Brith Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Wave lapping calmly on the beach
Pebbles worn smooth along the coast
The beauty of windswept sand dunes

These are some of the images that inspired this cozy cardigan design. When planning for this pattern began, I knew I wanted to use brioche for a couple of reasons. First, the plump texture traps warmth close to the body for a fabric that will keep you warm all day long. Second, I love the way brioche fabric can be textural and graphic at the same time. The wave motif worked sideways along the hem and echoed down each sleeve was a fun challenge to design, and I wanted a graphic element that captured the beauty of a windswept coastline. This is a sweater that is fun to knit and will keep you warm and cozy all winter long.

Construction
The Brith cardigan is an open-front raglan brioche cardigan worked seamlessly from the top down. After casting-on around the back of the neck, raglan increases are worked simultaneously with v-neck increases to shape the yoke and v-neck opening of the sweater. The body includes optional A-line shaping and a wave hem that is worked sideways starting from the center back around to the front on either side. The sleeves are worked without sleeve decreases for a slightly gathered look around the cuff and finished with a tubular bind-off. Once the body is complete, stitches are picked up along the front and neck opening to knit a generous shawl collar, which is finished with an i-cord bind-off. Finally, the hem is also finished with an applied i-cord.

Sizes 

1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9

Finished Measurements 

Bust Circumference - 38, 42, 46 (50, 54, 58) 62, 66, 70 in (95, 103, 115 (125, 135, 145) 155, 165, 175 cm)
Yoke depth - 8, 8.5, 9 (9.5, 10, 10.5) 11, 11.5, 12 in (20, 21, 22.5 (24, 25, 27) 27, 29, 30 cm)
Upper Arm - 12.5, 14, 16 (16, 17.5, 19) 21, 23, 24 in (31, 34, 40 (41, 44, 47) 53, 56, 59 cm)

Recommended Ease

5-7in (12-18cm) positive ease at bust

Gauge 

16 sts x 34 rows = 4in (10cm) in brioche rib, worked flat

Yarn Requirements 

Sample used 

Red Stag Fibre - Estate DK
100% SW Merino (231yds/211m - 100g) Color A (light color) - Aberdeenshire - 4 skeins
Color B (dark color) - Dun Eideann - 3 skeins

To substitute, use
DK or light worsted weight yarn
Color A - 914, 1024, 1165 (1237, 1390, 1514) 1652, 1865, 1968 yds
Color B - 683, 793, 1396 (1006, 1160, 1282) 1421, 1634, 1737 yds

(Note: I try to always make my yardage suggestions generous, but you may need more than the suggested yardage if you choose certain modifications like extra length in the body and/or sleeves.)

Needles

US 5 (3.75mm) 16” and 36” circular needles
US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs

or 
size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

12 stitch markers
tapestry needle
blocking supplies

For questions or pattern support, email refractedlightknits@gmail.com

Disclaimer: in an attempt to be size inclusive, I have graded the pattern for people with a bust measurement up to 64in/162cm (potentially larger if worn with less than the suggested positive ease). However, I could not find people to test some of the larger sizes, so sizes 7-9 have not been test knit. If you are interested in testing one of these sizes for me, feel free to get in touch, and I would be happy to discuss testing details with you, including a free copy of the pattern.

Copyright December 2022, all rights reserved.