Ofra Cardigan in Adriafil Olimpo - Downloadable PDF

Ofra Cardigan Knitting Pattern in Adriafil Olimpo – Free Downloadable PDF

The Ofra Cardigan is a beautifully structured, oversized-style cardigan knitting pattern published by Adriafil (design reference DR n° 55). This free downloadable PDF pattern guides knitters through constructing a cosy, textured cardigan worked in the luxurious Adriafil Olimpo super chunky yarn in anthracite (shade 47). The design is available in three sizes — Small, Medium, and Large — making it accessible to a wide range of knitters. The combination of classic ribbing, smooth stocking stitch, and tactile moss stitch creates a garment with real visual interest and a satisfying knit-up thanks to the super chunky weight.

About the Yarn and Materials

This pattern is specifically designed for Adriafil Olimpo, a super chunky weight yarn from the Italian yarn brand Adriafil, based in Rimini, Italy. The recommended colourway is anthracite (47), a sophisticated dark grey tone that gives the Ofra Cardigan a versatile, contemporary feel. The quantity required is:

• Small: 10 balls of Adriafil Olimpo
• Medium: 11 balls of Adriafil Olimpo
• Large: 12 balls of Adriafil Olimpo

The needles required are size 10 straight needles as well as size 10 circular needles, which are used at various stages of the construction. As with all patterns, knitters are advised to check their tension carefully and switch needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension for this pattern is 7 stitches and 10 rows in stocking stitch = 10 cm × 10 cm. Because this is a super chunky yarn, even small differences in tension can significantly affect the finished dimensions of the cardigan, so swatching before beginning is strongly recommended.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Ofra Cardigan makes use of three distinct stitch patterns, each contributing a different texture and structural purpose to the finished garment:

• 2x2 Ribbing: Worked by alternating knit 2 and purl 2 stitches across the row. This classic rib stitch is used for the lower welts and cuffs, providing elasticity and a neat, professional finish at the edges of the garment.
• Stocking Stitch: The main body fabric of the cardigan is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, classic surface that shows off the texture of the Adriafil Olimpo yarn beautifully.
• Moss Stitch: A key design feature of the Ofra Cardigan, moss stitch is introduced in the upper body section. It is worked by alternating knit 1 and purl 1 on the first row, then on all subsequent rows knitting into purl stitches and purling into knit stitches. This creates a dense, pebbly texture that adds visual contrast against the smooth stocking stitch lower body.

Construction and Pattern Details

The Back of the cardigan begins with a cast-on of 38–38–42 stitches (depending on size) and is worked for 12 cm in 2x2 Ribbing. At the end of the ribbing section, stitches are evenly increased or decreased on the final wrong-side row to transition to the working stitch count of 36–40–42 stitches for the stocking stitch body. Shaping is introduced through decreases of 1 stitch at both edges, worked twice, every 12 rows, giving the back a subtle waist shaping.

At 40 cm of total length, the pattern transitions from stocking stitch to moss stitch for the upper body. At this transition point, stitches are increased evenly in the first row to achieve a count of 58–62–64 stitches, which accommodates the denser nature of the moss stitch fabric and creates the characteristic relaxed, draped silhouette of the