Haven Pocket Shawl Cardigan Knit Pattern

You can see the free pattern below, or you may choose to purchase the ad-free printable from Etsy HERE, or the kit from Lion Brand Yarn HERE, Mamas Maker Members grab your download HERE.

Today’s comfy cardigan was inspired by the beautiful pocket shawls that took the internet by storm over the last few months. They look so amazingly comfortable – like a hug with pockets. This knit cardigan version is similar in that it’s made with basic rectangular shapes and has a generous fit, with the cozy pockets at the front. It’s also SO easy to make. And if you like simple knit sweaters, I’ve been all about them this year. 🙂 You can also take a peek at my Coziest Cable Cardigan HERE or My Comfiest Knit Cardigan HERE.

I love using natural fibers whenever it makes sense, so it was awesome to use Comfy Cotton from Lion Brand for this project. Cotton blends are great because they create fabrics that are suitable for many different seasons and climates. It’s also soft and washes up really nicely as well, which is important to me when I use light colors like this Whipped Cream.

Doesn’t it sound nice to wrap yourself up in a comfy, pocketed sweater, sip your coffee and enjoy the holiday season? It’s been such a strange year, but there are small comforts that we can still find and be grateful for.

So how do we make this hug of a “pocket shawl sweater”?

Let’s hop to the pattern!

Remember that you can grab the ad-free, printable from Etsy HERE or see the free pattern below.

Description:

Squishy garter stitch meets comfy cotton to make a beautiful, pocket shawl inspired cardigan! Featuring simple rectangular construction and an oversized fit, it’s cute, trendy and cozy for year round wear. This is the ultimate, easy knit sweater as it’s made primarily with the knit stitch and doesn’t require any shaping.  With it’s wide sleeves and comfy pockets, it’s the perfect piece to throw over any outfit.

Skill Level:

Easy +

Materials:

US Size 10, 6.0 mm 36” Circular Knitting Needles (cardigan is knit flat)

(3,4) skeins Lion Brand Yarn Comfy Cotton in Whipped Cream 200 g/skein 

  Pattern uses approximately (580 g, 676 g)

Scissors

Tapestry Needle

Sizes (approximate):

S/M & L/XL

The generous fit allows cardigan to fit a variety of sizes

Please follow the key throughout the pattern according to the

size you are crocheting:

S/M (L/XL)

Bust Circumference:

50” (54”)

Width:

25” (27”)

Length:

25”(27”)

Sleeves Measurements:

Length:

8” (10”)

Width:

7” (8”)

Abbreviations & Skills:

k – knit

P – purl

st – stitch

sts – stitches

Gauge:

Approximately 16 sts & 24 rows in 4” x 4” of garter stitch

Notes: 

This shawl cardigan is knit flat and is made primarily with the garter stitch.  The front and back is knit in one piece which is then folded and seamed (see schematic at end of pattern).  You will begin by knitting the back of the cardigan from the bottom up and then will split the stitches to work the two front panels.  The sleeves are also knit flat, folded and seamed.  Pockets are knit as flat rectangles that are sewn onto the cardigan.  Ribbing is worked on edges, so you should be comfortable with knit and purl stitches.  You may make the cardigan longer or shorter by knitting for more or fewer rows on the front and back panels.  Keep yarn needs in mind if adjusting the length or size of the cardigan.

Haven Pocket Shawl Cardigan Knitting Pattern Instructions

Cast on 100 (108) sts

Ribbed Edge – Back Panel of Body

Row 1 *k4, p4, repeat from * across the row, ending with k4 100 (108) sts

Row 2 *p4, k4, repeat from * across the row, ending with p4 100 (108) sts

Rows 3 Repeat row 1

Row 4 Repeat row 2

Row 5 Repeat row 1

Garter Stitch Back Panel of Body

Row 6 Knit each st across the row 100 (108) sts

Repeat row 6 until piece measures approximately 25” (27”) long

(Note that the back panel is slightly shorter than the front panels. This allows space for the neck.)

Next, continue knitting the first 50 (54) stitches to create one of the front panels.  Hold the other 50 (54) stitches on an alternate needle or length of yarn (these stitches will be the start of the second panel which will be knit later).

Starting from the center of the sweater, you will create the collar with a simple 1×1 rib stitch and then continue knitting the garter stitch for the main body.

Front Panel

Starting from the center of the piece and working outward

Row 1 *k1, p1; repeat from * 3 more times for a total of 8 sts of 1×1 ribbing. (This is the collar on the front)  Next, knit each stitch across the row. 50 (54)

Row 2 Knit each stitch across to the last 8 sts, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end of row, working the 1 x 1 rib. 50 (54)

Repeat rows 1 & 2 until front panel is approximately 28” (30”) long, ending with row 2.

Front Panel Bottom Ribbed Edging

Follow directions below for the size you are making. 

Size S/M

Row 1 *k1, p1; repeat from * 3 more times for a total of 8 sts (1×1 rib for collar). Next *k4, p4; repeat from * across the row working a 4×4 rib to last 2 sts, knit the last 2 sts.

Row 2 p2, *k4, p4; repeat from * across the row working a 4×4 rib to the last 8 sts, work 1 x 1 rib stitch over last 8 sts.

Row 3 Repeat row 1

Row 4 Repeat row 2

Row 5 Repeat row 1

Cast off and weave in ends.

Size L/XL

Row 1 *k1, p1; repeat from * 3 more times for a total of 8 sts (1×1 rib for collar). Next *k4, p4; repeat from * across the row working 4×4 rib to last 6 sts; k4, p2 over the last 6 sts.

Row 2 k2, *p4, k4; repeat from * across the row working 4×4

rib to the last 8 sts, work 1 x 1 rib stitch over last 8 sts.

Row 3 Repeat row 1

Row 4 Repeat row 2

Row 5 Repeat row 1

Cast off and weave in ends.

Next, pick up the stitches which are held on the length

of yarn or alternate knitting needles. Working from the center

outward, repeat Front Panel instructions to make the

second front panel.

Sleeves (make 2):

Cast on  48 (56)

Knit each st across the row until piece measures approximately 6.5” (8.5”) long or desired length

Next, you’ll work a 4 x 4 rib to finish.

Row 1 *k4, p4; repeat across the row

Repeat row 1 for approximately 6 rows, working a 4×4 rib. Cast off and weave in ends.

Pockets:

CO 24(28) sts

Row 1 Knit each st across the row

Repeat row 1 until piece measures approximately 6”(7”)

Next, work 2 x 2 ribbing for 1”.

Cast off and weave in ends.

Block pockets to shape and size as desired before sewing onto cardigan.

Assembly:

Sleeves

Fold sleeves and seam lengthwise with a simple whip stitch or preferred

seaming method.

Body

Fold Front Panels downward and line up the bottom of the Front Panels to the bottom Back

Panel.

Seam up each side, leaving openings for the sleeves. Sew sleeves to each opening with a simple whip stitch or your preferred seaming method.

Pockets

Sew pockets with a whip stitch onto lower portion of front panels.

Block cardigan to shape and size as desired.

Enjoy your comfy cardigan!

Schematic (Body before assembly):

Above: To assemble, you’ll fold the two skinny panels (aka front panels) down over the large back panel. Seam up each side leaving openings for the arms. Add the sleeves and pockets – done!

Pretty simple, right?

I hope that you enjoyed it. As always, I’d love to hear if you make one! Feel free to tag me on Instagram @mamainastitch #mamainastitch!

Wishing you all the best as we move through the holiday season.

XO,

Jessica

Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own.