Free Cardigan Knitting Patterns

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I’ve created a roundup of some beautiful free cardigan knitting patterns. Lots of these are in my own queue! Of course, you can always browse the massive archive of free patterns on Ravelry to find more free cardigan knitting patterns. Many of these patterns are by established designers, so they shouldn’t have errors and should be well written. However, I have not tested them, so always check for errata to prevent future headaches!

Trying out a designer’s free pattern is a good way to get to know how the designer writes, so if you like his or her instructions and methods, you might feel more comfortable purchasing another pattern of theirs. Also, it is really easy to buy patterns on Ravelry!

In no particular order:

Cropped Border Cardigan by Fiona Ellis

This fair isle cardigan from the Cascade Yarns site uses sport weight yarn. It includes six adult sizes, from a 32″ to 52″ bust. I love the simple silhouette but the complex colourwork. The colourwork on this cardigan is stunning, and now I want to make one for myself!

Macaulay Cardigan by Katie Green for Blacker Yarns

The Macaulay Cardigan by Katie Green for Blacker Yarns uses DK weight yarn. The Macaulay Cardigan is a classic, semi-fitted cardigan with set-in sleeves. It has deep ribbed welts at the waist and cuffs, and is accentuated by a contrasting band of garter stitch which gives the effect of piping.

Macaulay is knitted from the bottom up in pieces and seamed, then finished by picking up stitches for the button bands and neckband. It includes six adult sizes with bust measurements of 31″ to 46″. I think this cardigan will make its way into my queue, since I love the contrasting colour and the buttons!

Armande Cardigan by Andi Satterlund

The Armande Cardigan was published in Knitty Mag in winter 2013. It uses worsted weight yarn and has seven sizes, from a bust of 30″ to 54″, although it is meant to be worn with 0-2″ of negative ease. The body is knit from the bottom up with the pocket linings joined as you go. Next, collar stitches are put on hold at the top of the fronts, and the shoulders are joined using a three needle bind off. The collar stitches are then removed from the holders and additional stitches are picked up to create the perfect face framing collar. Afterwards, stitches are picked up around the armscye, and sleeves are knit from the top down, using short rows to shape the cap. I love the comfortable, relaxed look to this cardigan. It seems as if you need to wear it camping!

Stannum Cardigan by Blacker Yarns

This cardigan, also by Blacker Yarns, is worked from the top down with a seamless raglan construction, enabling you to try on as you work. Guidelines are included in the pattern on how to customize the fit. I really like the simple design of the cardigan and the patch pockets, but I think I might knit this all in one colour.

Details such as the cables on the raglan lines, patch pockets and contrast blocks of colour are included to keep the knitting interesting, but can be omitted if you prefer and simpler look. The pattern includes nine adult sizes, from a bust of 35.5″ to 58″, although it is meant to be worn with some positive ease.

My Favorite Color Cardigan by Dieuwke van Mulligen

This cardigan is worked top down in one piece without any seaming. It was published in Knitty Mag Deep Fall 2013 and uses worsted weight yarn.
Waist shaping on the back is hidden in the garter stitch panel, which emphasizes the waist. The pattern includes seven adult sizes, with a garment bust size of 27″ to 51″, but it is meant to be worn with about 2″ of negative ease. I love the subtle stitch pattern of this garment, as it makes the cardigan interesting to knit and look at.

Paulie Cardigan by Isabell Kraemer

The Paulie Cardigan is worked top down, seamless, and flat. It is available in Czech, Hungarian, German, Italian, and French. The pattern includes four adult sizes, with a bust measurement of 30.75″ to 42″. Since this pattern uses fingering weight yarn, the cardigan will be rather lightweight. I really love the delicate shawl collar that tops off the whole thing. I think I’ve got yarn in my stash to knit this all in one colour, but I think the thin stripes are a must!

Abalone Cardigan by Beata Jezek for Hedgehog Fibres

This simple seamless little cardigan uses worsted weight yarn.

The body is knitted flat, and the shoulders are seamed together using the kitchener stitch. Edgings are knitted in the round, and the cardigan is seamless. The pattern as written has only one size, but the writer includes percentages included for a custom fit using any yarn/needle combo and any gauge.

The pattern has translations for Spanish, French, Polish, and Hungarian. Since the cardigan has short sleeves, I think it would be great for summer. However, I also think it would be easy to adapt it to knit long sleeves too.

Raspberry Kiss Cardigan by DROPS Design

Raspberry Kiss is a top-down cardigan that is knit flat. As it is by DROPS, the instructions will be quite plain. However, it is available in sixteen European languages. The pattern includes six adult sizes, with a bust ranging from 34.6″ to 53.5″. However, Raspberry Kiss looks like it is meant to be worn with a small amount of positive ease. The cardigan has raglan sleeves, and a sweet eyelet pattern on the front and back. Overall, this cardigan is perfect for summer using cotton or linen or a blend. I definitely want to knit this for myself, but with short sleeves for summer.

Harvest Cardigan by Tin Can Knits

Tin Can Knits has published several free knitting patterns, and their Simple Collection is meant for beginners. From this collection, I knit myself their Wheat Scarf, which was the first knitted item I made in decades! Harvest is their cardigan from this collection, and I included it as part of my 2019 Make Nine. Overall, the Harvest cardigan has seventeen sizes, from infants to adults. The adult sizes include a bust of 31″ to 58″, but it is meant to be worn with +/- 1″ of ease.

If you enjoyed these free cardigan knitting patterns, check out our other free knitting pattern roundups:

• knit hat patterns
• stranded colourwork knitting patterns
• summer knitting patterns
• lace shawl knitting patterns
• sweater knitting patterns
• cardigan knitting patterns

• cable knitting patterns
• miscellaneous knitting patterns
• sock knitting patterns
• mitten knitting patterns
• vest knitting patterns

• adult pant and legging knitting patterns
• linen knitting patterns
• entrelac knitting patterns