Paintbox Yarns Playful Patchwork Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Playful Patchwork Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Playful Patchwork Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan featuring a distinctive patchwork construction. This garment is designed to fit chest sizes ranging from 32-38 inches (81-97 cm) up to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm), with finished chest measurements between 43 inches (109 cm) and 69 inches (175 cm). The cardigan offers a length of either 26 inches (66 cm) or 30 inches (76 cm) depending on size, with consistent sleeve length of 17¾ inches (45 cm) across all sizes.

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan is worked flat on knitting needles and features a seamed construction. The patchwork design is created through a panel-based approach: the back consists of five panels that are sewn together, while each front piece is made up of two panels. This modular construction allows for creative color blocking and visual interest. Each section within the panels measures approximately 6 inches (15 cm) to 6½ inches (16.5 cm) in length and 4¼ inches (11 cm) to 6¾ inches (17 cm) in width, depending on the size being knitted.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Playful Patchwork Cardigan incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create textural variety:

• Stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch) forms the primary fabric base
• Garter stitch is used for textural contrast within the patchwork panels
• Mock rib provides additional stitch pattern variation
• American (Irish) moss stitch adds another textured element to the design

The pattern uses standard abbreviations including knit (k), purl (p), purl two stitches together (p2tog), purl into front and back of stitch (pfb), and pattern two stitches together (patt2tog). When working with super chunky yarn, one stitch is added to each piece for seaming purposes.

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend Super Chunky yarn in four coordinating colors: Sage Green (A), Periwinkle (B), Lemon Yellow (C), and Seashell Pink (D). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 5-8 balls of Sage Green, 3-6 balls of Periwinkle, 3-4 balls of Lemon Yellow, and 2-3 balls of Seashell Pink. Each ball weighs 3½ ounces (100 grams).

The cardigan is knitted using two sizes of US knitting needles: a pair of US 11 (8mm) needles and a pair of US 13 (9mm) needles. The US 13 (9mm) needles are used for the main gauge work.

Gauge and Tension

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Using US 13 (9mm) needles, the pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches and 12 rows to a 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch, mock rib, and American (Irish) moss stitch. For garter stitch sections worked on the same needles, the gauge is 9 stitches and 20 rows to a 4-inch (10 cm) square. The difference in row gauge reflects the nature of garter stitch, which creates a denser vertical fabric than stockinette stitch.

This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for knitters with intermediate-level skills who are comfortable working with super chunky yarn, managing multiple color changes, and seaming garment pieces together.