In a world of fast fashion, cable knit sweater patterns stand as an enduring symbol of craftsmanship and sustainability. Sure, sometimes it’s nice to just whip up something quick and easy, but there is joy to be had in taking your time and choosing something more challenging too. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the level of pride that you’ll feel when you get to show off your completed project!
Cable knit sweater patterns have been around forever and I think it’s safe to say that their legacy will outlast us all. There’s just something so utterly charming and timeless about them! Although, I can’t quite put my finger on why cable knit sweaters in particular are the object of fashion’s everlasting love affair. Maybe it’s because they transcend the fleeting and fickle fashion trends. Or maybe it’s due to their versatility.
Make no mistake, these cable knit sweater patterns are absolutely versatile. Despite all the time and care you put into making one, a good cable knit sweater isn’t pigeonholed into fancy dress occasions. They can absolutely shine in a formal setting but you’ll also feel right at home wearing one with your favorite pair of jeans. Your new cable knit sweater might just become your new favorite wardrobe staple!
Are your fingers itching for some stitching yet? If you think you are excited about cable knit sweater patterns now, just wait until you see the 25 gorgeous designs we have curated for you today. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!
Melange Jumper
If you love options, then you are going to adore our first featured design. It’s kind of like if choose-your-own-adventure was a knitting pattern instead of a chapter book. You get to choose between long sleeve with a turtleneck as shown or short sleeve with a scoop neck. Heck, you could even mix and match! Whichever you decide, you’re sure to relish the interlocking cable design that sits front and center.
Designer: Rico Design
Yarn: Rico Design Creative Melange DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Diamond Sweater
Now this is the sort of sweater that you just can’t help but want to run your hands over! 3 and 4 stitch cables form a dazzling array of diamonds running down the center. The dramatic texture of the cablework is matched on the sleeves with fancy rib stitch.
Designer: Yarnsmiths
Yarn: Yarnsmiths Create Aran (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Beehive Sleeve Sweater
Just as cable knit sweaters themselves are quite versatile, so too are the patterns to make them. I just love how different combinations of cable stitches can be put together to achieve new looks. The beehive cable stitch pattern decorating the sleeves of this cozy sweater uses both left and right leaning 6 stitch cables. You’ll also be using stockinette stitch and 2×2 rib stitch for this design.
Designer: Irina Poludnenko
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cabled Pullover
The half and half texture of this next sweater design accentuate all the right places. Alternating right and left leaning 6 stitch cables dance across the surface of this delightfully textured sweater. I love the way that the cables softly curve this way and that in gentle waves. The pattern also calls for the tubular stitch, stockinette stitch, 2×2 rib stitch, and 3×3 rib stitch.
Designer: Lana Gatto
Yarn: Lana Gatto Super Soft (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Asymmetrical Irish Jumper
Say hello to the cozy oversized cable knit sweater of your dreams. The cable and diamond stitch pattern uses a whopping 10 different kinds of crossed stitches to dramatic effect. I think it’s safe to say that you’ll certainly never get bored while knitting this project!
Designer: Lana Gotto
Yarn: Lana Gatto Maxi Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Dinner Out Sweater
Dreamy pink and soft cables conspire together to make you look and feel fabulous in this lovely sweater pattern. The columns of cables radiate outward from the neckline starting small at just 7 stitches across and then getting as big as 17 stitches across at the bottom of the sweater.
Designer: FRAYA
Yarn: Fraya Merry (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Chunky Cabled Pullover
Go bold with the two eye-catching columns of cablework that frame this terrifically textured sweater. The body of the pullover has 8 stitch cables running up the sides while the cables trailing down the sleeves are only 4 stitches across. All that beautiful texture filling up the spaces between the columns of cables is created using just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Melissa Leapman
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® Grande (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Alhambra
There’s something about an asymmetrical design that just gets my heart pumping! This sophisticated sweater would be absolutely perfect for a date night out at a nice restaurant or an art gallery. Pretty cable stitches are joined by tubular stitch, reverse stockinette stitch, and fancy stitch.
Designer: SESIA TRICOT
Yarn: Sesia Lana Ecologica (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cardigan 6946
Pretty self striping yarn in soft pastel colors is the secret to this lively cable knit cardigan. The elaborate cable pattern is worked over 26 stitches. It is joined by stocking, reverse stocking, and double rib stitch patterns. There’s also a long sleeve version, if you would prefer.
Designer: Saprotex International Design Studio
Yarn: Elle (Saprotex) Earth DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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St. Ives Cable Classic Pullover
If there’s one thing I like more than cable knit sweater patterns, it’s cable knit sweater patterns with pockets! The exciting combination of stitch patterns includes moss stitch, diamond cable stitch, twisted rib cable stitch, and double cross cable stitch.
Designer: Saprotex International Design Studio
Yarn: Elle (Saprotex) Classic Wool DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Pullover 7902
Now this is the kind of pullover that you could practically live in. The extra long length affords excellent coverage, especially when paired with comfy yoga pants. I especially love that the neckline is wide enough to worn off one shoulder. The pattern calls for knit, purl, and slip stitches along with front and back slip stitch cables.
Designer: Saprotex International Design Studio
Yarn: Elle (Saprotex) Cottons Double Knit (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Croissant Pullover
You’re sure to look a treat in this cute Croissant Sweater. I love the off center cablework are the unique style of the sleeves. It just looks so cozy and cute! Stockinette and rib stitches join forces with fluffy 10 stitch cables in this tour de force of contrasting textures.
