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
Slip stitch jacket free knitting pattern. A warm jacket with pockets in a simple yet exciting slip stitch pattern. A fun and quick knit, and a warm and cosy knit for cold days. A definite candidate for favorite sweater. Sizes: S (M) L (XL) Free Pattern
Agata Free Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Leah Chapman For Knitty. “This pattern is a great first sweater project for beginner knitters. All of the pattern pieces are essentially just big rectangles. There is no increase or decrease shaping, and it only requires knowledge of the most basic stitch patterns. If you know how to knit…
SUN PRAIRIE CardiganSkill Level: IntermediateProject Type: Women’s ClothingDesigner: Amy Christoffers Sun Prairie is a sophisticated and comfortable cardigan featuring a flattering knit and purl texture that dances across the body. From Berroco! Free Knitted Cardigan Pattern
Leaf Poncho Jacket, free knitting pattern. Designed by Nicky Epstein. Finished Size Width: 32″ Length: 28″ Materials 24 balls Lana Grossa Bingo (100% wool, 88 yds in 50 g) Shown in color #95 Needles Size US 7 (4.5 mm) 29″ or 32″ circular needles or size required to obtain gauge Cable needle Gauge 17 sts…
Krydda Free Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern “Krydda is chic but comfortable, warm but still delicate, and easily dresses up both the stylish and casual outfit. The cardigan is worked seamlessly in one piece from the top-down, and can be work with one or several buttons as well as none at all. A wide V-neck adds…
Misina – Large Collar Cabled Cardi knitting pattern. SIZE Italian size 44 = US size 10 (approx. Medium). MATERIALS • 10 50g balls of Lana Gatto MISINA shade #2319 Orange. • One pair size US 6 (4mm) needles or size to obtain gauge. • One pair size US 4 (3.5mm) needles or size to obtain…
Bowie Fair Isle Long Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern. Knit this ladies long-line cardigan from Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine 56 as an exclusive free download, a design by Sarah Hatton using our lovely Yorkshire yarn Rowan Fine Tweed (wool.) This shawl collar cardigan has fairisle sections and contrasting edges. Free Pattern (Requires Login)
Flippant – Open Lattice Lace Cardi Pattern by Nora Hinch from Knitty. “Flippant is a long-sleeved lacy cardigan with clean, geometric lines that falls at mid hip. The body of the cardigan is worked in one piece up to the armholes at which point it is divided, and the fronts and back are worked separately.…