Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan - Free Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

The Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan is a women's knitted wrap-style cardigan designed to be both cosy and elegant. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern from Paintbox Yarns is worked in a classic DK weight yarn and comes in ten sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm (32 in) to 127 cm (50 in), with actual underarm measurements spanning 95 cm (37½ in) to 145 cm (57 in). The finished length from back neck measures approximately 70–74 cm (27½–29¼ in) depending on size, and sleeve length ranges from 46–48 cm (18–19 in), making this a generously proportioned, wearable layering piece suitable for a wide range of body types.

Design and Construction

As its name suggests, the Warm Hug Wrap Cardigan features a relaxed, enveloping wrap silhouette — the kind of open-front, draped style that layers beautifully over everyday outfits. The garment is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat, seamed method, meaning the individual pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — are each knitted flat on straight needles and then joined together with seams. This traditional construction approach gives the finished cardigan excellent structure and shape retention, and is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment assembly techniques such as mattress stitch or backstitch seaming.

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology, with US equivalents provided in italics within round brackets throughout, so knitters on either side of the Atlantic can follow along without confusion.

Colourwork and Yarn

The pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a smooth, consistent DK weight yarn that is ideal for achieving clean stitch definition. Three colours are used to create the cardigan's distinctive striped or colour-blocked aesthetic:

• Colour A – Blush Pink: 3–6 × 100g balls depending on size
• Colour B – Misty Grey: 2–5 × 100g balls depending on size
• Colour C – Paper White: 2–5 × 100g balls depending on size

The soft, muted palette of Blush Pink, Misty Grey, and Paper White gives the cardigan a contemporary, understated look that works across seasons. Because Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is a reliable, consistent yarn, colour changes and stripe sequences will appear neat and even throughout the finished garment. The pattern notes that Paintbox Yarns cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if any yarn other than the recommended yarn is used, so substituting with a different DK yarn should be done with care and attention to tension.

Needles and Tools

The following needles are required to complete this pattern:

• A pair of 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) straight knitting needles for the main flat-worked pieces
• Two double-pointed 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) knitting needles for specific sections such as seams or small tubular elements
• A 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) circular knitting needle for picking up and working edgings or borders

Tension (Gauge)

The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a garment of this size, as even small deviations can significantly affect the finished measurements across the ten available sizes. Knitters are strongly encouraged to work and measure a tension swatch before casting on.

Techniques and Stitches

This is an intermediate-level pattern, making it a great next step for knitters who have completed simpler garments and are ready to tackle shaping, multi-colour working, and seamed construction. Key techniques and stitches used throughout the pattern include: