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There’s something truly magical about knitting. It’s a blend of art, comfort, and tradition all woven together with each stitch. One of my latest projects that encapsulates this magic is the Lodge Cardigan, a cozy open-front cardigan crafted from beautiful mitered squares. Today, I want to share my journey of creating this stunning piece and why it has quickly become one of my favorite go-to garments.

The Inspiration Behind the Lodge Cardigan

The Lodge Cardigan holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its design but also because of its name. Inspired by Red Lodge, Montana, this cardigan evokes images of curling up in a warm, rustic ski lodge, surrounded by the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes. Picture yourself with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a captivating book in the other, nestled comfortably in this cozy cardigan as the snow falls gently outside. It’s a scene of ultimate relaxation and comfort, perfectly captured by the essence of the Lodge Cardigan.

The Design: Mitered Squares Magic

What makes the Lodge Cardigan truly unique is its construction. Made entirely of mitered squares, this cardigan showcases a fascinating geometric pattern that adds both visual interest and texture. Mitered squares are a joy to knit; they’re simple yet effective, allowing for a seamless blend of colors and patterns. The technique involves decreasing at the center of the square, creating a distinct diagonal line that adds a dynamic flair to the overall design.

The cardigan comes in three sizes: XS-M, L-XL, and 1X-3X, ensuring a comfortable fit for various body types. The open-front design adds to its versatility, making it easy to layer over any outfit. Whether you’re wearing it over a casual tee or a dressier blouse, the Lodge Cardigan adds a touch of effortless style.

The Yarn: Hobbii Winter Glow

For this project, I chose Hobbii Winter Glow in colorway #10. This yarn is a delightful blend of warmth and vibrancy, perfect for creating a garment that’s both cozy and eye-catching. Winter Glow is known for its rich color transitions, which blend seamlessly from one hue to the next, creating a stunning visual effect. Colorway #10, in particular, features a beautiful mix of deep mauve, warm pinks, and subtle browns, reminiscent of the rustic charm of a mountain lodge.

The yarn’s soft texture and substantial weight make it ideal for a cardigan meant to keep you warm on chilly days. Despite its thickness, Winter Glow is surprisingly light, allowing for a comfortable drape that doesn’t feel bulky. As I knitted each square, I found myself falling more in love with the way the colors flowed and the fabric took shape.

Knitting the Lodge Cardigan

Knitting the Lodge Cardigan was a truly enjoyable experience. Each mitered square felt like a mini project in itself, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment as I completed them one by one. The process was both meditative and engaging, as I watched the squares grow and envisioned the final piece.

Assembling the cardigan was equally rewarding. Seeing the individual squares come together to form a cohesive garment was incredibly satisfying. The seaming process allowed me to appreciate the intricate pattern created by the mitered squares, and I couldn’t wait to try on the finished piece.

Versatility and Wearability

One of the things I love most about the Lodge Cardigan is its versatility. It’s perfect for those cozy winter days spent indoors, but it’s also great for cool summer evenings. The open-front design provides just the right amount of warmth without feeling too heavy, making it an ideal layering piece throughout the year.

I’ve worn my Lodge Cardigan on numerous occasions, and it always garners compliments. Whether I’m running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or simply relaxing at home, this cardigan adds a touch of cozy elegance to my outfit. It’s become my go-to piece for when I want to feel comfortable yet stylish.

Imagining the Perfect Setting

Whenever I wear my Lodge Cardigan, I can’t help but imagine myself in that perfect winter cabin setting in Red Lodge, Montana. There’s something about the combination of the cardigan’s design, the luxurious yarn, and the name itself that transports me to that idyllic scene. It’s as if I’m wrapped in a warm embrace, surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of a snow-covered lodge.

Even on cool summer evenings, the Lodge Cardigan feels like a comforting hug. Whether I’m enjoying a quiet moment on the porch, watching the sunset, or sitting by a campfire with friends, this cardigan provides the perfect amount of warmth and style. It’s a reminder that knitting isn’t just about creating garments; it’s about crafting experiences and memories.

A Piece to Cherish

The Lodge Cardigan is more than just a knitting project; it’s a labor of love. Each stitch, each mitered square, and each moment spent knitting it has imbued this cardigan with a sense of warmth and care. It’s a piece that I’ll cherish for years to come, not only for its beauty and functionality but also for the memories it holds.

If you’re looking for a knitting project that combines comfort, style, and a touch of magic, I highly recommend giving the Lodge Cardigan a try. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, the process of creating this cardigan is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. And who knows, maybe it will inspire you to imagine your own cozy retreat, wrapped in the warmth of your handmade Lodge Cardigan.

Materials and Info

MATERIALS AND INFO

Size -XS/S/M,  L/XL, 1X/2X/3X

Materials: Approximately 2, 3, 5 balls of Hobbii Winter Glow in colorway 10 (766y/200g), needle, stitch markers

Needle Size: 7(US) 4.5mm circular needles and a long (36in or more) circular needle

Gauge (tension): 20sts & 20 rows to make 10cm square, using size 7(US) 4.5mm needles working in garter stitch

Finished Chest Measurement: 102, 142, 182 cm

METHOD

This pattern a drop sleeve oversized open front cardigan via mobius garter squares worked flat. The underarm and sides are sewn together. The ribbed edge is added after the squares are all complete.

1X1 RIB PATTERN

Row 1 (right side row) – (k1, p1) across Row 2 – knit all the knit stitches, purl all the purl stitches.

Lodge Cardigan Pattern

First Square

Co 40 stitches

Row 1 (WS): k 20, pm, k 20 *

Row 2 (RS): k to 2 sts before marker, k2tog, sm, ssk, k to end of row

Row 3: k all sts

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you have decreased down to two stitches. k2tog to finish the square. Cut yarn leaving a 4-5in tail and pull through to secure.

Second Square

Pu 20 stitches from the top edge of the first square then cast on 20 more stitches using the knitted cast on.

(see fig 2)

Repeat rows 1-3 as you did for the first square. This is the first square of row 2.

Third Square

Co 20 stitches using the knitted method then pu 20 stitches from the side edge of the first square in your Lodge Cardigan.

(Fig 3)

Repeat rows 1-3 as you did for the first square.

When you want to begin your next square in your second row, you will pick up stitches from the left edge of the first square and the top edge of the square below.

(fig 4)

Continue working in this manner until your sweater is complete using the chart below as a guide. Fig 5 is XS/S/M, Fig 6 is L/XL, Fig 7 is 1X/2X/3X

Wrist Ribbing

Pick up 1 st for each st or 1 st for each garter rib. (60, 80sts)

Decrease Row: [p2, p2tog] across (45, 60sts)

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 4cms.

Bind off in pattern.

Seams

Sew sleeve and sides. I like to use a mattress stitch but a simple whip stitch works perfectly too.

Bottom Ribbed Edge

Pick up 1 st for each st or 1 st for each garter rib. (180, 260sts)

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 4cms.

Front and Neck Ribbed Edge

Pick up 1 st for each st or 1 st for each garter rib and 8 on the ribbing on each side. (196, 276sts)

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 4cms.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block as desired. Put it on, curl up with your favorite drink, snap a photo and share it on social media using #LodgeCardigan. And be sure to tag me!

Lodge Cardigan PDF