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
Lorinda Yoke Lace Stitch Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern by Alison Green from Knitty. “I adapted this lace stitch from one of my favorite Japanese stitch dictionaries, modifying the pattern so that the yarn overs and decreases are worked on the right side rows only. Perhaps it’s because I recently moved to the Ocean State that…
Que Sera Lace Cardigan Knitting Pattern with long sleeves inspired by vintage 40’s and 50’s fashion. “Que Sera is a long sleeved, lacy cardigan with a vintage feel. It falls at mid hip and has a slightly scooped neckline. The body of this cardigan and the front bands are worked in one piece up to…
Armande Cardigan Free Knit Pattern from Knitty. Long sleeved, wide collar, button up cardigan with pockets in stockinette stitch. “Although this cardigan has a classic look, its seamless construction is thoroughly modern. The body is knit from the bottom up with the pocket linings joined as you go. Collar stitches are put on hold at…
Patons Fair Isle Plaid Cardigan Free Intermediate Women’s Cardigan Knit Pattern. A deeply textured plaid is offset with a wide edge of fair isle in this cardigan knit in Patons Astra. Sizes: S to XL Free Pattern
Vines Fractured Lattice Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern from Knitty. SIZE XS[S, M, L, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL] Shown in size M. Print With Images Print Without Images spacer FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Chest: 34[38.5, 41, 44, 48, 52, 57.5, 62] inches Length: 22[22.75, 23.5, 23.75, 24, 25.25, 27, 28.5] inches Note: Body of sweater is intended to…
“Purcell” elegant knitted jacket free pattern with cables. SIZES: S M L XL XXL To fit bust 81-86 91-97 102-107 112-117 122-127 cm 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46 48-50 in Materials: YARN Pure Wool 4 ply 9 10 11 12 14 x 50gm (photographed in Indigo 410) NEEDLES 1 pair 23/4mm (no 12) (US 2) needles…
Corinne – Garter Stitch Cardigan Pattern with three quarter sleeves by Crystal Erb Junkins from Knitty. Skill Level: Easy Sizes: XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X] (shown in size S) FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Chest: 32.75[36, 39.25, 43.25, 48.75, 52, 56] inches Length at center back: 18[18.5, 19.25, 20, 20.75, 21.75, 22.5] inches Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh DK…
Leaflet Short Sleeves Lace Feature Knit Cardigan Pattern by Cecily Glowik MacDonald from Knitting. “When designing Leaflet, I knew that I wanted a little cardigan that I could wear throughout Fall. So I decided on short sleeves, an open front that could be pinned closed, a fun Fall color and my favorite aran weight yarn.…