Can you feel it? The subtle shift in the air, the changing hues of the leaves, and the anticipation of autumn coziness settling in? As we prepare to say goodbye to the dog days of summer, it’s time to usher in the charms of fall. And what better way to do that than by getting your hands on some delightful hooded sweater knitting patterns?
Hooded sweaters, my friend, are like a big, warm hug in clothing form. They’re not just a wardrobe staple; they’re a creative playground. Now, picture this: you, a cup of your favorite cozy drink, and a knitting project that promises to keep you warm and stylish all season long. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, hold onto your yarn balls, because we’re about to explore the two main types of hooded sweater knitting patterns out there: pullovers and cardigans.
First up, the pullovers. These babies are like your go-to comfort food – simple, satisfying, and oh-so-pleasing. They’re the knitted equivalent of a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly day. And if you’re new to the world of hooded sweater knitting patterns, basic pullovers are going to be your best buddies. They offer that sense of accomplishment without making your brain do backflips. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about creating a seamless garment that wraps you in a toasty embrace.
Now, let’s talk cardigans. These aren’t just sweaters; they’re style statements. Cardigans give you that layering magic, turning your outfit into a canvas of creativity. You can button up to stay extra cozy or leave it open to show off the super cute top you’re wearing underneath. The best part? Knitting a cardigan is like writing your own fashion story. You get to decide the texture, the color, and the vibe. These hooded sweater knitting patterns are all about personal expression.
But here’s the secret sauce – hooded sweater knitting patterns come in all levels of knitting kung fu. Whether you’re a newbie still figuring out how to cast on (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) or a seasoned pro who can knit in your sleep, there’s a pattern that fits your groove. For the beginners, it’s a chance to level up your skills while creating something snazzy. For the pros, it’s an opportunity to flex those knitting muscles and maybe even try a new stitch or two.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of hooded sweater knitting patterns? We’re about to embark on a journey filled with yarn, needles, creativity, and all the warm fuzzies that fall has to offer. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!
Hoodie
Keep it simple with this wardrobe staple that goes well with everything. The sweater is knit bottom up in the round in stockinette stitch with a brief detour in the middle to make the kangaroo pocket. After you split for the sleeves, you’ll finish the top of the sweater working in rows. The sleeves are also worked in rows and then attached onto the sweater afterward.
Designer: Go Handmade
Yarn: Go Handmade Cosy (Worsted Weight #4) and Go Handmade Soft Bamboo Fine (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free sweater knitting pattern!
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Baby Bear Knit Hoodie
Hooded sweater knitting patterns aren’t just for adults! Why not whip up a wee sweater for a baby shower or a child’s birthday party. The best part is that it’s a lot faster than knitting one for yourself. You can make this adorable bear ear cardigan using just one big ball of the recommended yarn. The pattern calls for stockinette and garter stitches.
Designer: Lorna Miser for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Bunches of Hugs (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knit cardigan pattern!
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Slip Stitch Hoodie
It can take quite a bit of yarn to knit an entire sweater. If you don’t have a lot of any one color then you will need to knit a multicolor sweater or make a run to the craft store. Your wallet will thank you if you choose the former! This marvelous multicolor design features slip stitch colorwork and rolled trim along the cuffs, hem, and button band.
Designer: Joan Horton for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® Superwash Sport (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Hoodie
Stylish 3/4 length sleeves are perfect for pulling off the layered look. I’m especially partial to this cute and cozy design because of all the delicious texture. The pattern uses two kinds of ribbing, 1×1 and cartridge, along with stockinette stitch and icord edge stitch.
Designer: Lana Gatto
Yarn: Lana Gatto Super Soft (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Cable Cardigan
If you really want to show off a little bit and stretch your knitting skills, then cable knit hooded sweater knitting patterns are where it’s at. This chic pattern calls for double cable and ring cable stitches along with stockinette. There’s also a nice bit of textured moss stitch that’s used for the edging.
Designer: Natalia Valentin for African Expressions
Yarn: African Expressions Express Yourself: Desire (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Anderson Ranch Pullover
This next design keeps it easy and breezy with a generous v-neck and side vents. You will want to wear this stylish sweater all year round. It’s perfect for a windy day at the beach or a cozy day spent curled up with a book. The easy level design uses just stockinette and rib stitches.
