Want the absolute best free knit cardigan patterns on the net? Find them here – you’re sure to find something you love!
Cardigans are a girl’s best friend! They’re cute. They’re cozy. And they go well with everything! Keep one in your car, or keep one right by the door to grab on your way out. You can wear a knit cardigan all year round. They’re so nice to have on hand for any weather. And the best part is that you get to say, “I made it myself!” You can make one (or a few!) for yourself with one of the amazing free knitted cardigan patterns in this free knitting pattern round-up. Yay!
So, how do you knit a cardigan anyway? It’s really not as hard as you might think. Seriously, a lot of these free knitting patterns are well-suited to beginner knitters! Choose from knit cropped cardigan patterns, knit boyfriend cardigan patterns, knit button cardigan patterns, knit long cardigan patterns and so much more! If you don’t think that you can knit a cardigan, just scroll down and see for yourself.
Wonderful Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Beginners:
25+ Cardigan Knit Free Patterns for Everyday Wear
Learn how to create gorgeous color gradients with the marling technique. You’ll be working with two strands of yarn at a time, which is perfect for using up all that sock yarn you bought and never used. This raglan cardigan knitting pattern is worked from the top down in the stockinette stitch. The design features a raglan sleeve and a form-flattering relaxed fit.
Designer: Hedgehog Fibres
Yarn: Hedgehog Fibres Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Long cardigans and leggings go together like peanut butter and jelly - especially during transitional seasons like spring and fall. Most of the design is worked up in stockinette stitch, while the wide ribbed shawl collar is worked in fisherman’s rib. This simple cardigan-free long-sleeved cardigan sweater works seamlessly from the top down.
Designer: Andrea Yetman for Biscotte Yarns
Yarn: Biscotte Yarns (DK Weight #3)
A cute and casual cardigan looks equally amazing when worn out on the town or when worn at home snuggling on the couch. You can make one for yourself with stockinette stitch for the main part and simple ribbing for the edging and cuffs. Oh, and I almost forgot the best part - this design features pockets!
Designer: Zabeth for Lion Brand
Yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch (Worsted Weight #4)
A fitted cardigan is office-ready and definitely date-worthy too! This easy cardigan knitting design uses a stockinette stitch and a simple ribbed edging. You’ll be starting at the top of this cute cardigan and working your way down. The button enclosure is my favorite part!
Designer: Stephanie Japel for Knitty
Yarn: O-Wool Classic (Worsted Weight #4)
If you need to have your knit sweater finished like yesterday then I suggest you pick a pattern that uses super bulky yarn. The thicker the yarn, the faster the project after all! The main part of this free pattern is worked in stockinette stitch, while the attractive wide collar is worked in garter stitch.
Designer: Carol Feller for Knitty
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Ice (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Here’s a little something different than what we’ve seen so far - a free beautiful cardigan knitting pattern that is knit from the bottom up. I’m sure the attractive cabled stitches along the sleeve caught your eye...just wait until you see the back! The sides of the cardigan are worked in moss stitch and you’ll also be working a purl 1, knit 1 ribbing for the cuffs and hem.
Designer: Amy Christoffers for Knitty
Yarn: Berroco Catena (Bulky Weight #5)
If thinking of sweater yokes gives you hives - give this easy cardigan knitting pattern a try. You’ll be working each component of the cardigan flat - one back panel, two front panels, and two sleeves. Sew it all together and you’ve got yourself one cozy cardigan. Here’s the stitch breakdown: stockinette, rib, and moss with some simple shaping and picking up stitches.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Here’s a novel idea: a double-stranded knit cardigan that uses one super bulky weight yarn and one fingering weight yarn. The resulting color is vivid and interesting. There’s even a slight color-fading effect when you compare the top to the bottom. The purl side is worn on the outside of the cardigan and is framed by a fabulous wide purl 1, knit 1 ribbed collar.
Designer: The Noble Thread
Yarn: Cestari Mt. Vernon Collection & Melissa Dawn Wool Artist BFL
(Super Bulky Weight #6 and Fingering Weight #1 held together)
Cozy oversized cardigans are like the socially acceptable version of wearing a blanket in public. They’re just so comfortable and cute! This cardigan-free knitting pattern was designed specifically for beginners. Everything is worked flat with just knit, purl, and knit front-back stitches. There’s even a helpful video tutorial!
Designer: Yay for Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love (Worsted Weight #4)
The beauty of a cardigan worked from the top down is that you can try it on as you go to make sure it fits exactly how you want it to. This free-knit cardigan pattern is simplicity at its finest. It’s made all in one piece with stockinette stitch. The edging is worked at the same time as the body of the piece, so you don’t have to worry about picking up stitches.
