Introduction
Looking for a simple mohair cardigan knitting pattern that combines effortless style with cozy comfort? This oversized cardigan features large patch pockets and distinctive sleeve trim, worked entirely in stockinette stitch with a decorative edging. The pattern is knitted in three strands of mohair blend yarn, creating a light yet warm fabric with beautiful drape. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, this simple mohair cardigan knitting pattern offers clear instructions for every step. From the belted waist to the roomy pockets, every detail is designed for relaxed, everyday elegance.
Sizes and Materials
Sizes: 36/38 (40/42 – 44/46) – US equivalent: XS/S (M/L – XL/XXL)
Yarn: Mohair blend (42% mohair, 33% wool, 25% polyamide; 150 yds/25 g) – 450 (500–550) g in khaki/green. Approximately 5 (6–7) skeins.
Needles: US size 10 (6 mm) and US size 10.75 (7 mm)
Stitches and Techniques (American Terminology)
Stockinette Stitch
Right side (RS): Knit all stitches.
Wrong side (WS): Purl all stitches.
Decorative Border Stitch (for 9 stitches – front bands)
Right edge (RS): Slip 1 wyib, p2, *k1, p1; repeat from * twice.
WS: *K1, slip 1 wyif; repeat from * twice, k3.
Repeat these 2 rows for pattern.
Left edge (RS): *P1, k1; repeat from * twice, p2, k1.
WS: Slip 1 wyif, k2, *slip 1 wyif, k1; repeat from * twice.
Repeat these 2 rows for pattern.
Decorative Increase A (both sides)
Right edge: Selvedge st, p2, k2, M1.
Left edge: Work to last 5 sts, M1, k2, p2, selvedge st.
Decorative Increase B (both sides)
Right edge: Selvedge st, k4, M1.
Left edge: Work to last 5 sts, M1, k4, selvedge st.
Decorative Decrease A (both sides)
Right edge: Work 9 sts in border pattern, k2tog.
Left edge: Work to last 11 sts, ssk, work 9 sts in border pattern.
Decorative Decrease B (both sides)
Right edge: Selvedge st, k4, k2tog.
Left edge: Work to last 6 sts, ssk, k4, selvedge st.
Abbreviations
- M1: Make one – lift bar between sts and knit through back loop
- ssk: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- k2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
- wyib: With yarn in back
- wyif: With yarn in front
Gauge
Using size 10.75 (7 mm) needles with 3 strands held together:
- 11 sts × 13.5 rows = 4″ × 4″ (10 cm × 10 cm) in stockinette stitch
- 9 sts of border pattern = 2″ (5 cm)
Important! Always work with 3 strands of yarn held together throughout.
Cardigan Schematic
Instructions
Back
With size 10.75 (7 mm) needles and 3 strands, cast on 66 (70–74) sts.
Row 1 (WS): *K1, p1; repeat from * across.
Set up pattern as follows:
Selvedge st, p2, work 60 (64–68) sts in stockinette, p2, selvedge st.
Increase section (Decorative Increase A):
At row 16 from cast-on, increase 1 st each side. Repeat every 14th row 3 more times.
→ 74 (78–82) sts.
Armholes: At 18″ (45 cm = 61 rows) from cast-on, bind off 5 (6–7) sts at each side.
→ 64 (66–68) sts remain.
Shoulder shaping: At 8″ (20 cm) / 8.25″ (21 cm) / 8.75″ (22 cm) from armhole start, bind off 7 (8–9) sts at each side, then 7 sts twice more every other row.
Neck: At the same time as second shoulder bind-off, bind off center 16 sts. Bind off 3 sts at inner edge once.
Left Front
With size 10.75 (7 mm) needles and 3 strands, cast on 42 (44–46) sts.
Row 1 (WS): *K1, p1; repeat from * across.
Set up pattern:
Selvedge st, p2, stockinette over 30 (32–34) sts, then 9 sts in decorative border (front band).
Increase (right edge, Decorative Increase A): At row 16, increase 1 st. Repeat every 14th row 3 more times.
→ 46 (48–50) sts.
Pocket opening: At 9.5″ (24 cm = 33 rows) from cast-on:
K1, p2, work 4 (5–6) sts stockinette, next 18 sts = pocket lining. Work these 18 sts separately on size 10 (6 mm) needles in stockinette for 11″ (28 cm = 46 rows). Then rejoin all sts.
V-neck decrease (left edge, Decorative Decrease A): At 13.75″ (35 cm = 47 rows), decrease 1 st, then every 4th row 9 more times.
Armhole (right edge): At 18″ (45 cm = 61 rows), bind off 5 (6–7) sts.
→ 43 (44–45) sts.
Shoulder (right edge): At 8″ (20 cm) / 8.25″ (21 cm) / 8.75″ (22 cm) from armhole, bind off 7 (8–9) sts, then 7 sts twice more every other row.
Remaining 9 border sts + selvedge: work for 15 more rows as neckband, then bind off.
Right Front
Work symmetrically to Left Front.
Left Sleeve
With size 10.75 (7 mm) needles and 3 strands, cast on 40 (41–42) sts.
Row 1 (WS): Purl all.
Set up: 9 sts border pattern, 30 (31–32) sts stockinette, selvedge st.
Increase (left edge, Decorative Increase B): At row 6, increase 1 st, then every 4th row 5 more times.
→ 46 (47–48) sts.
Work 4 (6–8) rows even.
Decrease (left edge, Decorative Decrease B): Decrease 1 st, then every 4th row 5 more times.
→ 40 (41–42) sts.
Work 6 more rows, bind off.
Right Sleeve
Work symmetrically to Left Sleeve.
Belt / Tie
With circular needles size 10.75 (7 mm) and 3 strands, cast on 10 sts.
Repeat: Slip 1 wyif, k1 4 times across. Repeat this row.
At 60″ (150 cm), bind off.
Finishing
Pin pieces to measurements, dampen, and allow to dry completely.
Sew shoulder and side seams. Sew pocket lining side edges. Sew sleeve seams and set in sleeves. Join neckband ends (back seam) and sew neckband into back neck edge. Weave in all ends.
Final Notes
This simple mohair cardigan knitting pattern proves that effortless knits can also be striking. With its generous pockets, elegant belt, and cloud-soft texture, this cardigan will become your most-worn handmade layer. Download the simple mohair cardigan knitting pattern and start knitting your new favorite cozy cardigan today.
