Breckenridge Knit Topper Cardigan Pattern
Inspired by the ever popular Telluride Knit Kimono, today’s free knitting pattern is for a collared shawl style cardigan. It’s easy to knit and is a perfect go-to piece for spring and summer alike. Throw it over a graphic t-shirt, a tank or even a sundress. With beginner stitches, worsted weight yarn, and a pair of knitting needles, you can make this and wear it all year long. Find the free pattern below, the printable ad-free version on Etsy (here) or the full kit from Lion Brand in several pretty color options (HERE)!
Ever since sharing the Telluride Knit Kimono many of you have asked for a lighter version, so I’m pleased to finally have one! This Breckenridge Topper (I had to keep the theme of a Colorado Mountain town name going!) is made with a soft cotton and the drape and fit is so comfy. As I mentioned earlier, you can wear it over a graphic t-shirt, a tank or even with a sundress. It’s super versatile and really soft. The pattern’s written for up to a 3XL, so more of you can make it! YAY!
Just like the Telluride Kimono, this Topper is made with two basic rectangles that are seamed at the back and sides. Using larger needles than what’s called for on the yarn label gives this cardigan a light and airy feel. It’s easy to roll it up or fold it for packing or taking it along on your day out.
This isn’t the first time that I’ve chosen to use this Comfy Cotton from Lion Brand for a project. I loved using it for my Garter & Eyelets Top (here) as well as the Wanderers Wrap (here). I find it to be soft, durable, and I love that it has a natural fiber (cotton) as these pieces are worn so close to the skin in summer months.
You know me and my obsession with cream colored yarns. Lol! What color would you make yours?
Let’s hop to this pattern!
Just a reminder that you can find the printable, advertisement-free pattern available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Or see the free pattern below!
Pattern Description: A comfy fit and airy, cotton fabric makes this wide sleeved cardigan your go-to spring and summer piece. Wear it over a tank or graphic tee all season long. Super simple to knit and cool to wear.
Skill Level:
Easy +
Materials:
US Size 11 8.0 mm 29” circular knitting needles
Pattern uses approximately 405 g (449 g, 498 g, 552 g, 611 g, 678 g)
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
Sizes/Dimensions (approximate):
Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X
Please follow the key throughout the pattern according to the size you are knitting:
S (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X)
Bust Circumference (approximate):
S – 68”
M – 72”
L – 76”
XL – 80”
2X – 84”
3X – 88”
Length (approximate):
S – 20”
M – 21”
L – 22”
XL – 23”
2X – 24”
3X – 25”
Abbreviations & Skills:
k – knit
p – purl
Gauge:
Approximately 14 ¾ stitches and 16 rows in 4” x 4” of stockinette stitch
Notes:
This topper is made by knitting two rectangular panels that are folded and seamed up the back and sides. Circular needles are used in order to hold all of the stitches comfortably on the needles. Note that the panels are knit flat. If you would like to add length to your piece, simply knit more rows on each panel. Feel free to try the panels on before seaming in order to check if you’re happy with the length. Keep yarn needs in mind.
BRECKENRIDGE KNIT TOPPER PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 64 (68, 72, 76, 80, 82)
*stitch count remains the same throughout the pattern
Ribbed Edging
Row 1 *K2, p2; repeat from * across the row
Repeat row 1, working a 2 x 2 rib pattern across each row until piece measures 2”
Next, move onto the Main Body Section
Main Body Section
Row 1 Knit each st across the row 64 (68, 72, 76, 80, 82)
Row 2 K8, p48 (52, 56, 60, 64, 66), k8
Repeat rows 1 & 2 in the Main Body Section until entire piece measures approximately 40” (42”, 44”, 46”, 48”, 50”) in length
FINAL Ribbed Edging
Row 1 *K2, p2; repeat from * across the row
Repeat row 1, working a 2 x 2 rib pattern across each row for 2”
Cast off and weave in ends.
Repeat above pattern to make second panel.
Block to shape and size as desired.
Assembly:
Place panels side by side with wrong sides facing up. With a length of yarn and your tapestry needle, whip stitch seam (or use your preferred seaming method) from the bottom of the pieces upward until you reach the center of the panels. Tie off and weave in ends. Fold upper portion of panels down. Seam up the sides of each panel with whip stitch seam or preferred method approximately 7 ½ ” inches on each side. Tie off and weave in ends.
Panel Measurements:
Approximately 17” (18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”) wide and 42” (44”, 46”, 48”, 50”, 52”)
That’s all there is to it! Two rectangles, fold, sew, wear. Boom!
I hope you like this pattern and I’d love to know if you make one! Feel free to share on Facebook or Instagram, just tag me @MamaInAStitch.
Stay safe and well my friends.
XO,
Jessica
Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own. 🙂
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Jessica, you are such cool girl 🙂 I remember the days when I was your size. 🙂
Haha! Thanks Maria!!
I guess I am a dolt, but, I’m not understanding the bust circumference. How much positive ease is allowed?
It’s oversized for sure with a lot of positive ease. I’m wearing the small and am 100lbs and 5’5″.
I am assuming that we are to repeat the 2 inches of 2 x 2 ribbing at the end of the panels also. I dont see that in this pattern. Am I correct, or in error? Please advise.
