If you’re looking to knit the perfect layering piece, nothing beats a cozy oversized cardigan with pockets. These cardigans are warm, stylish, and practical—ideal for chilly days at home or layering over outfits for a relaxed look. In this roundup, we’ve curated free knitting patterns for oversized cardigans with pockets that are beginner-friendly, size-inclusive, and available as instant downloads.
Whether you love chunky knits or classic textures, there’s something here for every knitter.
Why Knit an Oversized Cardigan?
Oversized cardigans are timeless and versatile. The relaxed fit makes them flattering on all body types, while the addition of pockets adds both function and flair. They pair beautifully with jeans, leggings, or even over dresses. Best of all, many of these free patterns are easy to follow and suitable for beginners.
What You’ll Find in These Free Cardigan Patterns
Each pattern included in this roundup features:
- A comfortable oversized fit
- Built-in or patch pockets
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Free PDF or web-based downloads
Some patterns also include photo tutorials or step-by-step videos, making them great for visual learners.
1. Women’s Cabled Cardigan – Novita Nordic Wool
Designer: Lea Petäjä
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Novita Nordic Wool)
Size Range: Multiple sizes included (XS–XXL, approx.)
Download: Novita Cabled Cardigan Free Pattern
This stunning longline cardigan features bold, beautifully sculpted cables that frame the front panels and run along the sleeves, making it a true showpiece. Knit with warm and durable Novita Nordic Wool, this cardigan is designed for both comfort and elegance. The roomy silhouette, deep armholes, and relaxed fit offer a cozy oversized style, while functional patch pockets add practical flair. Suitable for intermediate knitters, the pattern includes detailed charts for the cables and a classic ribbed neckline for a polished finish. Perfect for layering through autumn and winter.
2. Wandering Cables Cardigan
Designer: Merri Fromm
Yarn Weight: Aran (RED HEART® Colorscape™)
Size Range: Small–4X-Large (To fit bust/chest 32″–56″)
Download : Red Heart
Description:
A cozy cardigan designed for warmth, featuring prominent Medallion Cable panels on the back and practical patch pockets. The cardigan is knit in pieces with drop shoulders and includes a ribbed hem, cuffs, and front band. Suitable for intermediate knitters, this pattern uses the textured Medallion Cable stitch and Stockinette stitch for the main body. Directions are provided for multiple sizes, with detailed stitch patterns and finishing notes.
3. Forest Whispers
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: DROPS Delight (Yarn Group A) and DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk (Yarn Group C), held together. Effective Weight: Approximately Aran/Light Bulky (gauge 13 sts = 4″ with 7mm needles).
Size Range: S – XXXL (Finished Chest: 104-154 cm / 41″-60⅝”)
Free Pattern: DROPS Design
This knitted jacket is worked in pieces from the bottom up using two strands of yarn held together. It features a ribbed lower hem (moss stitch rib), an all-over pattern (referred to as A.1), integrated pockets created during the knitting process, a shaped shawl collar worked with short rows, and splits at the sides of the body and lower sleeves. The pattern involves knitting the back, front pieces, sleeves, and pocket linings separately and then seaming them together during assembly.
4. Women’s cardigan Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola
Designer: Saara Toikka
Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola (Gauge: 19 sts and 30 rows in broken seed stitch = 10 cm)
Size Range: 6 sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 85(93)101…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, front panels, and sleeves) using a combination of mock fisherman’s rib and broken seed stitch. The mock fisherman’s rib is used for the lower hems, cuffs, front bands, and the opening of the integrated pockets. The main body and sleeves are worked in broken seed stitch after an initial ribbed section. The pattern includes instructions for knitting pocket linings separately and then incorporating them into the front pieces. The garment is assembled by seaming the knitted pieces together.
5. Women’s textured cardigan Novita Isoveli
Designer: Susanna Mertsalmi
Yarn: Novita Isoveli (Gauge: 20 sts = 10 cm in textured and cable patterns, suggesting Aran/Heavy Worsted weight)
Size Range: 3 sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 59(63)67)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knit in pieces (back, right front, left front, and separate pockets) using complex texture and cable patterns defined by charts. The back piece features a split hem, started by knitting the lower section in two halves before joining. Pockets are knitted separately in a cable pattern and then sewn onto the finished front pieces. The cardigan is assembled by seaming the shoulders, sides, sleeves, and attaching the pockets. It includes shaping for armholes and the neckline.
6. Women’s cardigan Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola
Designer: Minttu Wikberg
Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola (Gauge: 19 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm in broken seed stitch; text also gives gauge for ribbing/stockinette implicitly)
Size Range: Multiple sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 98(106)114…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, left front, right front, and sleeves) using k2 p2 ribbing for the hems and front bands, and stockinette stitch for the main body. It features integrated pockets created by working a section separately and then rejoining. The right front includes a buttonhole. The sleeves are knit seamlessly in the round. The garment is finished by seaming the shoulder, side, and sleeve seams, attaching the sleeves, and sewing on the collar/neckband and button.
