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| The photo above © Monica Hellberg |
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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.
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.
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.
The free pattern includes five women's sizes: S (M, L, 1X, 2X).
The finished bust measurements, with the cardigan buttoned, are approximately:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although Lion Brand rates Jutka as an easy pattern, it is still a garment rather than a basic rectangular beginner project.
Useful skills include:
If you have already completed scarves, cowls or other simple projects, Jutka can provide an opportunity to apply familiar stitches to a wearable garment.
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.
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.
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Jamma Slippers. Photos © MyJamma Knits
Jamma Slippers by MyJamma Knits is a free beginner-friendly slipper knitting pattern with sizes for almost the whole family, from toddlers and children through adult XL.
These cozy knitted slippers are worked flat and then seamed, so you don't need to knit them in the round. Two strands of worsted-weight yarn are held together throughout, creating a thick, warm fabric while also making the slippers a practical project for combining yarn from your stash.
One of the best features of Jamma Slippers is the generous range of sizes included in the free pattern.
The instructions cover:
This makes the pattern useful if you want to knit matching slippers for several members of the family without searching for a different pattern for every size.
The designer describes Jamma Slippers as a good pattern for beginners.
Unlike sock patterns that require knitting small circumferences in the round, these slippers are knitted back and forth as flat pieces. The finished knitting is then folded and seamed to create the slipper shape.
This straightforward construction makes the project particularly appealing if you are comfortable with basic knitting but haven't yet tried traditional sock construction.
Jamma Slippers use an easy yarn technique: two strands of worsted-weight yarn are held together and knitted as one.
Holding the yarn double creates a much thicker fabric than knitting with a single strand of worsted yarn. The resulting yarn combination behaves approximately like a super bulky yarn while still allowing you to use common worsted-weight yarns.
This also makes Jamma Slippers a useful stash-busting project. You can combine leftover yarns from other projects, provided that the yarns work together and allow you to achieve the required gauge.
Several worsted-weight yarns are suggested for the pattern, including:
You don't have to use one of these exact yarns. A suitable worsted-weight yarn can work as long as you hold two strands together and match the pattern gauge.
For slippers, you may also want to consider durability and ease of washing when choosing yarn, especially if you plan to wear them often.
Yarn requirements vary considerably because the pattern ranges from toddler slippers to Adult XL.
The pattern listing gives an overall range of approximately 100–400 yards (91–366 metres).
Check the instructions for your chosen size before selecting yarn, particularly when using leftovers or combining two different colors.
Jamma Slippers call for 5 mm (US 8) knitting needles.
The specified gauge is: 5 stitches = 1 inch in garter stitch.
Remember that the gauge is achieved while knitting with two strands of worsted yarn held together.
Gauge is important for slippers because it directly affects the finished length and width. If your stitches are significantly larger or smaller than the designer's gauge, your slippers may not fit as expected.
Jamma Slippers are worked flat rather than knitted continuously in the round.
After knitting, the slipper is shaped through finishing and seaming. This approach keeps the knitting itself straightforward and avoids the need for double-pointed needles or other small-circumference knitting techniques.
Take your time with the seams, since neat finishing can make a noticeable difference to both the appearance and comfort of knitted slippers.
Jamma Slippers have roots in practical scrap-yarn knitting. The designer explains that she learned the basic slipper pattern from her mother-in-law around forty years ago, and her mother-in-law used leftover yarn from other projects to make the slippers.
MyJamma Knits later modified the toe shaping and adapted the design to create the wide range of sizes included in this free version.
That history fits the pattern perfectly: because two strands are held together, you can experiment with different color combinations and put partial skeins of compatible worsted yarn to good use.
Holding two strands together also creates an easy opportunity to play with color.
Use two strands of the same color for a solid look, or combine two different colors for a marled effect. A solid yarn paired with a variegated or self-striping yarn can create even more variation without changing the knitting itself.
This project is especially approachable for knitters who know the fundamentals and want to make their first pair of slippers.
Useful skills include:
Jamma Slippers combine several useful qualities in one free pattern: simple flat construction, beginner-friendly techniques, six sizes and the ability to use ordinary worsted-weight yarn held double.
They're also a practical choice for handmade gifts. Once you're familiar with the construction, you can use the same pattern to knit slippers for children and adults in different yarn combinations.
The complete Jamma Slippers by MyJamma Knits pattern is currently available as a free download from the designer's Ravelry store.
Get the Free Jamma Slippers Knitting Pattern
Pattern availability was checked when this article was updated. Availability on external websites may change over time.