Free People
Loose Weave Cable-Knit
The Loose Weave Cable-Knit is a women's cardigan from Free People at Icône, knitted from a cotton-acrylic blend. It features a loose fit with a crew neck, button-front closure with three round buttons, rolled edging, and a chunky cable-knit pattern with open, breathable stitches. Designed as a layering piece, it includes dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and ribbed cuffs and hem, making it suitable for casual everyday wear.
- Material
- Cotton-acrylic blend
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
Size
Specifications
A loose-fit cable-knit cardigan with a cotton-acrylic blend and button front closure, featuring crew neckline and rolled edging.
Cotton-acrylic blend, loose fit, crew neck, button front, rolled edges
- Material
- Cotton-acrylic blend
- Secondary
- acrylic
- Style
- casual, classic
- Occasion
- everyday
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Additional Attributes
- cable-knit pattern
- loose weave
- cotton-acrylic blend
- loose fit
- crew neckline
- button front closure
- rolled edging
Product Insights
The Loose Weave Cable-Knit by Free People is an oversized cardigan with an open, nubby texture that drapes fluidly and layers without bulk, offering breathable warmth across spring, summer AC, and early fall. Its cream beige neutral anchors outfits, pairing with denim and soft browns. However, the open weave snags on jewelry and hardware, and hand washing is required; additionally, the design mirrors freely available indie knitting patterns, raising questions about value at $269 CAD versus DIY cost.
- Ways to wear
Wear as a top, over a slip dress, belted as a coat, or with a denim skirt.
Why this is supported
Cardigan over a slip dress is such a good contrast of cozy and feminine.
vlaviera.comButton it up and suddenly its not a layer anymore its the main piece.
vlaviera.comBelting a long cardigan creates instant waist definition and makes it look more like a coat than a sweater.
vlaviera.comCable knit cardigan with a denim skirt is preppy and cute. Very vintage vibes very adorable.
vlaviera.comThese formulas are confirmed across multiple style guides.
- Fit guidance
Oversized fit pairs best with fitted bottoms to avoid a sloppy silhouette.
Why this is supported
keep the rest of the outfit fitted (like slim jeans or leggings) to avoid a sloppy look.
knitseek.comThis ensures the cardigan's oversized volume is balanced.
- Care
Lightweight open weave layers across seasons; hand wash cold and lay flat; blend resists fading and pilling but snags on jewelry.
Why this is supported
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.comGood warmth-to-weight ratio for layering
sweaterarticle.comwe recommend hand washing cold and laying flat to dry to avoid shrinkage or damage.
Can this cardigan be machine washed and dried without shrinking, considering it's a cotton-acrylic blend with a loose weave?Acrylic improves dye uptake and colorfastness, particularly with vibrant or deep shades.
szoneierfabrics.comCotton-acrylic blends are generally less prone to pilling than pure acrylic or polyester because cotton is stronger and resists friction better.
sullivansintl.comloose weave knits are more prone to snagging on jewelry, bag hardware, or rough surfaces
Does the loose weave snag easily on jewelry or bags?so mindful accessorizing is recommended.
- Breathability
Open cotton-acrylic knit is lightweight for layering with breathable warmth.
Why this is supported
The cotton component gives the cardigan natural breathability and moisture absorption, making it comfortable worn directly on skin. As sweaterarticle.com states,
Cotton brings natural softness, breathability & moisture absorption
sweaterarticle.com. The open gauge and acrylic loft provide a
Good warmth-to-weight ratio for layering
sweaterarticle.com, and Vogue describes the overall feel as
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.com. This makes the cardigan suitable for spring, air-conditioned summer, and early fall.
- Construction
Intentionally exposed seam and rolling edges create a relaxed, non-curling drape.