7. Wayfarer Cardigan with Pockets
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: DROPS AIR from Garnstudio (Yarn Group C or A + A, implying Aran/Light Bulky weight based on gauge)
Size Range: S – XXXL
Source: DROPS Design
This knitted jacket/cardigan is worked in pieces (back, two front panels, and sleeves) from the bottom up and then seamed. It features sections worked in English Rib, Stockinette stitch, and Garter stitch for edges and bands. The back piece starts with a ribbed hem and transitions to stockinette with garter edges and side shaping. The front pieces have garter stitch bands that extend to form a shawl collar and include buttonholes on the right front. Pockets are knit separately in English Rib and sewn onto the finished fronts. The sleeves are worked back and forth, starting with ribbing on smaller needles, then transitioning to English Rib and Stockinette with increases for shaping. Shoulder shaping is worked diagonally.
Tips for Knitting Oversized Cardigans with Pockets
- Swatch first: Gauge is key for oversized garments to ensure the drape and fit work as intended.
- Choose the right yarn: Opt for yarns that provide warmth without being too heavy—think alpaca blends, wool, or soft acrylics.
- Use stitch markers: They help keep pocket placements and shaping consistent.
- Block your cardigan: This enhances the shape and professional finish.
6. Women’s cardigan Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola
Designer: Minttu Wikberg
Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä Pohjola (Gauge: 19 sts and 30 rows = 10 cm in broken seed stitch; text also gives gauge for ribbing/stockinette implicitly)
Size Range: Multiple sizes (indicated by numerical stitch counts, e.g., 98(106)114…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is knitted in pieces (back, left front, right front, and sleeves) using k2 p2 ribbing for the hems and front bands, and stockinette stitch for the main body. It features integrated pockets created by working a section separately and then rejoining. The right front includes a buttonhole. The sleeves are knit seamlessly in the round. The garment is finished by seaming the shoulder, side, and sleeve seams, attaching the sleeves, and sewing on the collar/neckband and button.
7. Gentle Hug Cardigan Novita Natura
Designer: Sari Nordlund
Yarn: Novita Natura (Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows in stockinette st = 10 cm / 4 in – suggests Worsted/Aran weight)
Size Range: 5 sizes (indicated by stitch counts, e.g., 207(219)231…)
Source: Novita
This cardigan is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the armholes, where the fronts and back are then separated and worked individually. It features ribbing at the lower hem and front bands, transitioning to stockinette stitch for the main body. Integrated pockets are created by working a section of the front separately on smaller needles before rejoining. The sleeves are picked up directly from the armhole edges and knitted seamlessly in the round with shaping, ending in ribbed cuffs. The pattern includes neckline and shoulder shaping, and assembly involves seaming the shoulders and pockets, and attaching the neck border.
8. Ede Free Knitting Patterns for Cozy Oversized Cardigans with Pockets
Designer: Donna Yacino
Yarn Weight: Aran/Heavy Worsted (Berroco Tuscan Tweed and Berroco Folio held together)
Size Range: Finished Bust: 38″–66″ (covering sizes S-XXXL)
Source: Berroco
A super cozy coat knitted with one strand each of Berroco Tuscan Tweed and Berroco Folio held together. It features an all-over textured Pattern Stitch. The coat is worked in pieces (back, left front, right front, and sleeves) from the bottom up and seamed. The fronts include a buttonhole on the right side and integrated pockets are knit separately and sewn on later. Neck and shoulder shaping is worked, and a notched collar is created by picking up stitches along the neckline. The design includes approximately 8-10″ of positive ease for an oversized fit. Suitable for intermediate knitters.
9. Penelope’s Cardigan
Designer: Amy Gunderson
Yarn Weight: Bulky (Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky Superwash)
Size Range: Extra Small–3X (Finished Bust: 38¾”–57¼”)
Source: Universal Yarn
This cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, featuring an A-line shape. Construction begins with knitting the collar extensions outward from the back neck. Stitches are then picked up along the sides of these extensions, and the body and sleeves are shaped using raglan increases. The main stitch pattern is Garter Rib. The pattern uses circular needles for the body and dpns (or Magic Loop) for the sleeves.
10. Dream Cardi W784
Designer: Melissa Leapman
Yarn Weight: Worsted (Cascade Yarns® Andean Dream)
Size Range: Small–2X (Finished Bust: 38″–54″)
Source: Cascade Yarns
An intermediate-level cardigan knitted in pieces (back, two fronts, two sleeves, and pocket linings) and seamed. It features K1P1 Rib for the lower hem, front edges, cuffs, and pocket edgings, with the main body and sleeves worked in Stockinette stitch. The design includes integrated pockets with linings knit separately and sewn in. Shaping is worked for the armholes, neckline, and shoulders. A neckband is picked up and worked in ribbing after the pieces are assembled. The sleeves are set in.
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