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
Textured Checks Cardigan Free Intermediate Women’s Knit Pattern. This oversize check pattern is accented with a garter stitch border and shawl collar. Knit in Bernat Softee Chunky. Skill Level: Intermediate Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL Free Pattern
Long & Lean Cardi Free Knit Pattern. Sizes: S to XXL Materials: Simply Soft (170 g/6. oz;288 m/315 yds) One pair size U.S. 9 (5.5mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge. One pair size U.S. 7 (4.5mm) needles. One circular size U.S. 7 (4.5mm) needle, 29″/73.5cm long. Stitch markers. Stitch holders. Yarn needle. Free Pattern
Kimono Sleeve Cardigan. Free Easy Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern This charming cropped cardigan stands out in a textured box stitch and features wide lapels. MATERIALS Bernat Super Value (197 g/7 oz; 389 m/426 yds) Sizes XS/S M L XL 2/3XL 4/5XL 53246 (Lush) 3 3 4 4 5 5 balls Size 5 mm (U.S. 8)…
Short Jacket with Cable Motif Free Knitting Pattern. Suggested yarn: • Pierrot Yarns Junmo Namibuto2/Pure Wool [100% wool; 79yds/72m per 1.41oz/40g skein]; color #4 saffron Yellow, 14 skeins [540g] Tools/Notions: • 3.9mm (approx. US 6), 4.2mm (approx. US 6), and 4.5mm (US 7) knitting needles or sizes necessary to achieve gauge • 7 buttons (18mm/0.71″)…
Bernat Cable Edge Cardigan Free Easy Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern A simple silhouette with outstanding cable edging detail. Knit in Bernat Alpaca. Free Pattern
Eco + Bayside Cardigan by Nancy Rieck Published in Cascade Yarns Website Skill Level: Intermediate / Expert Please note: It is highly recommended to read the pattern through entirely before you begin. Sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL) Finished Measurements: Chest: 36”(40, 44, 48, 52)“ Length: 17” from underarm or Customized Materials: Cascade Yarns® Eco…
Basket and Garter Stitch Cardigan free knitting pattern. Materials: Cascade Yarns Sierra: 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins of color #07 Circular needles size 7 & 8 5 buttons Yarn Needle Finished Bust Measurements: 31” (33 ½”, 36 ½”, 39”, 42”, 44”, 48”) Finished length is 22” (22”, 22”, 22”, 23”, 23”, 23”)…
Pattern Information Fireplace Cardigan Designed by Amy Gunderson SIZES Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Bust: 36 (40½, 44½, 47½, 52, 56½)” Length: 33½ (34, 34½, 35, 35¼, 35½)” MATERIALS Universal Yarn Amphora (60% acrylic, 20% mohair, 20% alpaca; 100 g/306 yds) • 109 Lunar – 6 (6, 7, 8, 9, 9)…