Designer: Bobbie Fitzgerald for Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Sleeveless Lace Hoodie
Here’s another one of our hooded sweater knitting patterns that you can enjoy outside the cold weather months. This is an especially great find if you live somewhere that doesn’t get very cold. The lacy stitch pattern uses a combination of knit and purl stitches along with SKPOs and SKTPOs. There’s also a version with sleeves if you prefer to keep things a little bit cozier.
Designer: Saprotex International Design Studio
Yarn: Elle (Saprotex) Premier Natural Cotton Double Knit (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Title Holder Hoodie
The difference is in the details when it comes to this next design. The classic raglan style pullover is made with stockinette and rib stitches. I love the pops of color that line the ribbed edges and how they coordinate with the drawstrings on the hood. You might have a hard time convincing your friends you didn’t buy it at a department store!
Designer: Sirdar
Yarn: Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Rapita Pullover
The relaxed fit of this next design is perfect for hitting the slopes or getting brunch with the gals. Everything about this design is sleek and sophisticated. Oversize sleeves taper to wide ribbed cuffs to keep your arms perfectly covered at all times. A nearly invisible kangaroo pocket serves as a place to warm your hands or store your phone.
Designer: Adriafil Yarn
Yarn: Adriafil Primula (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Ever Ready
Chunky and slightly fuzzy yarn is a great choice for cozy hooded sweater knitting patterns. With softness you can see, the recommended yarn for this next design makes a terribly enticing sweater. You’ll be using stockinette, rib, and garter stitches for this design.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Melody (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Pilgrim
It would be pretty fiddly to knit an entire sweater using a lace weight yarn or a light fingering weight yarn alone but when you combine the two you can double your pace without sacrificing on the amazing amount of drape. This pullover opts for 2 generously sized front pockets instead of the more traditional kangaroo pocket. You’ll be using stockinette and rib stitches for this design.
Designer: Hanne Rimmen for Filcolana
Yarn: Filcolana Saga (Lace Weight #0) and Filcolana Alva (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Hooded Pullover
Go bold with this brightly colored pullover pattern. The bright pop of color is sure to be a welcome sight on a dreary fall or winter day. Best of all, it’s not too complicated and overall very beginner friendly. Basic knit and purl stitches are joined by k2tog and ssk decreases along with kfb increases.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Worsted (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Tierra Stitchy Knit Hoodie
If you can knit a dishcloth, then you can knit this chunky cardigan! It’s entirely made up of rectangles that are knit separately and then sewn together to form the cozy oversized shape. The pattern uses mostly stockinette stitch with a few textured sections of irish moss stitch and some ribbing for the edging. Best of all, the super bulky weight yarn whips this sweater into shape in a jiffy.
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Solids (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Diego Hoodie Pullover
Do you need a few more adorable hooded sweater knitting patterns for babies in your life? We’ve got you covered with this adorable pullover made with stockinette and rib stitches. The rolled cuffs aren’t only an adorable design element but also a clever way to make the sweater last longer as the baby grows. A ribbed edging along the hood helps it stay up in spite of any potential wiggles.
Designer: Irina Poludnenko
Yarn: Lion Brand Jeans Colors (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Groove
If you practically live in leggings during the fall months, then you are sure to appreciate the generous length of our next hooded cardigan design. The pattern features a button up front complete with a pocket on either side of the button band. You’ll be using 1×1 and 3×1 garter rib stitches for this design.
Designer: Tori Gurbisz
Yarn: FibraNatura Dona (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Ladies Chain Link Hoodie
Columns of chain-like cables take turns with textured sections of simple garter stitches in this stunning cardigan design. The tweed yarn and the toggle style buttons lend this design a timeless air that is sure to remain in style year after year. Best of all, the generously sized hood is sure to keep you cozy on even the coldest of days.
Designer: Cygnet Yarns
Yarn: Cygnet Aran Tweed (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Panda Pullover
Do you sometimes have trouble getting your little one to wear their sweater when it’s cold out? You can fix that with this cute kids sweater design! The pretty ombre design and the adorable bear ears on the hood both make this sweater an instant win for kids. It can be made using just basic stockinette and rib stitches.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Ice Cream (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Hoodie
You get to choose your own knitting adventure with this next low profile design because it can be made with or without the zippered front. Whether you decide on making a pullover or a zip-up cardigan, you won’t be disappointed with the subtle color variations on the yarn and the generously sized pockets on the front of the sweater.
