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
Climbing Lace Cardigan Free Knit Pattern. Sizes: To Fit Bust: 36 (40, 42, 44) inches Finished Bust Size: 40 (44, 47, 50-1/2) inches Length: 26 (26-1/2, 27, 27-3/4) inches Materials: 7 (7, 8, 9) balls Eco Alpaca (shown in color 1517) Knitting needle size US 7 (4.5 mm) Stitch marker Tapestry needle Free Pattern
Patons Mixed Stitch Cardigan Free Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern Knit in a fun hot pink shade of Patons Glam Stripes with a touch of sparkle, this cardigan can be dressed up or down! Yarn: Patons® Glam Stripes™ (2.1 oz/60 g; 261 yds/239 m) Sizes XS/S M L XL 2/3XL 4/5XL Fuschia (09728) 5 6…
Short Sleeved garter Stitch Cardigan Knitting Pattern. Great for layering, the knitted Side Street Cardigan in Bernat Maker Fashion is a bright addition to any wardrobe! Sizes: XS to XXXL Free Pattern
Leaf Lace Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern. SIZES Extra Small/Small (Medium/Large, 1X/2X) Shown in Extra Small/Small size. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Bust: 33½ (40½, 48)” Length: 21 (22½, 24)” MATERIALS Nazli Gelin Garden 10 (100% Mercerized Egyptian Giza Cotton; 50g/308 yds) • #700-22 – 3 (3, 4) balls Needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) straight, 32” circular (or…
Bacca free cardigan knitting pattern. Knit in pieces and seamed, this open-front cardigan features an easy, all-over stitch pattern. skill level: Easy Shown in size Small finished measurements Bust (closed) – 36(40-44-48-52-56- 60)” Length – 21½(22-22½-23-23½-24- 24½)” Note: This garment was designed with approximately 4 – 6” of ease. Please take this into consideration when…
Rooftop Garden Cardigan lace free knit pattern by Have a Good Knit. “Rooftop Garden is a summer cardigan with a bohemian and easy to wear style. Knitted from the bottom up with a blend of linen and cotton, it features a beautiful Italian lace border and a wide garter stitch collar. The looser gauge of…
Patons Diagonal Cables Free Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern. This beautiful cardigan combines a clean neckline with an intricately-cabled button band. Patons® DecorTM (3.5 oz/100 g; 205 yds/187 m) SIZES XS/S M L XL 2/3XL 4/5XL Oceanside (87103) 6 7 7 8 8 9 balls Size 4.5 mm (U.S. 7) knitting needles. Size 4 mm…
Patons Must Have Cardigan Cabled Knit Pattern. Free Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern. Timeless cardigan is a must-have for everyday wear. Skill Level: IntermediateSizes: XS, S, M, L Free Pattern