The strikingly artistic Cocoon Cardigan pattern by Ainur Berkimbayeva is an architectural marvel, both to knit and to wear. Its corrugated stitch pattern beautifully articulates the sweater’s shaping, while our highly structured 100% merino wool Knitting Yarn adds even more lush dimension… Stunning!

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

A surprising and creative way to knit a sweater (what else would you expect from the wildly inventive Ainur?), you knit the Cocoon Cardigan sideways in two pieces, then join them at the spine with a 3 Needle Bind Off… No sewing!

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

You start each piece at the cuff and knit in the round, working increases to create each funnel-shaped dolman sleeve. Short rows shape the back of the neck and the bottom edge, and a picked-up edging makes a tidy finish.

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

Such an unfussy shape with such a big impact, this cardigan is oversized enough to envelop you and whatever else you’re wearing in a dramatic cocoon of warmth!

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

The allover Reverse Rib stitch pattern is just two rows of knitting alternating with two rows of purling, like deeper, bolder garter stitch ridges. Knitting Yarn’s cushiony 4-ply structure makes those ridges super defined… Lots of satisfying knitting awaits you!

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

A favorite yarn for knitting just about everything, Knitting Yarn has a wonderfully springy feeling on the needles and creates a smooth fabric with lots of stitch definition and a pleasant toothiness that you will love. This light worsted/DK-weight yarn knits up quickly without being bulky, and it comes in ready-to-knit balls so you can cast on right away.

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

Pick from 37 amazing heathered colors, including 13 new beauties. We chose mesmerizing Distant River and vibrant Sour Citron (one of the new ones!) to knit Ainur’s captivating Cocoon Cardigan… You’ll reach for it every time you want a warm hug and a dose of stunning beauty!

Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

Designed for Purl Soho by Ainur Berkimbayeva. Ainur sees the unique constraints of knitting as opportunities rather than limitations. Using her remarkable ingenuity and love of geometry, she designs beautiful and adventurous pieces for knitters who share her enthusiasm for shape, texture, and adventure!

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCocoonCardigan, and #PurlSohoKnittingYarn. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho
  • 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) (9, 10, 10, 11) balls of Purl Soho’s Knitting Yarn, 100% merino wool yarn. Each ball of this light worsted/dk-weight yarn is 219 yards/ 100 grams. Approximately 1220 (1430, 1575, 1690, 1795) (1965, 2075, 2160, 2350) total yards required. We used the colors Sour Citron and Distant River.
  • A set of US 7 (4.5 mm) double pointed needles
  • US 7, 16-inch circular knitting needles
  • US 7, 32-inch circular needles
  • Spare US 7, 32-inch circular needles
  • Stitch markers, including one unique
  • Stitch holders or scrap yarn
  • Cocoon Cardigan PDF

GAUGE

17 stitches and 33 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern (see Special Instructions)

SIZES

NOTE: For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!

32¼ (35¼, 36, 37, 38) (40, 42, 43, 44¾)

To fit actual chest circumference of approximately 30–34 (34–38, 38–42, 42–46, 46–50) (50–54, 54–58, 58–62, 62–66) inches

  • Finished Width from Wrist to Wrist: 32¼ (35¼, 36, 37, 38) (40, 42, 43, 44¾) inches
  • Finished Length from Shoulder to Hem: 26½ (28¾, 30¼, 30¾, 32¼) (33¾, 35, 35¾, 37¼) inches

Sample: The cardigan shown here is size 35¼, worn by a person with a 34-inch chest.

PATTERN

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

The Cocoon Cardigan is available as a PDF download only.

Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho
Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Cocoon Cardigan | Purl Soho

Learn About Knitting Yarn + All Our Beautiful Yarns

A true classic loved by knitters and crocheters alike, Knitting Yarn brings its crisp stitch definition, soft strength, and cushiony feel to this project! Made with 100% New Zealand merino wool, Knitting Yarn is a light worsted/DK-weight yarn in a ready-to-knit ball you’ll love to knit from. Simple stitches, dimensional textures, beautifully articulated cables, and glorious colorwork… Everything looks amazing in Knitting Yarn! Making something big, like a blanket or sweater? Shop our 1000-gram Knitting Yarn On A Cone collection, too!

More Free Knitting Patterns

More Light Worsted/DK-Weight Yarns

More Yarns With Similar Fiber

Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!