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
Lovely Dewdrop FernLace cardigan for ladies knitting pattern designed by Judy Lamb. Materials: Sport Weight Yarn, Knitting needles, size 6 and size 4; 6 mm white pearl beads. Small metal crochet hook, size 9 or 10, seven 1/2 inch buttons.Gauge: 5 sts/inch, 8 rows/inchSize: to fit 34-36″ chest. Find the free pattern here: link
Beautiful textured grapevine cardigan for ladies knitting pattern designed by Judy Lamb. Size: To fit 34″ chestMaterials: Worsted Weight Yarn (30 oz. dk green, 4 oz purple), size 7 circular needles, double pointed needle (dpn), stitch markers, eight 5/8″ buttons. Find the free pattern here: link
Beautiful bobble and lattice cardigan for ladies knitting pattern designed by Judy Lamb.The cardigan combines two stitch textures — raised “bobble” stitches and a structured lattice-style background — giving the fabric a tactile depth and a pleasantly vintage-inspired look. The body begins with a simple textured foundation, then transitions into stockinette with bobbles spaced across…
Stunning cardigan from Black Dog Designs. Finished measurements Length 70cm (27.5 in) Width (across hem) 66cm (26in) – this is the widest part Sleeve length 42 cm (16.5in) Find the free pattern here: link
Cardigans, like Spring, are a matter of transitions, and this is a piece for layering through changeable weather. A relatively loose-knit garment (kept in check with some side-shaping), yet also long enough to keep your bottom warm. It’s a simple knit, but with some neat finishing touches to keep a proficient knitter entertained passed television-knitting…
This cardigan is knit in lace yarn held double, creating a lightweight garment that’s perfect for chilly spring evenings or overly-enthusiastic office air conditioning. The stripes are created by adding a strand of variegated lace yarn to the mix every 6 rounds; the loose fabric allows this triple-stranding without changing the gauge and creates a…
Sweet cardigan created by Hilary from The Yarniad. Find the free pattern here: link
Cute minisweater created by Hilary from The Yarniad. Find the free minisweater pattern here: link