Free People
Loose Weave Cable-Knit
The Free People Loose Weave Cable-Knit is a women's pullover sweater crafted from a cotton-acrylic blend with a loose, open cable-knit pattern. It features a relaxed, boxy fit with dropped shoulders, long sleeves, a crew neck, and three button closures down the front placket, finished with ribbed edging. This chunky knit offers a breathable, airy texture and is designed for casual layering.
- Material
- Cotton-acrylic blend
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shirts & Tops
Color
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.
Verified claims
- Ways to wear
- Wear as a top, over a slip dress, belted as a coat, or with a denim skirt.
- Fit guidance
- Oversized fit pairs best with fitted bottoms to avoid a sloppy silhouette.
- Care
- Lightweight open weave layers across seasons; hand wash cold and lay flat; the cotton-acrylic blend resists fading and resists pilling more than pure acrylic, though the loose weave can fuzz in high-friction areas and snags on jewelry.
- Breathability
- Open cotton-acrylic knit is lightweight for layering with breathable warmth.
- Construction
- Rolled edging along the placket, cuffs, and hem doubles the fabric at the borders, adding tension that stabilizes the loose knit's cut edges and prevents curling and edge scalloping.
- Snagging
- Open weave snags easily on jewelry and bag hardware.
- Yarn
- Use slub yarn in a cotton-acrylic blend to replicate the texture; the synthetic acrylic improves shape retention in the loose-gauge knit.
- Texture
- Loose-gauge slub-knit has an airy, nubby texture that contrasts with smooth layers.
- Drape
- Open weave drapes fluidly and layers without bulk; fastening all buttons converts it from a layering piece into a standalone top.
- Neutral anchor
- Cream beige pairs with denim, beige, camel, and soft brown.
- Seasonless wear
- Lightweight cream knit works across spring, summer AC, and early fall.
- Colorfastness
- Cotton-acrylic (57/43) blend improves colorfastness to prevent yellowing and fading.
- Heritage
- Aran Islands heritage inspires cable-knit pattern and its role as style centerpiece.
- Pattern
- Comparable knitting patterns include the Audrey Sweater and Gallant Sweater, plus Cara and Cloud Sweater by Petite Knit.
- Skin feel
- Cotton's natural breathability and moisture absorption keep the cardigan comfortable directly against skin or over a tee.
Product record
- Title
- Loose Weave Cable-Knit
- Brand
- Free People
- Price
- 269 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 13 sourcesUses
Styled as a buttoned sweater over a midi skirt
This chunky cable-knit button sweater can be worn buttoned up as a top, as shown in the product image styled over a tiered sheer midi skirt. The look there is finished with dark brown suede mid-calf boots and a suede clutch.[1]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Loose Weave Cable-Knit: Choose this if you want a relaxed, slightly oversized cable-knit cardigan with a boxy silhouette, dropped shoulders, and sleeves that extend past the wrists, in a creamy ivory tone with round brown buttons down the front. Its 57% cotton, 43% acrylic blend knit alternates chunky cable panels with looser open-weave rows and rolled, ribbed trims at the hem, neckline, and cuffs. Note that the loose, open stitches create small gaps in the fabric, giving it an airy look that suits layering more than wind-blocking warmth.[1,2,3,4] | Contrasting Inside-Out Effect Pure Cotton Sweater: Choose this if you want a relaxed, slightly oversized cotton sweater in a long, loose boxy cut with drop shoulders and a wide crew neck. It is a 100% cotton medium-weight ribbed knit with even horizontal black and off-white stripes, cream ribbed trim at the cuffs and hem, and a distinctive inside-out look with exposed stitching and bright blue piping along the seams. Sizes run from X-SMALL to LARGE in the Patterned White colorway, and the hem extends past the hips on the model shown, so the length is a fit consideration.[5,6,7,8,9] | Cropped Boxy-Fit Mock-Neck Sweater: Choose this if you want a cropped, boxy mock-neck sweater in a thick, chunky knit with visible large stitches, dropped shoulders, and long relaxed sleeves. It is a 57% cotton, 43% acrylic blend in Royal/Sapphire Blue (described by one analyst as medium periwinkle blue), offered in sizes X-Small through Large, with a short ribbed collar and a rolled, slightly scalloped hem that sits above the waist. Note that the hem and cuffs have a deliberately rolled, somewhat unfinished look, so skip it if you prefer neatly finished edges.[10,11,12,13] |
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.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Free People
Frankie Cable Knit Sweater
Variants
4 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4692561 | Loose Weave Cable-Knit - Ivory/cream Beige - X-Small | CA$269.00 | Yes |
| 4692562 | Loose Weave Cable-Knit - Ivory/cream Beige - Small | CA$269.00 | Yes |
| 4692563 | Loose Weave Cable-Knit - Ivory/cream Beige - Medium | CA$269.00 | Yes |
| 4692564 | Loose Weave Cable-Knit - Ivory/cream Beige - Large | CA$269.00 | Yes |
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 →