Designer: Patricia Swerts Leite
Yarn: Circulo Bamboo (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Sweater with Diamonds
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and I could certainly see myself developing a lasting friendship with this stylish sweater. The pattern uses 2 and 3 stitch cables to create the network of diamond shaped cablework set against the stockinette stitch background.
Designer: Schachenmayr Design Team
Yarn: Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine Silky Soft 120 (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Soft Sweet Turtleneck
Lately I’ve been really into the 3/4 sleeve length and I am absolutely obsessed with this Soft Sweet Turtleneck design. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch, 2×2 rib stitch, along with PSSO’s, slip stitches, and yarn overs to create the mock cable stitch.
Designer: Heather Lodinsky
Yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cross Cable Pullover
Super bulky weight yarn makes short work of this velvety soft sweater. The luxurious feeling of the chenille yarn combined with the irresistible oversized fit will ensure you never want to take it off. You’ll be using knit and purl stitches along with 3×3 right cross stitches.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Snow Cone Light Chenille (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Winter Morning Sweater
In my book, batwing sweaters are the epitome of cozy chic and the Winter Morning Sweater is certainly no exception. The delicate cable stitch design uses knit and purl stitches along with yarn overs and SKPO’s. There’s also a cropped version, if you would prefer.
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Coastal Cable Sweater
The scoop neck and almost-but-not-quite cropped fit of the next one of our cable knit sweater patterns is flirty and flattering. The regularly spaces columns of 6 stitch cables are a cinch to master and you’ll have the pattern memorized in no time. That’s great news for all you TV knitters out there!
Designer: Paintbox Yarns
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Folklore Cardigan
This is the kind of cable knit sweater you’ll tell your grandkids about. If you look more closely at the diamond shaped spaces between the cablework, you’ll see the textured sections of moss stitch. The pattern employs 4 different kinds of cable stitches to keep things interesting.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids, Heathers, Twists (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Honeycomb Aran
Pro tip: pair a cute cable knit sweater with a white button up top underneath and thank me later! This stylish ensemble is really pulled together by the gorgeous cable knit sweater. The pattern calls for 3 different cable stitch patterns that can be viewed both in written and charted form.
Designer: Gayle Bunn
Yarn: Patons North America Classic Wool Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Winters Embrace
Cocoon style sweaters are the socially acceptable alternative to wearing blankets. The Winters Embrace sweater is like a big old hug on a chilly day. Special stitches include 4 stitch left and right crossed cables, knit 2 togethers, slip slip knits, and knit front backs. All you need now is a pumpkin spice latte!
Designer: The Hook Nook Life
Yarn: we are knitters The Meriwool (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Deep Woods Sweater
A soft sport weight and a luxurious lace weight yarn are held doubled for this dazzling green sweater design. The tidy column of 4 stitch cables on the sleeve is book ended by dramatic 4 stitch cables on either side for added depth. It would also be a good choice for a sweater for the man in your life.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn:Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca (Sport Weight #2) and Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk (Lace Weight #0)
Click here for the free pattern!
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Snowy Trails
Whether you are hitting the ski slopes or curling up with a good book, you are sure to appreciate the Snowy Trails sweater. The classic combination of cables and moss stitch is a testament to texture. Plus, the timeless white color choice pairs easily with just about everything in your closet.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cable Cardigan
The pretty marled coloring of this cozy cardigan is achieved by knitting triple stranded. I wouldn’t recommend this sweater design for a beginner but a more experienced knitter is sure to enjoy it. The pretty columns of 4 and 6 stitch cable work that frame the button band also wrap around the back of the neckline.
Designer: Knit a Bit, Crochet Away
Yarn: Hobbii Diablo (Fingering Weight #1) and Hobbii Diablo Wild Print (Lace Weight #0) and Hobbii Evergreen (Lace Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Little Cable Raglan
The classic cable sweater has you put the cables on the body of the sweater and use ribbing for the details. Turn that idea on its head and you are bound to be an object of envy. This unexpectedly delightful design features faux cables on the long cuffs, the dainty collar and the generously wide hem.
Designer: Andrea Yetman
Yarn: Biscotte Yarns Bis-Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knit pattern!
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Pandora Mixed Cables Jumper
Keep it cute and classic with the Pandora Mixed Cables Jumper. The central column is composed of a pair of 6 stitch cables right next to each other. The smaller columns on either side use the same 6 stitch cables just staggered every few rows. You’ll be using reverse stockinette stitch for the bulk of the design along with 2×2 rib stitch for the hem, cuffs, and collar.
Designer: Emma Wright
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Video tutorials with detailed instructions so that any skill level can develop their cable knitting skills:
Final Thoughts on Knit Cable Sweaters Patterns
You’re on the verge of something really special now, so don’t spoil it. I know that it’s really hard to pick favorites when there are so many fantastic cable knit sweater patterns featured here, but you’re just going to have to try!
There are so many free patterns that are made with just basic cables, so don’t be afraid to try. You might just find your new favorite sweater with an easy cable sweater knitting pattern!
Most of these are long sleeves sweater patterns will require a cable needle. I like to use circular needles when working free cable knitting patterns, as it’s easier than using straight needles. For smaller cables you might be able to get by without a cable needle, but large cables and intricate cables will need one.
I know a cabled sweater pattern can look intimidating, but if you find a good pattern with well written instructions and maybe even a video you can knit one with a beautiful cable pattern.
I hope you enjoy all these lovely cables we’ve shared today! We’ve shared a lot of cable knit sweater patterns, from cabled cardigan patterns to diamond cables to chunky cables to sand cables. I can’t decide which cable repeat I like best!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!