Novita Merino DK: Huoleton (Carefree) cardigan
Knitted from Novita Merino DK, this textured cardigan features a number of intriguing details, but it’s still simple enough for a minimalist wardrobe as well. The relaxed cardigan is easy to wear over any outfit.
Size(s)
XS(S)M(L)XL/XXL(3XL)
Yarn demand
Novita Merino DK (006) Semolina Porridge 500(550)600(650)700(750) g
Needles and other supplies
Circular needles (80 cm / 32 in) Novita 4 mm (UK 8 / US 6) and 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) or sizes needed to obtain gauge Other supplies 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttons
Designer
Lea Petäjä
Finished dimensions
body circumference 94(102)110(118)130(142) cm / 37(40¼)43¼(46½)51¼(56) in
length 50(52)54(56)59(62) cm / 19¾(20½)21¼(22)23¼(24½) in
inner sleeve length 46(47)48(48)49(49) cm / 18(18½)19(19)19¼(19¼) in
Stitch patterns Ribbing: *k1, p1*, repeat *–* until 1 st remains, k1. On the wrong side rows
Back
Using the smaller needles, cast on 105(113)121(129)145(157) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 25(27)29(31)35(38) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, bind off 1x4(4)4(8)8(8) sts at both ends for the armholes = 97(105)113(113)129(141) sts. Decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) work 2 sts, skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass the slipped st over), work to last 4 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decreases and repeat the decreases as established on every other row 3 more times = 89(97)105(105)121(133) sts.
When the armhole measures 17(18)19(20)21(22) cm, bind off the middle 39(39)39(39)41(41) sts for the neckline. Work one side at a time. Bind off 1x3 sts at the neckline edge.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Work the other side in the same manner.
Left front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 2 sts at left, work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 2 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the left end: (RS) work to last 5 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease and repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the right end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Right front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st, work 1 st at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begin decreases and increases: work 18(22)22(26)30(34) sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, k2tog, place 2nd marker, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the right end: on a RS row work 2 sts, skp, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease. Repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the left end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Sew the shoulder seams.
The right sleeve is knitted from armhole to cuff (see pattern for direction of knitting).
Using the larger needles and with RS facing, pick up and knit 39(41)43(45)47(49) sts on both sides of the shoulder (the red line in the pattern) and 1 st from the shoulder = 79(83)87(91)95(99) sts.
Begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart II: (WS) work the 4 sts at left, repeat the 4 st pattern 18(19)20(21)22(23) times, work the 3 sts at right. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 9 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work to last 20 sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Left sleeve
Pick up sts from the armhole and begin textured pattern as established.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 20 sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work to last 11 sts, place 2nd marker, k2tog, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Buttonband
Using the smaller needles pick up and knit sts starting at the bottom edge of the right front. Pick up 21 sts per 10 cm along the right front, back neckline and left front. Make sure the number of sts is divisible by 2 + 1 st. Begin ribbing: (WS) p2, k1, *p1, k1*, repeat *–*, p2.
When the border measures 1,5 cm, place markers for 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttonholes, the topmost one at the bottom edge of the slanted neckline, the bottom one at the midpoint of the ribbed hem and the rest evenly in between. On the next row, at each buttonhole work 2 sts together, yarn over, work 2 sts together. On the next row work the yarn over twice following the rib pattern.
When the buttonband measures 3,5 cm, loosely bind off in pattern.
Finishing
Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
Steam lightly.
Finished dimensions
body circumference 94(102)110(118)130(142) cm / 37(40¼)43¼(46½)51¼(56) in
length 50(52)54(56)59(62) cm / 19¾(20½)21¼(22)23¼(24½) in
inner sleeve length 46(47)48(48)49(49) cm / 18(18½)19(19)19¼(19¼) in
Stitch patterns Ribbing: *k1, p1*, repeat *–* until 1 st remains, k1. On the wrong side rows
Back
Using the smaller needles, cast on 105(113)121(129)145(157) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 25(27)29(31)35(38) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, bind off 1x4(4)4(8)8(8) sts at both ends for the armholes = 97(105)113(113)129(141) sts. Decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) work 2 sts, skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass the slipped st over), work to last 4 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decreases and repeat the decreases as established on every other row 3 more times = 89(97)105(105)121(133) sts.
When the armhole measures 17(18)19(20)21(22) cm, bind off the middle 39(39)39(39)41(41) sts for the neckline. Work one side at a time. Bind off 1x3 sts at the neckline edge.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Work the other side in the same manner.
Left front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 2 sts at left, work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 2 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the left end: (RS) work to last 5 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease and repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the right end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Right front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st, work 1 st at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begin decreases and increases: work 18(22)22(26)30(34) sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, k2tog, place 2nd marker, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the right end: on a RS row work 2 sts, skp, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease. Repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the left end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Sew the shoulder seams.
The right sleeve is knitted from armhole to cuff (see pattern for direction of knitting).
Using the larger needles and with RS facing, pick up and knit 39(41)43(45)47(49) sts on both sides of the shoulder (the red line in the pattern) and 1 st from the shoulder = 79(83)87(91)95(99) sts.
Begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart II: (WS) work the 4 sts at left, repeat the 4 st pattern 18(19)20(21)22(23) times, work the 3 sts at right. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 9 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work to last 20 sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Left sleeve
Pick up sts from the armhole and begin textured pattern as established.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 20 sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work to last 11 sts, place 2nd marker, k2tog, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Buttonband
Using the smaller needles pick up and knit sts starting at the bottom edge of the right front. Pick up 21 sts per 10 cm along the right front, back neckline and left front. Make sure the number of sts is divisible by 2 + 1 st. Begin ribbing: (WS) p2, k1, *p1, k1*, repeat *–*, p2.
