A wonderfully straightforward easy cardigan knitting pattern for knitters who are ready to move from scarves and simple projects into their first full garment. The entire cardigan is worked in garter stitch, so there’s no complicated stitch pattern to keep track of while you learn the basics of cardigan construction.
What makes this design especially beginner-friendly is its relaxed shape: the sleeves are created through gradual increases rather than complicated armhole shaping, while practical patch-style pockets, turn-back cuffs and a six-button front give the finished cardigan a polished, wearable look. The pattern also has an excellent size range, running from Small through 3X with finished chest measurements from 40 to 60 inches.
- Yarn weight: Worsted
- Needle size: 5.5 mm (US 8) circular needle, 29 in / 73.5 cm
- Skill level: Easy+
- Sizes included: Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X
- Finished chest: 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60) in / 101.5 (112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5) cm
- Finished length: 24 (24, 25, 25, 26, 26) in / 61 (61, 63.5, 63.5, 66, 66) cm
- Knit flat or in the round: Knit flat on a circular needle
- Construction: Separate back and front pieces with sleeves shaped through increases
- Get the free pattern: Get the free Knit Oh-So-Simple Cardigan pattern PDF
🧶 Yarn pick: The original pattern uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease, a worsted-weight wool/acrylic blend that suits this cardigan particularly well because it gives you some of the warmth and feel of wool while remaining easy to care for. The original Grey Heather is a great choice if you want the same timeless everyday look, but the very simple garter stitch construction also makes this cardigan a good candidate for richer colors such as forest green, navy, burgundy or warm oatmeal.
Materials Used in This Pattern
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Grey Heather
- Small – 6 skeins
- Medium – 7 skeins
- Large – 8 skeins
- 1X – 9 skeins
- 2X – 10 skeins
- 3X – 11 skeins
- Needle: 5.5 mm (US 8) circular needle, 29 in / 73.5 cm
- Notions: Stitch holders, large-eye blunt needle and six 1⅛ in / 28 mm buttons
- Gauge: 16 sts and 32 rows (16 garter ridges) = 4 in / 10 cm in garter stitch
What You Need to Know Before Knitting
Although Lion Brand rates this pattern Easy+, I think it is best described as a good first cardigan for a confident beginner rather than an absolute beginner knitting project.
You don’t need to know cables, lace or complicated stitch patterns. The cardigan is primarily garter stitch, but you will get practice with increasing, binding off, picking up stitches, simple buttonholes, pockets, neckline shaping and seaming.
One thing worth knowing before you begin is that gauge matters here. Garter stitch can vary considerably between knitters, and because this is a garment, even a small difference in gauge can change the finished chest measurement. Knit and wash a gauge swatch before choosing your final size.
Why This Is a Good Beginner Cardigan Pattern
The simplicity is what makes this older Lion Brand design still worth knitting.
Instead of combining complicated garment shaping with a complicated stitch pattern, it lets you concentrate on how a knitted cardigan is actually constructed. The garter stitch is repetitive and forgiving, while the pockets, cuffs, neckline and button band introduce techniques you can use again in more advanced cardigan patterns.
The finished chest measurements range from 40 to 60 inches, so there is also considerably more sizing choice here than in many older free cardigan knitting patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oh-So-Simple Cardigan suitable for beginners?
Yes, particularly for knitters who are comfortable with the basic knit stitch and are ready to make their first garment. The pattern is rated Easy+ because it introduces shaping, pockets, buttonholes, picking up stitches and finishing techniques.
Is the cardigan really knitted entirely in garter stitch?
The main fabric is worked in garter stitch. This gives the cardigan its characteristic horizontal ridges and removes the need to follow a complicated stitch repeat.
Is this cardigan knitted flat?
Yes. Although the pattern calls for a circular needle, the pieces are worked back and forth rather than joined to knit in the round. The circular needle is useful for accommodating the large number of stitches as the sleeves are increased.
What sizes does the free cardigan pattern include?
The pattern includes Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X. Finished chest measurements are approximately 40, 44, 48, 52, 56 and 60 inches respectively.
Does this cardigan have pockets?
Yes. The design includes two front pockets with knitted pocket linings, making it a little more interesting than a very basic beginner cardigan.
Can I substitute another yarn for Lion Brand Wool-Ease?
Yes. Look for a worsted-weight yarn capable of producing the required gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch. Because this is a cardigan, always make a gauge swatch before committing to a substitute yarn.
Why does the pattern use a circular needle if the cardigan is knitted flat?
A circular needle can hold significantly more stitches than a standard straight needle. This becomes particularly useful when the cardigan’s sleeve increases create a very wide piece of knitting. You simply turn the work at the end of each row and use the circular needle as you would a pair of straight needles.
What knitting skills will I learn with this cardigan?
This pattern gives newer knitters practice with garment construction, garter stitch, increases, binding off, picking up stitches, simple yarn-over buttonholes, pocket construction, neckline shaping, seaming and finishing.
Where can I download the free pattern?
The complete Lion Brand Knit Oh-So-Simple Cardigan Pattern #60061 is available as a free PDF. Use the free pattern link near the top of this page to access the original instructions.