The Kaya Cardigan is a cropped, oversized cardigan with drop shoulder and short sleeves, a clean round neck, and a soft mohair halo that gives it a quietly sophisticated look. Named after the word for “pure” and “wise” — and it lives up to both. Layer it over a summer dress or pair it with wide-leg jeans: a versatile knit that works year-round.

This pattern is made with the Dreamknit Design Tool. Knit it exactly as shown or feel free to change the yarn, the design or details to make it your own. You can also start a brand new design from scratch from our website. As a Dreamknit member you can customize any of our patterns, and download this one for free.

The cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down. You begin by knitting the back piece, before picking up stitches for each shoulder separately and shaping the neckline opening with increases. The front and back pieces are joined under the armhole, and the body is worked back and forth in stockinette. The short sleeves and neckline ribbing are worked by picking up stitches, and the button band is worked along the front edges.

Sizes
XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL)

Bust measurement
80–85 (85–90) 90–95 (95–105) 105–115 (115–125) cm

Finished bust circumference
100 (105) 110 (120) 130 (140) cm
About 15–25 cm positive ease, cropped and oversized.

Gauge
17 sts = 10 cm in stockinette on 5 mm needles.

Yarn
Dale Kidsilk Erle (50 g = 325 m): 200 (200) 200 (200) 300 (300) g. You can also knit this in any yarn that gives the same gauge — see alternatives: here

Needles
5 mm circular needles.