Designer: Life is Cozy
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
The color-block look is just so fun. It’s also a great way to introduce a second color to your design without switching between the two colors a bunch of times. This design is worked flat from the bottom up in stockinette stitch. The pattern features a ribbed edging, a button closure, and a v-neck.
Designer: Berroco Design Team
Yarn: Berroco Tuscan Tweed (Worsted Weight #4)
I basically live in slouchy cardigans when the weather turns colder. They’re great for layering and they are just so comfortable! This long cardigan makes a perfect pair with your favorite pair of leggings. You can make this one using a garter stitch (and some rib stitch for the cuffs). You’ll be working multiple pieces from the bottom up and then seaming them together.
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn: Lion Brand Coboo (DK Weight #3)
I love knit cardigan patterns that use basic shapes like squares. This easy cardigan knitting pattern for beginners is worked flat using a garter stitch. You’d think that a design that’s all angles would be a bit boxy, but this beautiful cardigan defies the odds and remains fluid and drapey thanks to the lovely bamboo yarn.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Habu Textiles Bamboo (Fingering Weight #1)
Krydda means spice in Swedish. What a fitting name for such a unique and attractive knit cardigan! This design is worked from the top down with a raglan sleeve. The solid fabric of the shoulders is made with the stockinette stitch. Then the real fun begins with the delicate lace pattern of the rest of this breathtaking layering piece.
Designer: Yarn-Madness for Knitty
Yarn: Lisa Souza Max (Worsted Weight #4)
Get on the fast track to fashion and coziness with super bulky yarn in two colors. This free knit cardigan pattern is worked flat in 3 pieces and then seamed. You’ll be using knit, purl, knit 2 together, and slip knit stitches. This design is easier than it looks and is perfect for adventurous knitting beginners looking to hone their craft.
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Lion Brand Fast-Track (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Sets of mini skeins of yarn are so much fun to play with. You can learn how to make gorgeous gradients like this with the free cardigan knitting patterns with a round neckline. You’ll be using the fabulously textured reverse stockinette stitch and working from the top down. Some parts of the knit pattern are worked flat, while others are worked in the round.
Designer: Biscotte Yarns
Yarn: Biscotte Yarns Bis-Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Amp up the drama with this fluffy oversized cardigan. My favorite part of this one-size design is the trendy balloon sleeves. You can get that popular mohair look on a budget with brushed alpaca yarn. These sweater patterns call for the stockinette stitch and use slip knits and knit 2 together to decrease.
Designer: Kat and Leni
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk (Worsted Weight #4)
Have you tried the dot stitch before? It’s a must-try knit stitch that’s simply bursting with texture! I love it when I see a free cardigan knitting pattern with a texture like this. I wish I could feel the material through my computer! This fabulous design also features pockets, a generous tush-covering length, and a wide ribbed edging.
Designer: All About Ami
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
Behold this lovely fitted and striped cardigan that is the Tempest. This design features set-in sleeves and cinched waist shaping. The thinner stripes in the middle help accentuate the waist nicely. You don’t even need to know any fancy knit stitches to make this beautiful cardigan, because it is entirely knit in stockinette.
Designer: Ann Weaver for Knitty
Yarn: Fleece Artist Blue Face Leicester 2/8 (Fingering Weight #1)
These aren’t the tight little cables you might be used to seeing. These cables are oversized and relaxed. They’re dramatic but they’re also chill and they’re right at home in this cute and casual knit cardigan. Don’t be intimidated by how amazing this design looks, though, because it’s really quite simple. You’ll be working flat and using mainly stockinette stitch.
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
This adorable knit cardigan strikes the perfect balance between fitted and oversized. The soft pink color and seed stitch edging give this design a nice feminine touch. You can make this gorgeous sweater in one piece. You’ll be working from the top down in stockinette stitch and making a raglan sleeve.
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
Here’s a silhouette that we haven’t seen yet. With an angled hem and ¾ sleeves, this free easy cardigan knitting pattern is sure to turn some heads. A bit of knit stitch witchery turns two basic stockinette stitch rectangles into the fashion masterpiece you see before you. This is excellent news for beginner knitters!
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (DK Weight #3)
Long lines of cozy English ribbing are the hallmarks of this wonderful knit cardigan. This design also features cuffed sleeves and a button front closure. You’ll be knitting a cardigan with two strands of yarn held together and employing both increasing and decreasing methods for shaping. I just love the cozy relaxed fit and soft silhouette.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: DROPS Alpaca & DROPS Kid-Silk
(Sport Weight #3 and Lace Weight #0 - held together)
Cropped cardigans are a really popular style right now, and you can finish them much faster than traditional or longer-length cardigans. It’s a win-win! Check out the neat stripes of textured stitches along the shoulders. You’ll be using the garter stripe technique for this design - 3 rows knit and 1-row purl - as well as stockinette stitch and ribbing for the cuffs.