When the border measures 1,5 cm, place markers for 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttonholes, the topmost one at the bottom edge of the slanted neckline, the bottom one at the midpoint of the ribbed hem and the rest evenly in between. On the next row, at each buttonhole work 2 sts together, yarn over, work 2 sts together. On the next row work the yarn over twice following the rib pattern.
When the buttonband measures 3,5 cm, loosely bind off in pattern.
Finishing
Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
Steam lightly.
Finished dimensions
body circumference 94(102)110(118)130(142) cm / 37(40¼)43¼(46½)51¼(56) in
length 50(52)54(56)59(62) cm / 19¾(20½)21¼(22)23¼(24½) in
inner sleeve length 46(47)48(48)49(49) cm / 18(18½)19(19)19¼(19¼) in
Stitch patterns Ribbing: *k1, p1*, repeat *–* until 1 st remains, k1. On the wrong side rows
Back
Using the smaller needles, cast on 105(113)121(129)145(157) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 25(27)29(31)35(38) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, bind off 1x4(4)4(8)8(8) sts at both ends for the armholes = 97(105)113(113)129(141) sts. Decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) work 2 sts, skp (slip 1 knitwise, k1, pass the slipped st over), work to last 4 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decreases and repeat the decreases as established on every other row 3 more times = 89(97)105(105)121(133) sts.
When the armhole measures 17(18)19(20)21(22) cm, bind off the middle 39(39)39(39)41(41) sts for the neckline. Work one side at a time. Bind off 1x3 sts at the neckline edge.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Work the other side in the same manner.
Left front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work the 2 sts at right, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 2 sts at left, work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 2 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the left end: (RS) work to last 5 sts, k2tog, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease and repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the right end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Right front
Using the smaller needles, cast on 50(54)58(62)70(74) sts and begin ribbing on the WS with p1. Work ribbing for 2,5 cm.
Switch to the larger needles and begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart I: work 2 sts in reverse stockinette st, work 1 st at the right end of the chart, repeat the 4 st pattern 11(12)13(14)16(17) times, work the 3 sts at left. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 7 cm, on the next RS row begin decreases and increases: work 18(22)22(26)30(34) sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work 28(28)32(32)36(36) sts, k2tog, place 2nd marker, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)26(26) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 23(24)25(26)28(30) cm, begin neckline decreases at the right end: on a RS row work 2 sts, skp, work to end. Work stockinette st at the decrease. Repeat the decrease on every other row 4(3)2(0)1(0) more times and then 15(16)17(19)19(18) times on every 4th row.
When the piece measures 31(32)33(34)36(38) cm, work the armhole decreases at the left end as established in the back piece.
When the armhole measures 19(20)21(22)23(24) cm, bind off the 22(26)30(30)37(43) shoulder sts.
Sew the shoulder seams.
The right sleeve is knitted from armhole to cuff (see pattern for direction of knitting).
Using the larger needles and with RS facing, pick up and knit 39(41)43(45)47(49) sts on both sides of the shoulder (the red line in the pattern) and 1 st from the shoulder = 79(83)87(91)95(99) sts.
Begin the textured pattern on row 1 of chart II: (WS) work the 4 sts at left, repeat the 4 st pattern 18(19)20(21)22(23) times, work the 3 sts at right. Work row 2 of the chart, then keep repeating rows 1–2.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 9 sts,place 1st marker, skp, work to last 20 sts, place 2nd marker, yarn over, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, slip marker, skp, work to 2nd marker, slip marker, yarn over, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Left sleeve
Pick up sts from the armhole and begin textured pattern as established.
When the piece measures 17(18)19(19)20(20) cm, on the next RS row begindecreases and increases: work 20 sts, yarn over, place 1st marker, work to last 11 sts, place 2nd marker, k2tog, work to end. WS: work the increased st following the textured pattern and work stockinette st at the decrease. *RS: work to 1st marker, yarn over, slip marker, work to last 2 sts before 2nd marker, k2tog, slip marker, work to end. Repeat the decreases and increases on every other row 18(18)22(22)22(22) more times.
Note: When the piece measures 19(20)21(21)22(22) cm, decrease 1 st at both ends: (RS) k1, skp, work to last 2 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat the decreases after 5 cm.
When the piece measures 32(33)36(36)32(32) cm, on the next RS row begin decreases at both ends: work 11 sts, skp, work to last 13 sts, k2tog, work to end. Repeat the decreases on every other row 11(11)11(11)15(15) more times = 51(55)59(63)59(63) sts.
Work ribbing for 5 cm, then bind off in pattern.
Buttonband
Using the smaller needles pick up and knit sts starting at the bottom edge of the right front. Pick up 21 sts per 10 cm along the right front, back neckline and left front. Make sure the number of sts is divisible by 2 + 1 st. Begin ribbing: (WS) p2, k1, *p1, k1*, repeat *–*, p2.
When the border measures 1,5 cm, place markers for 3(3)3(4)4(4) buttonholes, the topmost one at the bottom edge of the slanted neckline, the bottom one at the midpoint of the ribbed hem and the rest evenly in between. On the next row, at each buttonhole work 2 sts together, yarn over, work 2 sts together. On the next row work the yarn over twice following the rib pattern.
When the buttonband measures 3,5 cm, loosely bind off in pattern.
Finishing
Sew the side seams and sleeve seams.
Steam lightly.
