 2: Pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) stitches from the underarm cast-on edge, plus 2 extra stitches at each corner to avoid holes. Total sleeve stitches will be approximately 60 (66, 72, 78, 84).

Step 3: Place a marker at the center of the underarm. Work in stockinette stitch, decreasing 2 stitches every 6th row (K2tog after marker, SSK before marker) until the sleeve measures 16 (16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from the underarm, or desired length. This creates a gently tapered, comfortable sleeve.

Step 4: Switch to US 6 needles and work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches.

Step 5: Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in all ends carefully with a tapestry needle, ensuring they are secure and invisible.

Step 2: Block the cardigan to shape. Gently stretch the cables to open them up and enhance their definition. This step is crucial for achieving the beautiful, drapey fabric shown in the photos.

Step 3: Sew on buttons if desired, or leave open for a shawl-collar effect. The deep V-neckline looks stunning either way.

Congratulations! You've created a stunning Aurora Lattice Cabled Cardigan that captures the magic of the northern lights in every stitch. This heirloom-quality piece will keep you cozy and stylish for years to come. Happy knitting!