Jutka Cardigan. Photo © Anakire
Jutka Cardigan by Irina Poludnenko is a free easy cardigan knitting pattern featuring cozy garter stitch, short sleeves and super bulky yarn.
Designed for Lion Brand Yarn, this chunky cardigan is worked primarily in garter stitch on large needles. The pattern includes five women's sizes from S through 2X, making it an appealing project for knitters looking for a simple, wearable cardigan that works up with thick yarn.
Jutka Cardigan Pattern Details
- Designer: Irina Poludnenko
- Pattern number: L80243
- Source: Lion Brand Yarn
- Craft: Knitting
- Category: Women's cardigan
- Pattern availability: Free pattern
- Skill level: Level 2 – Easy (Beginner+)
- Sizes: S (M, L, 1X, 2X)
- Yarn weight: #6 Super Bulky
- Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
- Needles: 9 mm (US 13) circular needle
- Gauge: 8 stitches + 17 rows = approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch
- Main texture: Garter stitch
- Features: Short sleeves and optional buttoned front
An Easy Garter Stitch Cardigan
One of the most appealing features of Jutka is its extensive use of garter stitch. Instead of relying on complicated cables, lace or colorwork, the cardigan gets much of its texture from the simple ridges created by knitting every row.
Lion Brand rates the pattern Easy (Beginner+), making it an interesting next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting and want to move into garment construction.
Super Bulky Yarn for a Cozy Cardigan
Jutka is designed for #6 Super Bulky yarn. The original pattern uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, a thick wool-blend yarn often used for warm garments and quick-knitting projects.
The large stitches emphasize the horizontal ridges of the garter stitch while giving the finished cardigan a substantial, cozy appearance.
If you substitute another yarn, choose a suitable super bulky yarn and use your gauge rather than the yarn label alone to determine whether it will work for the pattern.
Jutka Cardigan Sizes
The free pattern includes five women's sizes: S (M, L, 1X, 2X).
The finished bust measurements, with the cardigan buttoned, are approximately:
- S: 40 inches (101.5 cm)
- M: 44 inches (112 cm)
- L: 48 inches (122 cm)
- 1X: 52 inches (132 cm)
- 2X: 56 inches (142 cm)
Finished length ranges from approximately 21½ to 27½ inches, depending on the selected size.
Compare these finished garment measurements with your preferred fit before deciding which size to knit.
Yarn Requirements
The original design uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the Fossil colorway.
The pattern calls for approximately 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) balls for sizes S (M, L, 1X, 2X), respectively.
If you use a substitute yarn, calculate your requirements according to yardage rather than simply buying the same number of balls, since skein sizes vary between yarn brands.
Needles and Gauge
Jutka uses a 9 mm (US 13) circular knitting needle, approximately 40 inches (101.5 cm) long.
The specified gauge is: 8 stitches + 17 rows = approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch.
Gauge matters when knitting a cardigan because even a small difference across a few stitches can become several inches across the finished garment. Make a swatch before beginning, particularly if you are substituting yarn.
How Is the Jutka Cardigan Constructed?
Jutka has an interesting construction that keeps much of the garment connected during knitting. The main body is worked in one piece, while the short sleeves are knitted separately.
The cardigan's simple garter-stitch fabric allows the shaping and silhouette to become the main features of the design rather than an elaborate stitch pattern.
After the main pieces are complete, finishing includes joining the required sections and working the neckline edge according to the designer's instructions.
Short Sleeves Make It Easy to Layer
Unlike a traditional long-sleeved chunky cardigan, Jutka has short sleeves. This gives the garment an unusual layering-friendly shape.
Wear it over a long-sleeved top in cooler weather, or use it as a substantial outer layer when you want warmth around the body without full bulky sleeves.
Skills Used in the Jutka Cardigan
Although Lion Brand rates Jutka as an easy pattern, it is still a garment rather than a basic rectangular beginner project.
Useful skills include:
- Garter stitch
- Increasing and decreasing
- Following garment shaping
- Working with a circular needle
- Picking up stitches
- Basic finishing
If you have already completed scarves, cowls or other simple projects, Jutka can provide an opportunity to apply familiar stitches to a wearable garment.
Why Knit the Jutka Cardigan?
Jutka combines simple knitting with an unusual modern silhouette. Super bulky yarn and large needles create bold garter-stitch texture, while the short sleeves keep the finished cardigan from looking like a conventional chunky sweater.
The five-size range and straightforward stitch pattern also make it useful for knitters who want to concentrate on garment construction rather than complex decorative techniques.
Get the Free Jutka Cardigan Knitting Pattern
The complete Jutka Cardigan by Irina Poludnenko is currently available from Lion Brand Yarn. Lion Brand may require a free account or sign-in to access its free pattern.
Get the Free Jutka Cardigan Pattern at Lion Brand
Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability and access requirements on external websites may change over time.