The Shore Line Cardigan is a pretty short-sleeve cardigan with a decorative wave-pattern yoke and classic button-front finish. Designed by DROPS Design, it is worked from the top down and combines an interesting patterned yoke with a simple, wearable shape.
This is a lovely choice if you want something more interesting than a basic cardigan without committing to an all-over lace or cable pattern.
Quick Pattern Information
- Pattern: Shore Line Cardigan / DROPS 168-31
- Designer: DROPS Design
- Garment: Women’s cardigan
- Sizes: S–XXXL
- Sleeves: Short sleeves
- Construction: Top down
- Features: Round yoke, wave pattern and button front
- Yarn Used: DROPS Big Merino
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Get the free pattern: Shore Line Cardigan at DROPS Design
What Makes the Shore Line Cardigan Different?
The patterned round yoke is what gives this cardigan its character. The wave design creates texture and movement across the shoulders while the rest of the cardigan remains relatively understated.
It is a good balance if you like decorative knitting but still want the finished garment to be easy to wear.
The short sleeves also make it quite different from the traditional long-sleeved wool cardigan. It would work well as an extra layer over a simple top or dress when you want some warmth without a heavy sweater.
Who Is This Pattern Best For?
I would recommend the Shore Line Cardigan to an intermediate knitter, particularly someone who has already knitted a straightforward sweater or cardigan and wants to try a more decorative yoke.
The pattern uses charts for the wave design, so being comfortable following charted knitting will make the project easier.
If you are choosing your first ever cardigan, you may prefer to begin with one of Knitting Bee’s beginner cardigan knitting patterns and return to this design once you are comfortable with basic garment construction.
Why You Might Choose This Cardigan
The Shore Line Cardigan is particularly worth considering if you are looking for a cardigan that is:
- knitted from the top down
- short sleeved
- buttoned at the front
- designed with a round yoke
- decorative without having an all-over pattern
- available in a broad range of women’s sizes
The top-down construction will also appeal to knitters who prefer garments that require less traditional seaming.
Yarn Used
The original pattern uses DROPS Big Merino, a 100% wool yarn with a smooth appearance that allows the wave pattern around the yoke to show clearly.
For the exact yarn quantities, needle requirements, gauge and other materials for your chosen size, refer to the original DROPS pattern before buying your supplies.
Knitting Bee Pattern Notes
Best feature: The wave-pattern yoke. It turns an otherwise simple short-sleeve cardigan into something much more distinctive.
Best for: Intermediate knitters who enjoy top-down garments and want to introduce some patterned knitting into their next cardigan.
Consider before choosing it: This isn’t the cardigan I would pick if you specifically want a mindless television-knitting project. The decorative yoke requires more attention than a plain stocking-stitch cardigan.
Style: Feminine and slightly dressier than a basic everyday cardigan, but still practical enough to wear as a casual layer.
Season: A useful transitional cardigan for spring and autumn, although the wool yarn gives it more warmth than its short sleeves might initially suggest.
Is the Shore Line Cardigan Right for You?
Choose this pattern if the yoke is what catches your eye. That is really the reason to knit this particular cardigan.
If you simply want the easiest possible short-sleeve cardigan, there are simpler designs available. But if you enjoy having one interesting section to work on while keeping the overall garment relatively classic, Shore Line is a much better match.
The combination of a round patterned yoke, short sleeves and top-down construction also makes it a useful option for knitters who want something different from the many raglan and long-sleeve cardigan patterns available.
More Free Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Looking for another style? Browse Knitting Bee’s collection of free cardigan knitting patterns for women.
You can also find more free short sleeve cardigan knitting patterns if the lighter, short-sleeve shape is what you like most about this design.
For a simpler project, see these beginner cardigan knitting patterns.
Or explore more free knitting patterns for women, including sweaters, cardigans, tops, vests and accessories.