Designer: Ann Young
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lana Bouclé (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Repose Hooded Tunic
Experienced knitters will relish the challenge of this next hooded sweater design. The pattern uses a combination of lace rib stitch and seed stitch to keep things interesting row after row. This trendy design features a longer hem in the back for better coverage, side vents for ease of movement, and gorgeous bell sleeves.
Designer: Tamara Ell
Yarn: Knit Picks CotLin (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Garter Stitch Hooded Jacket
Stockinette stitch can sometimes steal the show when it comes to basic knit wearables, but garter stitch can be just as cute. This garter stitch hooded jacket is looking especially smart with double breasted buttons and a fold over collar that transitions into a hood. It’s the perfect combination of simple to make and adorable to wear.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby, Solids & Marls (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Happy Joy Hoodie
Your child is sure to squeal in delight when they see this next sweater design. The colorful stripes offset against the bright pops of yellow edging are pure joy to behold. As an added bonus, you won’t soon lose your kiddo in a crowd if they are wearing this bold design! The pattern calls for stockinette, garter, and rib stitches.
Designer: Universal Yarn
Yarn: Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Liza Short Sleeve Waistcoat
Who knew that hooded sweater knitting patterns could be so graceful and feminine? The Liza Short Sleeve Waistcoat just might become your new favorite layering piece. The pattern is mostly moss stitch with a few cleverly placed columns of cablework designed to gently shape the waist. I don’t think it would be too hard to add sleeves if you would prefer something a little cozier.
Designer: Sandra Oakeshott
Yarn: Rowan Cocoon (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Baby Bear Hoodie
It’s common to see little animal ears added onto child’s knitwear designs for an extra dash of adorableness. This cute three color design takes it one step further with cute colorwork paws on the front pockets. The pattern calls for stockinette and moss stitches.
Designer: Linda Cyr
Yarn: Red Heart Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Undercurrant
Do you have some really pretty self-striping yarn in your stash that has been waiting for that perfect project? This hooded cardigan might be the one! Stockinette and rib stitches provide a blank canvas for all those beautiful stripes. The pattern is gently fitted through the sleeves and body for a flattering fit.
Designer: Lisa Kay for Knitty
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Favorite Hoodie
How about one more for the road? This hooded cardigan design for kids is perfect for beginners and more experienced knitters alike. The garter stitch pattern uses only very minimal shaping so it’s perfect for a few lazy afternoons spent knitting in front of the tv or while listening to a podcast.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Recycled Cotton (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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Looking for a men’s sweater pattern? See our men’s sweater collection here!
Final Thoughts on Our Hooded Sweater Knitting Patterns
No matter if you’re a knitting newbie trying to level up or a pro looking for a challenge, these hooded sweater knitting patterns have got your back (literally and figuratively). So as the fall vibes kick in and the world gets all pumpkin-spiced, why not grab those needles, brew a cuppa, and let’s knit our way into the next season with some serious feel-good vibes!
We have knit hoodies of all shapes and sizes and for any skill level in this pattern collection. You’ll find some with a lace pattern on the body of the sweater or front panels, many with friendly construction, some with front kangaroo pockets, some that look like teddy bears – but they all have one thing in common – a free pattern with a cozy hood!
Some materials you’ll need to make your own knitted hoodie are the yarn of your choice, circular needles or straight needles in a needle size appropriate for your yarn (depending upon the pattern), a stitch holder, tapestry needle (also called a yarn needle), and possibly buttons or a zipper if you are making a hooded cardi.
Be sure to make a gauge swatch, even for a simple sweater, as this will help ensure you are getting correct gauge for the pattern and that it will turn out the size you are hoping.
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!
Julie
Hello.
Keen to start the adult hoodie, however struggling to find the yarn that is stated to use, Can you or anyone recommend alternative yarns please. Im uk based
Regards
Julie
amanda
Hi Julie! I would recommend checking out yarnsub.com – it’s the perfect place to plug in any yarn and get tons of substitution ideas that have similar gauge and characteristics.