500+ Free cardigan knitting patterns to download! Knitted cardigans are great items to wear all year round, you can knit warmer cardigans in tighter stitches and bulkier yarns for the Winter/Fall months and knit up some light weight, breezy cardigan with eyelets and lace in cotton for the Summer/Spring months.
Cardigans are more than just garments; they are timeless pieces that offer warmth, versatility, and a canvas for self-expression. There is a unique satisfaction that comes from wearing a handmade garment, you can choose the fit, color and style to suit your tastes.
Many knitting enthusiasts hesitate to tackle cardigan projects, fearing complexity. However, we’ll debunk this myth and provide guidance for beginners, including tips on choosing easy patterns and practical considerations for a successful cardigan-knitting venture. See this article for more on Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Beginners.
Cardigan sweaters can be constructed using various methods, typically falling into two categories: seamless construction and pieced (seamed) construction.
Seamless Cardigans:
These cardigan sweaters are crafted all in one piece, utilizing long circular needles. Often worked “top-down,” this method involves knitting from the collar down to the hem, resulting in a seamless and continuous garment.
Seamed Cardigans:
In contrast, seamed cardigans are assembled from separate knitted pieces. This approach involves knitting distinct sections for the back panel, two front panels, and two sleeves. The final step includes the assembly of these pieces using techniques like the mattress stitch. Typically, seamed cardigans are knitted “bottom-up,” starting from the hem and progressing up to the collar.
With over 500 free knitted cardigan patterns to choose from, we have divided them into different styles to help you find exactly what you are looking for, just keep scrolling down to see the latest patterns.
Cardigan Pattern Styles: long sleeves, short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, open cardigans, button up cardigans, one button cardigans, long cardigans, free v-neck cardigans, cardigans with hoods, cardigans made with bulky yarn, knitted cardigan patterns with pockets, cardigans with peplums
Cardigans by Stitch: lace stitch cardigan knitting patterns, textured stitch cardigans, free fair isle cardigans, free aran cardigan knitting patterns, cable cardigans, striped cardigans, stockinette stitch cardigans, ripple stitch cardigans, bobble stitch cardigans, garter stitch cardigan knitting patterns
Rowan – Anise Free Cardigan Knit Pattern in Rowan Big Wool. Knit a cozy and stylish cardigan with the free Rowan Anise pattern! This design features the super bulky Rowan Big Wool yarn, creating a wonderfully textured and warm garment. Available in UK sizes 8-18 (to fit bust 32-42 inches), this intermediate-level pattern combines garter stitch, stockinette…
Long Cabled Cardigan with Collar Free Knitting Pattern. This pattern is for a long, cabled cardigan for women, knit flat in pieces (back, two fronts, and sleeves) and then seamed. The design features a prominent cable panel on the back and sleeves, as well as smaller cable details on the fronts. The cardigan has raglan…
Free Knitting Pattern for a Striped Hoodie with Pockets, featuring seed stitch and simple shaping. This casual hoodie is knit in a simple seed stitch with four-row stripes using two colors of Premier® Yarns Flora™. The design is worked flat in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves, hood, and two pockets) and then seamed together.…
Indulge in the timeless beauty of Aran knitting with this stunning “Slimline Cardigan” pattern. This design showcases two classic Aran motifs: the intricate “Homes of Donegal” diamond panel and the elegant “Gordian Knot” cable. These rich textures combine to create a long, flattering cardigan that’s both sophisticated and incredibly wearable. The slimline silhouette is perfect…
Free Warm Viking Knitting Patterns for the Family. “Viking Knitting: Warm Garments for an Active Life” by Lasse L. Matberg, with patterns from Strikkemekka, is a collection of knitting patterns inspired by Viking-era clothing and designed for modern wear. It offers patterns for the entire family (women, men, and children). The book provides the following:…
Free Knitting Pattern for The Cloudlight Cardigan. his free knitting pattern guides you through creating the Cloudlight Cardigan, a lightweight and airy garment with a beautiful drape and soft halo. Knit with a luxurious blend of baby suri alpaca, merino wool, and nylon, this cardigan is designed for both comfort and elegance. The pattern features…
Free Knit Pattern for Women’s Cardigan in Rowan Brushed Fleece, (downloadable PDF). Create a classic and comfortable cardigan with this free, downloadable Rowan knitting pattern for women! This design uses the luxuriously soft Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, resulting in a warm and inviting garment. Available in sizes S to XXL (to fit bust 32-50 inches), this…
Free Knitting Pattern for an Organic Wool Argyle Cardigan. This pattern is for a button-front cardigan with an argyle diamond design on the front and sleeves. The back is plain. The body and sleeves start with ribbed cuffs and hems, then transition to stocking stitch with the diamond pattern worked in the center. The diamond…