Last instruction before assembly says quite clearly, “Final ribbed edging”
I love your patterns!! I’m going to make this, I just love it. I’m on the larger end of your sizes so I’m very happy you include a lot of different sizes. I’m not sure I read the needle size. Was it an 11 circular needle 29 inch length? Thank you. Hugs, Sandi
Yes, that is exactly what it is, 8 mm for those of us not in the USA.
Is there a pattern for CROCHETING this or something similar??? I have looked everywhere…
Look at her Vail Topper. Very cute and similar style in crochet.
Thanks for another beautiful pattern, Jessica!
Not only is Jessica creative she has such a positive attitude which encourages people to knit…from Canada we love her
Ahhhh thanks for making my day, Dawn!
Love this cardigan! Would cotton 24/7 work with this pattern? That’s what I have in my stash!
Any sport or worsted weight will work in my opinion!
I would love to make this in a wool or wool blend. Any recommendations?
I LOVE Wool Ease by Lion Brand for a quality yet affordable wool option. 🙂
I love the simplicity of this topper. It definitely would be a very useful addition to any wardrobe. My problem is I do not know how to knit. Crochet is my thing. Is there a crocheted version of this pattern?
Hi. How do I modify the pattern with a) lace weight yarn and b) dk? Thanks!
I am terrible at finish sewing. I was thinking I could knit both panels together and then add another skein of yarn where I want it to split.
You certainly can!
Trying to figure what size I should make. I wear a 1X normally. Thanks.
Love this pattern. Thank you so very much.
Hi Jessica, thanks for this pattern. It was well timed. I’m using it to teach my daughter to knit. I couldn’t find the yarn on short notice, so I’m using a different self-striping
cotton blend with a shimmer. It’s going to be so pretty. And since it’s so open it won’t be as noticeable if she twists a few stitches. 🙂
Hi Jessica, very timely as we here in New Zealand go into 4 week total lockdown with the Covid virus. Thanks so much – delighted to have found your site
I have a stash as most of us do however I need to know what ply this is to start with to get even close to the correct sizing.. Could you help please? I will have to convert it to wool as I have no cotton yarn either
Kindest
Marsha
It looks like 8ply (DK), aye Marsha? That is what I will work on anyway with Wool Co Natural Charcoal (Utiku) and use 6mm straight needles (do not have circular)..
Hi Could I use a 4.5 mm needle
Pat Buirski
I Purchased the kit from Lion Brand, and it waits for me finish a current project— today, I hope! this looks lovely, and I am excited to get started. Excellent knitting for the current stay-at-home directives, and binge watching .
I also love the comfy feel of a lightweight sweater!
Thank you
So thrilled you like it, Erica! Let me know if you have any questions as you make it!
WOW This is such a cute design. Thanks for sharing this pattern. I found it via the Hookin For Hump Day site. Love it.
Hookin On Hump Day lol. sorry.
Hello! I’m so looking forward to making this sweater. If I want to make it longer do I cast on more stitches?
I also have some different yarn I was given (Berroco Linsey cotton/linen yarn). I’m hoping I will be able to use it for this project.
To make it longer, just knit for more rows. 🙂
I cast on for this last week! It’s going well. The yarn is nice. Slippery .
Looking forward to getting this done soon, for the cool nights here in CO!
Hello gonna knit this too.. decided to introduce a 4st 1 row repeatable lace pattern in place of stocking st just for added interest I’m using a Malabrigo silky merino in a aqua green exciting !
Thank you Erika
Love light & stay safe
Rose
How gorgeous, Rose!!
I’ve recently become a Mama’s Maker, but am confused. How do you print out the patterns when you find them? I’ve looked under Free Knitting Patterns, but they are still full of ads. I thought they were ad-free with the membership? What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for any help you can give me. I really like your patterns!
Hi Sue! Sorry for the confusion! You can access this pattern and all the printable patterns when you log into the Maker Library. You received a link when you signed up to get in. I will send you an email as well right now to be sure you access your patterns!
Thanks from Toronto, Canada for this pattern. Just started this in LB Comfy Cotton in “Chai Latte” color and it is looking good. First time using cotton, it is a little slippery so you have to hold it firmly. Also it is knitting loose, so I had to use needles size 6.5 mm instead of 8 mm to get the correct gauge. The pattern is nice and easy, and the repetitiveness is so calming. Trying to get my sister to try this pattern; she has never knit anything big, but this will be a great start!!
Love your site!
To follow up, I have just finished this sweater, and to anyone who is wondering about making it, I would encourage them to do so. It was not difficult at all, and it has such an easy loose fit. I have made many sweaters in the past that either did not fit or looked weird when done. Not the case here. Feels elegant!! Thanks so much Jessica for the pattern.
Can’t wait to make this! My cotton yarn is medium weight and calls for size 10 needles. How should I adjust? Thank you for all the fabulous patterns and the excellent blog
Jessica – I want to attempt the knit version of the Breckenridge Topper,(I’m a beginner), but am a little confused as to some of the measurements on the pattern. Especially the Bust circumference. The small size is 68″ according to the patteren I pulled of your site. My circumference is 38-40, so does that mean I can knit a small? Your input will be greatly appreciated. BTW – I purchased 4 skeins of Lion Comfy Cotton in Chai Latte just in case.
Regards,
JoAnn Farmen