The Woman’s Moss Stitch Cardigan by Novita is a wonderfully textured, oversized cardigan with bold stripes and a relaxed long-line shape.
Worked in moss stitch throughout, the cardigan has a dense, almost woven-looking surface that gives even the simple stripe pattern plenty of visual interest. The combination of soft blue, pink, cream and black in the original design gives it a playful Scandinavian feel without making the cardigan difficult to wear.
If you love oversized cardigans that can become the main feature of an outfit, this is one to consider.
Quick Pattern Information
- Pattern: Woman’s Moss Stitch Cardigan
- Designer: Noora Niinikoski
- Brand: Novita
- Garment: Women’s long cardigan
- Sizes: XS–XL
- Stitch: Moss stitch
- Style: Oversized striped cardigan
- Yarn Used: Novita Nordic Wool
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Get the free pattern: Woman’s Moss Stitch Cardigan at Novita
What Makes This Cardigan Stand Out?
The texture is the star of this cardigan.
Moss stitch has a completely different appearance from the smooth surface of stocking stitch. Here, it creates a substantial fabric with a softly pebbled surface that Novita describes as giving the impression of woven fabric.
That texture also changes the way the stripes look. Instead of crisp, flat bands of colour, they have more depth and softness.
The result is a cardigan that feels much more distinctive than a basic striped knit.
A Relaxed, Oversized Cardigan
This isn’t a neat little fitted cardigan. The proportions are intentionally generous, with a long body and relaxed silhouette.
That makes it particularly suited to layering. It has the feel of the sort of cardigan you can throw over a simple outfit when you want the knitwear itself to make the statement.
The relatively short sleeves are another interesting feature. Combined with the longer body, they give the cardigan a more contemporary shape than a traditional long-sleeved button cardigan.
Who Would I Recommend This Pattern To?
Novita rates the pattern intermediate, and I think that’s a useful guide.
The basic moss stitch itself is approachable, so the interest comes less from complicated decorative stitches and more from making a full-sized garment, managing the colour changes and completing the construction neatly.
It could be especially appealing if you’ve knitted simpler projects in moss stitch and are ready to see how the texture works on a larger garment.
If you’re looking for your very first cardigan, however, you might prefer one of Knitting Bee’s beginner cardigan knitting patterns.
Yarn Used
The original design uses Novita Nordic Wool, with strands held together to create the substantial fabric seen in the finished cardigan.
Several colours are combined throughout the original version, producing its distinctive broad striped appearance.
If you want your cardigan to have a similar look, pay attention not only to the colours you choose but also to how they work together. A combination of soft shades and a much darker contrast colour is part of what gives the original cardigan its graphic quality.
Check the original Novita pattern for the yarn requirements and specifications for your chosen size before purchasing yarn.
Knitting Bee Pattern Notes
Best feature: The moss-stitch texture. It makes a relatively simple striped cardigan look far more interesting.
Best for: Knitters who enjoy repetitive textured stitches but want to make something more ambitious than a scarf or blanket.
Style: Oversized, relaxed and distinctly Scandinavian.
Colour potential: Excellent. You don’t have to reproduce the original palette. This design could look completely different in earthy neutrals, monochrome shades, pastels or brighter contrasting colours.
Consider before choosing it: This is a substantial cardigan rather than a quick project. If you’re attracted to it primarily because moss stitch is simple, remember that you’re still committing to knitting a large garment.
Why This Is a Good Moss Stitch Project
Moss stitch is often used for scarves, blankets and smaller accessories, but this pattern shows how effective it can be in clothing.
On such a large surface, the texture becomes part of the overall design rather than simply a decorative stitch.
It is also a good example of how simple stitches and clever colour choices can produce an interesting cardigan without cables, lace or complicated colourwork.
That’s probably the strongest reason to add this particular design to your knitting list.
Is This Cardigan Right for You?
Choose this pattern if you like long, oversized cardigans and textured knitting.
It is especially worth considering if you find plain stocking-stitch garments a little boring but don’t necessarily want the concentration required for intricate cables, lace or Fair Isle.
On the other hand, if you prefer fitted cardigans, delicate fabrics or minimal finishing, another design may suit you better.
Before You Start
Visit the original Novita pattern before buying your supplies. You’ll find the complete size information, measurements, yarn quantities, needle requirements, gauge and knitting instructions there.
It’s particularly important to check the finished measurements because this cardigan is designed with a generous silhouette. Compare the finished garment dimensions given by Novita with a cardigan you already own and like before deciding which size you want to knit.
More Free Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Find more styles in Knitting Bee’s collection of free cardigan knitting patterns for women.
If texture is what attracted you to this design, explore more free garter stitch cardigan knitting patterns for cardigans where simple stitches create much of the visual interest.
For another relaxed project, browse our easy cardigan knitting patterns.
Or see the complete collection of free knitting patterns for women for sweaters, cardigans, tops, vests and accessories.