Chromatic Shawl Cardigan - Free Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Chunky & Chunky Pots

Chromatic Shawl Cardigan – Free Knitting Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The Chromatic Shawl Cardigan is a stylish, cosy women's cardigan knitting pattern designed by Paintbox Yarns. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level project produces a relaxed, shawl-collared cardigan worked in chunky-weight yarn, making it a satisfying knit that works up relatively quickly while still offering enough design detail to keep experienced knitters engaged. The finished garment features a generous shawl collar, set-in or structured sleeves, and a neat button band fastening with five buttons.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81 cm (32 in) to 127 cm (50 in), covering ten sizes in total. The actual finished measurements are generously sized, ranging from 91 cm (35¾ in) to 143 cm (56¼ in) at the bust, giving a comfortable, slightly oversized silhouette. The finished length from the back neck ranges from 55 cm to 72 cm, and sleeve lengths run from 46 cm to 50 cm depending on size. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with all larger size adjustments clearly noted in square brackets throughout the pattern.

Yarns and Materials

This cardigan is knitted using two specific Paintbox Yarns products, combining them for a striking colourblock or tonal effect:

• Paintbox Yarns Chunky Pots – a self-striping, multi-coloured chunky yarn sold in 200g balls. The colourway used on the pattern cover is Party Streamers (Colour A). One ball is required across all sizes.
• Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky – a solid-colour chunky yarn sold in 100g balls. The colourway used is Champagne White (Colour B). Between 6 and 8 balls are required depending on the size being knitted.

The combination of a variegated, painterly yarn with a clean solid tone creates a visually dynamic garment where the two yarns complement each other beautifully. Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and the brand does not accept responsibility for the finished item if alternative yarns are substituted.

Needles and Notions

• 5.5mm (UK 5 / US 9) knitting needles – straight pair
• 6mm (UK 4 / US 10) knitting needles – straight pair (main needle size)
• 5.5mm (UK 5 / US 9) circular knitting needle – used for picking up and working the shawl collar or button bands
• 5 buttons for the front fastening

Tension (Gauge)

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch using 6mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements across the ten available sizes. Knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch and adjust needle size accordingly before beginning the main project.

Construction Method

The Chromatic Shawl Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat, seamed approach. This is a traditional construction method where the back and front panels are knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, and the sleeves are worked flat as individual pieces before everything is joined together with seams. This method gives the finished garment a structured, tailored quality and allows knitters to block each piece individually before assembly.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction – pieces begin at the hem and are worked upward toward the shoulders
• Flat knitting – all pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Seaming – finished pieces are joined using mattress stitch or a preferred seaming method to create the final garment shape
• Buttonhole creation – the button band includes