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
Cocoon Cardigan Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern by Bernat. This cardi is oversized, with a drop shoulder, cocoon shape – perfect to wrap up in for fall and winter! Knit in Bernat Roving, this intermediate pattern is worked in an Irish Moss stitch pattern. Skill Level: Intermediate Free Pattern
Cream – Sweater/Cardigan. Simple textured stitch body and stockinette stitch sleeves. Easy cardigan knitting pattern. Skill Level: Easy Sizes: S, M, L Free Pattern
Sofia by Alexis Di Gregorio for Knitty. “This lightweight cardigan is a perfect cover up for autumn . The combination of lace and cables makes it an interesting knit and the thumb holes add a fun, modern element. Sofia is worked in one piece from the hem to the underarms, then worked separately for the…
Lang Ella Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern. The cardigan will be knitted from side to side in two parts. The arrow in the chart shows the knitting direction. Lovely wrap women’s cardigan to knit with three quarter sleeves. Sizes XS / S / M / L Measurements: Bust: 92(100/108/116) cm 36” (39¾”/42½”/45½”) Length: 55(56/ 57/ 58)…
Amira Long Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern. Sizes: S / M / L / XL Garment Measurements: Bust 88 / 96 / 104 / 112 cm Length 78 cm What do you need? – 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 balls Lang Yarns Amira – Knitting needles no. 8 and 9 “You can never have…
Dip-Dyed Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern. SIZES Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X) MEASUREMENTS Bust: 36 (40, 44, 48, 54)” MATERIALS Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme DK Seaspray (100% cotton; 100g/230 yds) • 303 Bright Honeydew (CC) – 1 hank, all sizes • 306 Storm (MC) – 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) hanks Needles: US Size 6 (4…
Patons Swingy Cardigan Free Intermediate Women’s Knit Pattern. A combination of fair isle on top and cables on the bottom with three quarter sleeves and cabled border with a one button enclosure. Combine cables and fair isle in this jacket, flattering on women from XS to 5XL. Shown in Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash. Skill…
Patons Shortie Cardigan Free Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern MATERIALS Patons Classic Wool (100 g/3.5 oz) or Patons Décor (100 g/3.5 oz) orPatons Canadiana (100 g/3.5 oz) Size S M L 9 10 11 balls Sizes 4 mm (U.S. 6) and 5 mm (U.S. 8) knitting needles or size needed to obtain tension. Cable needle.…