Cosy Rainbow Cardigan - Free Cardigan Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran by Paintbox Yarns

Cosy Rainbow Cardigan – Free Women's Aran Knitting Pattern by Paintbox Yarns

The Cosy Rainbow Cardigan is a free, intermediate-level knitting pattern for women, designed by Paintbox Yarns and worked in the brand's own Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran weight yarn. This cheerful, colourful cardigan features bold rainbow-inspired stripes set against a classic Stormy Grey base, making it a striking yet wearable addition to any handknit wardrobe. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is written using UK terminology with US terminology provided in parentheses throughout.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's long-sleeved cardigan with a neat, structured silhouette. It is designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 76–81 cm (30–32 in) up to 112–117 cm (44–46 in), offering five sizes in total, with actual finished bust measurements spanning from 96 cm (37¾ in) to 131 cm (51½ in). The finished length sits between 60 and 63 cm (23½–24¾ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length ranges from 46 to 48 cm (18–19 in). The cardigan fastens at the front with 5 buttons, giving it a classic, polished finish.

Construction and Techniques

The Cosy Rainbow Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat method, meaning the pieces are knitted from the lower hem upward and then seamed together for a clean, traditional finish. Key techniques used throughout this pattern include:

• Stripes – the defining visual feature of the design, worked in a sequence of rainbow colours against the grey base
• Buttonholes – neatly integrated into the button band to accommodate the 5 front buttons
• Seaming – the body and sleeves are worked as separate flat pieces and joined using mattress stitch or a similar seaming method
• Increases and decreases – including M1 (make 1), K2tog (knit 2 together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), P2tog, and P2togtbl, used for shaping the sleeves and body
• Bottom-up construction – pieces begin at the cast-on hem edge and are worked upward to the shoulders

Stitches Used

The fabric of the cardigan is primarily worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface ideal for showcasing the colourful stripe sequence. The pattern also incorporates knit (K) and purl (P) stitches throughout, with ribbing or textured edgings likely used at the cuffs, hem, and button bands to provide structure and prevent curling. The tension (gauge) for this pattern is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch.

Colours and Stripe Design

The rainbow stripe palette is one of the most distinctive elements of this cardigan. The pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran in the following shades:

• Stormy Grey (Colour A) – the main background colour, requiring 4–7 balls depending on size
• Tea Rose (Colour B) – 1 ball
• Dolphin Blue (Colour C) – 1 ball
• Lime Green (Colour D) – 1 ball
• Mustard Yellow (Colour E) – 1 ball
• Red Wine (Colour F) – 1 ball

Each contrast colour is used in stripe sequences to create the rainbow effect, with the neutral Stormy Grey providing a grounding backdrop that allows each vibrant hue to stand out clearly.

Materials Required