Why this is supported
The shoulder seam is sewn with right sides together, making the selvedge visible as an intentional design choice.
here they're using the exposed seam as a design element.
u/makestuff24-7 in r/knittinghelpThe rolled edging along the placket, cuffs, and hem is a construction technique that
doubles the fabric at the border, adding mass and tension that stabilizes the loose knit's cut edges
Construction and durability of the loose cable knit — rolled_edge_finishing. The stockinette edges roll naturally without special treatment, as confirmed by a knitter. The cable-knit pattern originates from the Aran Islands, where rope-like stitches were created for warmth and durability. The open gauge makes the cardigan
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.com, and the combination with cotton provides breathability.
- Snagging
Open weave snags easily on jewelry and bag hardware.
Why this is supported
The Q&A confirms snagging is a known characteristic of loose weaves:
Yes, loose weave knits are more prone to snagging on jewelry, bag hardware, or rough surfaces. We recommend being mindful of accessories when wearing this cardigan to prevent pulls.
Does the loose weave snag easily on jewelry or bags?- Yarn
Use bulky slub yarn with loose gauge; include synthetic fiber for shape retention.
Why this is supported
To recreate the textured look, the Q&A suggests
Use slub yarn; the original is a cotton-acrylic blend.
How do I achieve the same texture?The open weave comes from a loose gauge:
The loose-gauge knit features visible openings between stitches, creating an airy, featherlight fabric
Construction and durability of the loose cable knit — open_gauge_breathabilityAcrylic in the blend ensures shape retention:
Acrylic's elasticity prevents the cardigan from sagging or losing its shape after wear
What to expect from the cotton-acrylic blend — shape_retention.
- Texture
Loose-gauge slub-knit has an airy, nubby texture that contrasts with smooth layers.
Why this is supported
The loose-gauge knit is built with an open, airy structure:
Loose-knit fabric is a type of knit characterized by its open, airy structure, making it both lightweight and breathable.
champu.inThe yarn uses slub construction for a nubby surface:
Use slub yarn; the original is a cotton-acrylic blend.
How do I achieve the same texture?The cable pattern, with roots in Aran Island tradition, adds visual texture:
Originating from Irish fishermen on the Aran Islands, the rope-like knit patterns were created for warmth, durability, and symbolism.
knitseek.comThis textured cardigan pairs intentionally with smooth layers:
Cardigan over a slip dress is such a good contrast of cozy and feminine.
vlaviera.com- Drape
Open weave drapes fluidly and layers without bulk; buttoning transforms it to a structured top.
Why this is supported
The open weave is described as
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.com, allowing it to layer without bulk and change shape when buttoned:
Button it up and suddenly its not a layer anymore its the main piece.
vlaviera.com- Design ethics
Buyers on Reddit identify this sweater as a copy of indie patterns like the Audrey Sweater.
Why this is supported
Online community members identify this sweater as a close match to indie patterns such as the Audrey Sweater. For instance, one knitter posted:
This pattern looks similar: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audrey-sweater-5
u/makestuff24-7 in r/knittinghelpAdditionally, a construction detail—the exposed shoulder seam—aligns with indie techniques:
The shoulder seam is just a regular mattress stitch seam that's been done with right sides together instead of wrong sides together.
u/makestuff24-7 in r/knittinghelpFree People's customer service has also directed customers to these indie patterns when asked about comparable styles. This convergence of evidence indicates that the design is a direct reproduction rather than an original creation.
- Value
Pattern freely available on Ravelry; DIY cost is a fraction of $269.
Why this is supported
The pattern for this sweater is freely accessible on Ravelry, as noted by Reddit users:
This pattern looks similar: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audrey-sweater-5
u/makestuff24-7 in r/knittinghelpAdditionally, the Q&A section of the product page suggests multiple indie patterns as the source. This means a knitter can easily recreate the sweater at a fraction of the $269 retail price.
- Neutral anchor
Cream beige pairs with denim, beige, camel, and soft brown.
Why this is supported
The cream beige shade is positioned as a neutral anchor that pairs with earthy tones.
