100+ Free Cabled Cardigan Knitting Patterns

Explore 100+ free cabled cardigan knitting patterns for women, from classic cable cardigans and Aran-inspired designs to long jackets, oversized layers and modern raglan styles.

Cable knitting adds beautiful texture and structure to a cardigan, whether you choose a simple feature cable or an intricate design filled with twisting panels and traditional motifs.

Find the Right Cable Cardigan

Classic cables: Choose traditional cable panels for a timeless cardigan with plenty of knitted texture.

Long and cosy: Look for long cardigans, maxi jackets and oversized cable knits for substantial layering pieces.

Modern: Try relaxed silhouettes, raglan construction or contemporary cardigans that use cables as a feature.

Aran-inspired: Choose richly textured designs combining cables with diamonds, twists and other traditional stitch patterns.

First cable cardigan: Look for a pattern with one or two repeating cable motifs rather than complex all-over cabling.

Are Cable Cardigans Difficult to Knit?

Not necessarily. The difficulty depends on the complexity of the cables as well as the garment construction.

If you’re comfortable with basic garment shaping, a cardigan featuring a straightforward repeating cable can be a good introduction to cable garment knitting. More intricate designs combining multiple cable charts and textured stitches are better suited to experienced knitters.

Choosing a Cable Cardigan Pattern

Before casting on, check the size range, finished measurements, yarn weight, gauge, construction and cable complexity.

Yarn choice can also make a big difference. Smooth yarns with good stitch definition help cables stand out, while very fuzzy or highly variegated yarns can hide intricate details.