Mite Cardigan in Adriafil Pastello- Downloadable PDF

Mite Cardigan in Adriafil Pastello – Free Knitting Pattern Summary

The Mite Cardigan is a cosy, relaxed-fit knitted cardigan designed for adult women, worked in Adriafil Pastello super chunky yarn. This is a free downloadable PDF pattern that guides knitters through constructing a classic open-front cardigan with set-in sleeves, a garter stitch border, and a decoratively shaped shoulder detail. The pattern is sized for a size 46 (with 42–44 as the smaller option), making it an accessible project for knitters who enjoy working with thick yarn on large needles for a quick and satisfying make.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's cardigan featuring a structured back, shaped right and left front panels, and sleeves. The design includes armhole shaping, neckline shaping, and a distinctive decorative shoulder technique using elongated stitches. The cardigan is worked in pieces and seamed together, making it suitable for knitters comfortable with basic garment construction.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Pastello in emerald green (shade no. 29) – 550 g total
• Knitting needles: size 10 (metric)
• Crochet hook: size 6 (for finishing details)
• Tapestry needle for seaming

Adriafil Pastello is a super chunky weight yarn, which means it knits up quickly and produces a wonderfully thick, warm fabric. The pattern notes that for a more compact, dense fabric, knitters may wish to use needles one size smaller than those indicated on the yarn label — a useful tip for achieving a tighter, more structured drape in a heavy-weight cardigan.

Tension and Gauge

The stated gauge is 9.5 stitches and 12.5 rows over 10 × 10 cm, worked in knit stitch on size 10 needles. Checking gauge before beginning is especially important in a garment like this, where even small variations can significantly affect the finished size.

Pattern Stitches and Techniques Used

The Mite Cardigan draws on a range of knitting and crochet stitches, making it a rewarding project for intermediate knitters looking to practise garment shaping alongside decorative stitch techniques.

• Garter stitch – used for the border at the lower edges of the back and fronts, worked over 4 rows to create a neat, non-curling hem approximately 2.5 cm deep
• Knit stitch (stockinette / stocking stitch) – the primary stitch used across the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Purl stitch – used in combination with knit stitch for ribbing and structural elements
• K2/P2 rib stitch – a two-by-two rib pattern, commonly used for cuffs, neckbands, and borders to add stretch and elasticity
• Elastic rib (binding) – a specialised binding technique used to finish edges with stretch and structure
• Knit stitch to bind the elastic rib – a finishing method that secures the elastic rib neatly
• Elongated stitch – a decorative knitting technique used during the shoulder shaping on the front panels; the yarn is wound twice around the right needle, and the extra loop is dropped on the return row, creating an open, lace-like elongated stitch effect
• K2tog (knit two together) – a standard right-leaning decrease used throughout the armhole, neckline, and shoulder shaping
• Chain stitch – a basic crochet stitch used in the finishing of the cardigan
• Treble crochet – a taller crochet stitch used in the finishing or edging of the garment

Construction and Shaping Details

The cardigan is worked flat in separate pieces — back, right front, left