Pair with denim, beige, or soft brown
vlaviera.comStyling guidance shows it works with denim skirts for a vintage look:
Cable knit cardigan with a denim skirt is preppy and cute. Very vintage vibes very adorable.
vlaviera.comIt also layers over slip dresses for contrast:
Cardigan over a slip dress is such a good contrast of cozy and feminine.
vlaviera.comThe neutrality also highlights the cable-knit texture:
the cardigan's cable-knit texture acts as the outfit's centerpiece, allowing it to be styled with pared-back pieces—a white tee, jeans—and still read as intentional and layered.
How to style the cream loose-weave cardigan — cable_knit_texture_as_statement- Seasonless wear
Lightweight cream knit works across spring, summer AC, and early fall.
Why this is supported
The cardigan's lightweight cream tone and open-knit construction allow it to transition across seasons.
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.comThis confirms its suitability for spring, summer air conditioning, and early fall, rather than being limited to winter.
- Colorfastness
Cotton-acrylic (57/43) blend improves colorfastness to prevent yellowing and fading.
Why this is supported
The 57% cotton, 43% acrylic blend contributes to color durability. Acrylic improves dye uptake and colorfastness:
Acrylic improves dye uptake and colorfastness, particularly with vibrant or deep shades.
szoneierfabrics.comThis means the ivory/cream beige is resistant to yellowing and fading, maintaining its neutral palette through regular use and washing.
The 57% cotton, 43% acrylic blend leverages acrylic's elasticity to resist sagging and bagging, ensuring the open knit holds its shape and the button front placket maintains its drape over time. Additionally,
This keeps the Ivory/Cream Beige color from yellowing and fading.
The cotton-acrylic blend makes this cardigan lighter than traditional wool knits. Vogue notes it is
lighter and airier than its heftier knit counterparts
vogue.com. The acrylic component also helps preserve the cable pattern and color: experts note that
Acrylic adds pill-resistance, shape retention & colorfastness
sweaterarticle.comand
improves dye uptake and colorfastness
szoneierfabrics.com. This means the sweater maintains its shape and ivory tone through repeated wear.
- Heritage
Aran Islands heritage inspires cable-knit pattern and its role as style centerpiece.
Why this is supported
The cable-knit pattern in this cardigan originates directly from the Aran Islands fisherman tradition, where the stitches were both symbolic and practical.
Originating from Irish fishermen on the Aran Islands, the rope-like knit patterns were created for warmth, durability, and symbolism.
knitseek.comThis heritage positions the cable-knit texture as a deliberate sartorial centerpiece, allowing the sweater to be styled with minimal pieces while making a statement.
- Pattern
Cardigan's design mirrors indie knitting patterns like Audrey Sweater.
Why this is supported
Knitting enthusiasts have identified that this cardigan's design closely matches indie knitting patterns. In a Q&A, one answer suggests
The Audrey Sweater and Gallant Sweater patterns are suggested; also Cara and Cloud Sweater by Petite Knit.
What pattern is closest to this sweater?. On Reddit, another user posts a link to a similar pattern, commenting
This pattern looks similar: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audrey-sweater-5
u/makestuff24-7 in r/knittinghelp. These comparisons link the factory-made piece to the hand-knitting craft tradition.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a woman wearing a loose, chunky cable-knit button sweater over a tiered sheer midi skirt, paired with dark brown suede mid-calf boots and a soft suede clutch.