Designer: Lisa Carnahan for Lion Brand
Yarn: Lion Brand Color Made Easy (Bulky Weight #5)
Lush green is perfect for spring. This stunning women's sweater uses the textured box stitch and features ¾ sleeves, extra-wide lapels, and a cropped length. The design is worked flat from the bottom up. The front, sleeves, and back are made all as one piece and then you’ll pick up stitches along the middle to work the seed stitch lapels.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Super Value (Worsted Weight #4)
How to Knit a Cardigan
Learning how to knit a cardigan is an exciting journey. Generally, it’s crucial to choose one of the best and easy cardigan knitting patterns for beginners to avoid confusion and ensure a beautiful finish. Often, an oversized cardigan knitting pattern is ideal for beginners as it’s more forgiving in terms of fit.
Choosing a Pattern
In order to start, you may want to select a simple cardigan or easy cardigan knitting pattern. Cardigan knitting patterns for beginners are designed with clear instructions and essential details to assist in knitting a cardigan successfully. For example, an easy cardigan knitting pattern will often use basic stitches and avoid complex designs.
Materials Needed
Remember, the most common materials include a circular needle for the yoke and body, and worsted weight yarn or chunky yarn to create a warm, winter-ready cardigan knit. A chunky, easy cardigan knitting pattern is often ideal for colder seasons.
Tips for knitting a perfect cardigan
First, gauge matters when making a sweater, whether it be a pullover or a cardi, so make sure you are getting the gauge called for in the pattern. I’m tempted to skip the gauge swatch, too, but please don’t do this!
To ensure your gauge swatch is accurate, knit in the same method and stitch pattern you will be using in the pattern. So if it’s a seed stitch in the round, you will want to work up a swatch that way.
Second, make sure the cardi you are going to make is something you (or the intended recipient) will actually wear. Hear me out here. I am drawn to bulky and super bulky yarns, but every time I would make a sweater out of these I would hate it on me.
I finally realized that the sweaters I was buying and wearing all the time were much lighter weight, so take a look at the sweaters that are most worn by the person who is going to wear the cardi. You don’t want to spend hours on a cardi only to hate the way it fits or looks.
Common Questions about Cardigan Knitting Patterns
- Can a beginner knit a cardigan? Yes, a beginner can knit a cardigan with the right pattern and materials. Start with a simple design and gradually move to more complex patterns as you gain confidence and skills. Choose a pattern specifically designed for beginners, which will have clear, step-by-step instructions and require basic knitting techniques.
- Can I knit a sweater without a pattern? It’s possible to knit a sweater without a pattern, but it’s not recommended for beginners. Experienced knitters can create a sweater by measuring, calculating stitches, and using their knowledge of construction techniques. However, using a pattern provides guidance, ensuring the right fit and design.
- Can a beginner knit a sweater? Absolutely! Beginners can knit a sweater by choosing an easy pattern and appropriate yarn. Many patterns are designed for beginners and use basic stitches and techniques. It’s crucial to read and understand the pattern thoroughly before starting and to practice the required stitches.
- How many stitches to knit baby cardigan? The number of stitches to knit a baby cardigan depends on the pattern, yarn, and needle size. Generally, patterns will specify the number of stitches needed for different sizes. Ensure to do a gauge swatch to check your stitch size and adjust accordingly to match the pattern’s requirements.
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Crafting a hand-knit cardigan that aligns with your body type and style is a delightful accomplishment. The world is brimming with fantastic free knit patterns, each tailored for different skill levels and styles, including the comfy chunky knit cardigan for colder months.
Don’t forget to mark this page for easy access, especially with the weekly posts of expected additions to your circle. A chunky cardigan with optional patch pockets could be the warmest welcome gift!
Stay tuned for next week’s round-up of more great patterns, ensuring you’re equipped with the best knitting guides for creating your own sweater. From basic techniques on circular knitting needles to achieving the loveliest drape with the right yarn, we’ve got you covered.
Make sure you follow us for a seamless journey in knitting, ensuring your creations, from size XS to the largest size, are nothing short of perfection. Your adventure in knitting cardigans, with the perfect stitch count and button band, begins now. See you in the next post!
Be sure to check out all of my free knitting patterns here!
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
Hello Amanda, thank you for this selection of knit cardigans.
I found something that just reached out and grabbed me so I made sure that I got the pattern. {Oxford Boyfriend Cardigan} I see that the yarn the designer used is no longer available but I’m sure that I can find a suitable replacement.
I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to do the research it takes to find all the patterns that you provide for us. That is no small feat! Your dedication to this is phenomenal.