Breezy Striped Cardigan - Free Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK and Metallic DK - Downloadable PDF

Breezy Striped Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The Breezy Striped Cardigan is a stylish, relaxed-fit women's cardigan featuring bold horizontal stripes worked in a combination of Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK and Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK. This free downloadable PDF pattern from Paintbox Yarns is suitable for knitters at an intermediate level and produces a flattering, lightweight layering piece ideal for warmer seasons. The finished cardigan has a clean, contemporary look thanks to its stripe sequence, subtle metallic shimmer, and classic open-front silhouette.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written to fit bust measurements of 81, 86, 91, 97, and 102 cm (32–40 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 62.5 to 73 cm across the chest, giving a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The finished length to shoulder ranges from 73.5 to 76 cm, and the sleeve seam measures between 29.5 and 31.5 cm depending on the size chosen. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes given in square brackets, making it straightforward to follow for your chosen fit.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's open-front striped cardigan with set-in or seamed construction. The garment features a body worked in horizontal stripes using four colours, with sleeves that coordinate with the stripe sequence. The combination of a matte cotton yarn and a metallic yarn creates visual texture and a touch of glamour within a simple, wearable design.

Construction Techniques

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the lower edge upward, which allows knitters to easily adjust length before reaching the armhole shaping.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat, back and forth in rows, making this an accessible project for those who prefer straight or circular needle knitting without working in the round.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — are sewn together using a large-eyed needle, creating a structured, professionally finished garment with clean seam lines.
• Stripe technique: Colour changes are made at the beginning of rows to create neat, horizontal stripes. Working stripes flat means yarn can simply be carried up the side edge or rejoined, keeping floats tidy.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch — knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side — creating a smooth, even surface that showcases the stripe colourwork beautifully.
• Garter stitch (g st): Used for borders and edging details, garter stitch is created by knitting every row and produces a ridged, non-curling fabric that frames the cardigan neatly.
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease used in shaping sections such as armholes and sleeve caps.
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with K2tog to create symmetrical, tidy shaping.
• M1 (make one): An increase stitch worked by picking up the loop lying between stitches and knitting into the back of it, used to shape the sleeves as they are worked upward.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for four colours across two yarn types, all from the Paintbox Yarns range:

• Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Washed Teal (Colour A) — 8 or 9 × 50g balls depending on size — forms the dominant background colour of the cardigan.
• Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK in Sangria (Colour B) — 2 × 50g balls — adds a rich, shimmering stripe accent.
• Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Blush Pink (Colour C) — 3 × 50g balls —