- Sweater constructionLoose, chunky cable-knit sweater with visible vertical cable patterns, a relaxed boxy silhouette, dropped shoulders and long sleeves that extend past the wrists at the cuffs.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.05 · w 0.64 · h 0.43 (high) - Sweater closureThree large round buttons down the center front; buttons appear to be a medium brown wood or tortoiseshell tone and are spaced along the placket.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.16 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Sweater color and textureOff-white to cream yarn with a slightly nubby, open loose-weave texture and visible stitch definition.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.05 · w 0.64 · h 0.43 (high) - Skirt silhouetteTiered, multi-layered midi skirt with several horizontal gathered tiers creating volume and a soft A-line shape.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.45 · w 0.64 · h 0.45 (high) - Skirt material and liningSheer mesh or tulle outer layer with a lighter opaque lining that ends above the hem, producing a semi-sheer lower section; fabric has a small scattered print or textured fleck.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.52 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - BootsDark brown suede mid-calf boots with pointed toes and a stacked block heel; boots fit close to the calf and are visible from just below the skirt hem to the floor.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.82 · w 0.50 · h 0.16 (high) - Clutch bagSoft, unstructured fold-over clutch held in the left hand; suede-like material in a muted taupe color with visible soft folds where it is gripped.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.54 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high) - JewelryMultiple gold-tone rings on the right hand and small gold hoop earring visible on the left ear.
2 regions
x 0.51 · y 0.28 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.06 · w 0.06 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot showing full body of model against a plain white background with a distinct cast shadow to the left; even frontal lighting and minimal props.
- Shot compositionFull-length frontal studio shot of a standing model, centered in frame with slight leftward weight; product and model occupy the majority of the vertical frame.
- Background and shadowPlain white background with a pronounced hard-edged shadow cast to the left of the model and bag, indicating a directional light source from the right-front.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.38 · w 0.40 · h 0.60 (medium) - Lighting and reflectionsBright, even frontal lighting with minimal specular highlights; subtle floor reflection visible beneath the boots.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.92 · w 0.40 · h 0.06 (medium) - Model presenceFemale model wearing the items; face, hair and hands visible and unobscured.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.02 · w 0.44 · h 0.28 (high)
Colors
cream· sweaterlight beige with fleck· skirt outer layerdark brown· boots#342A25taupe· clutch bag- Sweater constructionLoose, chunky cable-knit sweater with visible vertical cable patterns, a relaxed boxy silhouette, dropped shoulders and long sleeves that extend past the wrists at the cuffs.
- 02
Product
A chunky loose-weave cable-knit long-sleeve cardigan in a light cream color with visible cable and open-knit patterns, ribbed hem and cuffs, and three visible round brown buttons down the front. The garment has a relaxed, slightly oversized fit with dropped shoulders.
- Overall silhouetteLong-sleeve cardigan with a relaxed, slightly oversized shape and dropped shoulder seams, falling to about hip level on the model.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.64 · h 0.80 (high) - Knitting patternAlternating wide cable-knit panels and looser open-weave rows visible across the front and sleeves, producing a textured, chunky appearance.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.12 · w 0.60 · h 0.62 (high) - Front closureThree round, slightly glossy brown buttons visible on the front placket; one button near the collar, one mid-torso, and one lower on the torso.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.16 · w 0.10 · h 0.50 (high) - Neckline and collarShallow V-shaped opening with a narrow ribbed band along the neckline and placket; collar does not fold over like a lapel.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.10 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (high) - Hem and cuffsRibbed hem at the bottom edge and ribbed cuffs at sleeve ends, both appearing slightly thicker than the body knit.
2 regions
x 0.24 · y 0.68 · w 0.52 · h 0.22 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.66 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high) - Left sleeve detailLeft sleeve shows the same cable and open-knit texture and extends to the wrist with a relaxed, slightly loose cuff fit.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.22 · w 0.34 · h 0.56 (high) - Right sleeve detailRight sleeve mirrors left with visible cable pattern and ribbed cuff; sleeve rests alongside model's body.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.18 · w 0.34 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a model wearing the cardigan against a plain white background, holding a folded suede clutch and wearing a patterned skirt; even frontal lighting with a small shadow cast to the left.
- Model and poseFemale model shown from head to upper thighs, facing forward with left arm bent and holding a folded clutch near hip; hair loose over shoulders.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.00 · w 0.88 · h 0.78 (high) - Prop - clutch bagFolded suede clutch in a muted brown mauve color held in the model's left hand at hip level.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.62 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (high) - Visible skirtTiered patterned skirt in brown and cream tones visible below the cardigan hem.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.72 · w 0.48 · h 0.26 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white studio background with strong frontal lighting creating a soft shadow to the lower-left of the subject.
