The Lillian Flared Cardigan: A Beginner-Friendly Knitted Duster with Ribbed Flounce Sleeves

Embrace effortless elegance with this open-front duster cardigan, featuring a graceful A-line flare and delicate ribbed flounce sleeves. Knitted in a soft, breathable cotton blend, it drapes beautifully for a light layer that transitions from cool mornings to breezy evenings. This free pattern is designed with the beginner in mind, offering clear instructions and a forgiving, relaxed fit that looks stunning on every body type.

Whether you're looking for a chic layering piece for your spring wardrobe or a cozy yet sophisticated cover-up for summer nights, the Lillian cardigan delivers. The one-piece top-down construction means minimal seaming, and the flounce sleeves add a touch of romantic flair that elevates this from a simple duster to a statement piece. Let's dive into creating this beautiful, breezy cardigan together.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton blend yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend) – approx. 1200 (1350, 1500, 1650, 1800) yards. The sample uses a warm ivory with heathered beige flecks for a subtle, textured look.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer. The long cord is essential to accommodate the large number of stitches as you increase.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 8), stitch holders or waste yarn for sleeves, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a 5 mm crochet hook (optional, for the tie).
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS), after blocking. Always knit a swatch to ensure your gauge matches for the correct fit.

Sizes and Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Choose the size that best matches your bust measurement:

• Finished Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52) inches
• Length: 30 (31, 32, 33, 34) inches from shoulder to hem

The relaxed, open-front design means this is very forgiving, but selecting the right size will ensure the perfect drape and flare.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before starting:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (increase)
• Kfb: Knit into front and back of next stitch (increase)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

The Lillian cardigan is worked in one piece from the top down, starting at the back neck and shoulders, then dividing for the sleeves and body. The flounce sleeves are added after the body is complete. Use a long circular needle to accommodate the large number of stitches. The pattern uses a clever raglan increase that shapes the shoulders while keeping the center back straight for a clean drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Yoke

Cast On: CO 70 (74, 78, 82, 86) sts. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows (3 ridges). This creates a sturdy, non-rolling neckline edge.

Set Up Markers (RS): K10 (11, 12, 13, 14), PM, K15 (16, 17, 18, 19), PM, K20 (20, 20, 20, 20), PM, K15 (16, 17, 18, 19), PM, K10 (11, 12, 13, 14). You now have markers dividing the left front, left sleeve, back, right sleeve, and right front sections.

Begin Raglan Increases: The yoke is shaped with increases at each of the four raglan lines (before and after each marker). The center back is kept straight without decreases for a clean, modern look.

Row 1 (RS): K to 1 st before first marker, YO, K1, SM, K1, YO, K to 1 st before next marker, YO, K1, SM, K1, YO, K to 1 st before next marker, YO, K1, SM, K1, YO, K to 1 st before next marker, YO, K1, SM, K1, YO, K to end. (You have increased 8 stitches: 2 at each raglan line.)

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat these two rows, working the increases on every RS row. Continue until the yoke measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row. You will have increased 2 sts at each raglan every RS row – total sts now approx. 190 (210, 230, 250, 270).

Divide for Body and Sleeves

Next RS row: K to first marker, remove marker, place next 40 (45, 50, 55, 60) sts on a holder for left sleeve, CO 6 (6, 8, 8, 10) sts underarm, K to next marker (this is the back section – approx. 60 (65, 70, 75, 80) sts), remove marker, place next 40 (45, 50, 55, 60) sts on holder for right sleeve, CO 6 (6, 8, 8, 10) sts underarm, K to end.

You now have body sts: 132 (142, 156, 166, 180) sts on your needle. Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) until body measures 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) inches from underarm, ending with a WS row. This creates the smooth, elegant body of the duster.

Flare Increases for the A-Line Silhouette

Now we'll shape the graceful A-line flare that gives this cardigan its breezy, duster feel. We'll increase stitches every 4th row, gradually widening the fabric toward the hem.

Increase Row 1 (RS): *K6, Kfb (knit into front and back of next st)* repeat to end. This increases by about 1/7 of stitches.

Rows 2-4: Work even in stockinette (K on RS, P on WS).

Increase Row 2 (RS): *K7, Kfb* repeat to end.

Rows 6-8: Work even in stockinette.

Increase Row 3 (RS): *K8, Kfb* repeat to end.

Rows 10-12: Work even in stockinette.

Continue in this manner (increasing every 4th row, adding 1 stitch to the knit count before the Kfb) until you have increased a total of 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) times. End with a WS row.

Hem: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a neat, stable edge that won't curl. Bind off loosely on RS.

Sleeves (Make 2)

The flounce sleeves are the signature detail of this cardigan. They start as a fitted sleeve and then flare dramatically at the cuff with ribbed increases.

Set Up: Place sleeve sts from holder onto needles. Starting at the center of the underarm, pick up and knit 6 (6, 8, 8, 10) sts from the underarm CO, plus 1 st at each join to avoid holes – total approx. 48 (53, 60, 65, 72) sts. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

Sleeve Body: Work in stockinette in the round (knit every round) for 2 inches. This gives a comfortable fit around the upper arm.

Begin Flounce Increases:

Round 1: *K4, Kfb* repeat to end.

Rounds 2-4: Knit all stitches.

Round 5: *K5, Kfb* repeat to end.

Rounds 6-8: Knit all stitches.

Continue increasing every 4th round, adding 1 stitch to the knit count before Kfb, until you have increased 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) times. The sleeve will now have a beautiful, dramatic flare.

Cuff: Work in garter stitch in the round (knit 1 round, purl 1 round) for 4 rounds. This creates a delicate, scalloped edge that echoes the body hem. Bind off loosely. Repeat for second sleeve.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block to measurements, paying special attention to the flounce edges to open up the lace-like increases. Blocking will help the yarn relax and drape beautifully, enhancing the flounce effect.

Optional Crochet Tie

For a customizable fit, add a simple crochet chain tie at the waist:

With a 5 mm crochet hook, make a chain 40 inches long. Fasten off. Weave the tie through the waistline stitches at the sides, or use as a belt. This adds a lovely finishing touch and allows you to cinch the waist if desired.

Congratulations! You've completed your very own Lillian Flared Cardigan. This breezy, elegant duster is perfect for layering over everything from simple tees to summer dresses. The flounce sleeves and A-line silhouette create a flattering, sophisticated look that you'll reach for again and again. Happy knitting!