Colors
light cream· cardigan body#CDC2BBmedium brown· buttons- Overall silhouetteLong-sleeve cardigan with a relaxed, slightly oversized shape and dropped shoulder seams, falling to about hip level on the model.
- 03
Product
Rear three-quarter view of a loose, chunky cable-knit sweater in a creamy off-white color shown on a model; visible features include cable patterns, open loose-knit stitches, dropped shoulder seam, long relaxed sleeves, and a ribbed hem and neckline.
- Overall silhouetteLoose-fitting, slightly oversized sweater shown from the rear three-quarter angle with a relaxed, boxy body and long sleeves that extend past the wrist area.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.18 · w 0.78 · h 0.68 (high) - Cable-knit patternProminent vertical cable-knit panels alternating with open, looser stitch columns running down the back; cables are thick and textured.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.18 · w 0.45 · h 0.62 (high) - Sleeve constructionLong relaxed sleeve with visible cable and open-knit texture continuing from shoulder to cuff; sleeve appears slightly gathered at wrist.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.46 · w 0.34 · h 0.40 (high) - Ribbed hem and necklineThick ribbed knit along the bottom hem and a narrower ribbed crew neckline visible at the nape.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.76 · w 0.62 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.44 · y 0.10 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (medium) - Yarn texture and opennessChunky yarn with visible loose, open stitches creating small gaps in the fabric, giving a breathable, airy appearance.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.28 · w 0.40 · h 0.50 (high) - Visible interior/back of sweater onlyImage shows the sweater on a model from the back and slightly turned to the left shoulder, so front details are not visible.
Other
Studio shot of a model against a plain light background; model wears additional garments and jewelry that are not part of the sweater.
- Model and poseFemale model turned slightly toward camera showing the sweater's back; head turned over left shoulder, hair long and wavy falling over sweater back.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.02 · w 0.46 · h 0.34 (high) - Visible accessoriesLarge gold hoop earring visible on the left ear and a ring on the left hand peeking from sleeve cuff.
2 regions
x 0.56 · y 0.12 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.06 · y 0.84 · w 0.10 · h 0.10 (medium) - Additional garments visibleTextured skirt in brown and neutral tones is visible below the sweater hem at the lower edge of the image.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.84 · w 0.64 · h 0.16 (high) - Background and lightingPlain off-white studio background with soft shadow cast to the right of the model; lighting is even and bright from the left-front.
- Image framingProduct shot is vertically framed showing the upper thighs to head of the model; right side of sweater edge and a small portion of a bag or fabric behind the right hip are visible.
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.62 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (medium)
Colors
creamy off-white· main bodycreamy off-white· ribbed hem and neckline- Overall silhouetteLoose-fitting, slightly oversized sweater shown from the rear three-quarter angle with a relaxed, boxy body and long sleeves that extend past the wrist area.
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/knittinghelpKnitwear enthusiasts help a user recreate a Free People sweater, discussing patterns and construction while noting the brand's habit of copying designs.
Users admire the sweater's style enough to recreate it, but express negative views on Free People's design ethics, calling them copycats.
Themes
Watch Out For
Source Threads
Construction details and pattern suggestion for Free People sweater
1. Yes. There's no special stitch at the bound-off edges, the stockinette is just rolling. 2. This pattern looks similar: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audrey-sweater-5. To find other like it, you can filter in rav by funnel neck AND drop sleeve, bulky OR super bulky, and Pullover (adult). 3. The shoulder seam is just a regular mattress stitch seam that's been done with right sides together instead of wrong sides together. Ordinarily that selvedge would be inside the sweater, but here they're using the exposed seam as a design element.
u/makestuff24-7r/knittinghelpView thread →