If you’re looking for a new knitting project, why not try a cardigan? In this blog post, we’ll share our favorite 25 easy cardigan knitting patterns for beginners. You’ll find a variety of different knit cardigan patterns to choose from, so that you can find the perfect one to suit your style.
There’s nothing like a hand-knit cardigan to keep you cozy in cooler weather. Cardigans are practical, versatile, and perfect for layering. In my opinion, they’re one of the most satisfying things to knit.
And contrary to popular belief, knitting a cardigan is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right pattern and some practice, even beginning knitters can create a beautiful cardigan.
To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of 25 easy and free knit cardigan patterns. Whether you’re looking for a simple and classic style or something more modern and trendy, there’s sure to be a pattern on this list that’s perfect for you.
Knit Cardigan Patterns
Enjoy this list of free and easy cardigan knitting patterns.
Navaeh Cardigan
Show off your style with this easy, lightweight cardigan. Its color blocks make for a unique, cozy look and a simple way to display your favorite shades!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Mandala Bonus Bundle
Back to Basics Knit Cardigan
This oversized cardigan knitting pattern is made with super bulky yarn, which makes it a quick and rewarding project. It’s great for beginners and includes eight different size options.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Midtown Cardigan
Here’s a slouchy, classic cardigan that features a drop sleeve. It’s perfect for dressing up with jeans or relaxing for a day at home.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: LB Collection Superwash Merino Yarn
Stannum Cardigan
Featuring buttonholes, an afterthought pocket, and cable knitting, this cute cardigan is best for intermediate knitters. Stick with just one color for a classic look, or use contrasting colors for the sleeves, pockets, cuffs, and neck.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Blacker Yarns Pure Jacob 4ply
Bly
This top-down cardigan is a must for every closet. It’s perfect for fall weather - just throw it over your favorite t-shirt as soon as that cozy chill starts settling in the air.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Berroco Vintage
My Comfiest Knit Cardigan
This super comfy, extra-long sweater makes the perfect cardigan knitting pattern for beginners. It’s made of three rectangles and some basic sleeves with a bit of seaming at the end.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Jeans
Oxford Boyfriend Cardigan
This boxy cardigan is sure to become one of your favorite clothing pieces whether you’re cozying up by the campfire or spending the day studying on campus. The super bulky yarn and fairly simple pattern make for a fast project (in terms of sweaters, that is!).
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Yarns Recycled Ribbon
Folded Squares Cardigan
This modern cardigan knitting pattern is basically origami in sweater form. The pattern is offered in six different sizes and makes for a drapey, flowy cardigan.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Purl Soho Burnish
Anneli
This short sweater is worked from the top down and adds a vintage, feminine look to any outfit. It’s available in sizes from XS to XXL. The child’s version of this sweater pattern is also available,
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Wool of the Andes
The Uptown Cardigan
Here’s a relaxed cardigan that is lightweight and can be worn nearly any time of year. Although it’s long, it’s simple to make and would be a good first sweater project.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Macaulay Cardigan
This classic cardigan is knitted in pieces from the bottom up. Its set-in sleeves and contrasting color bands will have your friends asking if you can make one for them, too!
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Blacker Yarns Brushwork
Simple Slouchy Sweater
This easy cardigan knitting pattern includes a video tutorial to walk you through each step of the way. It’s made from only three pieces and feels like snuggling into a soft blanket.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love
Shapely Boyfriend
This classic boyfriend sweater is designed to be flattering in any size. It’s available in sizes XS through 3X.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: O-Wool Classic
Iced Cardigan
Get ready for this neutral and casual sweater to become a staple in your wardrobe, because it goes with everything! The super bulky yarn makes it perfect for snuggling into on cold days.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Paulie
This lightweight cardigan is perfect for running errands or a fall day at home. Wear it buttoned up or open - it’s versatile.
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Zitron Trekking Pro Natura
February Lady Sweater
This beautiful and feminine sweater is flattering on any body type. It features a ¾ sleeve and a delicate, lacy stitch pattern.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Sundara Yarn Worsted Merino
Effortless Cardigan
This slouchy cardigan is easy to make and great for beginners. It features pockets, simple stitches, and cozy ribbing.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling Yarn
The Woodbury Cardigan
This chunky cardigan features the seed stitch for plenty of interest and texture. Its panels are worked from the bottom up.
Yarn weight: Bulky
Suggested yarn: Hue + Me
Harvest
There’s nothing like celebrating the joy of a fall harvest in a comfy sweater. This sweater is offered in sizes from infant to 6XL, so the whole family can enjoy it!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Madelinetosh Vintage
Caramel
There are lots of options for wearing this blanket-style cardigan. Wear it open, wrap it, or pin it at the shoulder. This pattern is worked from the top down.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Coboo
Ballerina Wrap Top
Pair this fitted wrap top with some high-waisted jeans, and you’re ready for a night on the town. This wrap top is a perfect option to knit yourself, because you can check the fit as you go to ensure that each part is just right for you!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: King Cole Harvest DK
Livresque Cardigan
This midcentury cardigan is timeless and classic with a touch of color. It’s worked from the top down.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: La Bien Aimée Corrie Worsted
Estuary
Here’s a bi-color v-neck that’s worked in pieces from the bottom up. Per the author’s advice, use your darkest color on the bottom for the most flattering color scheme.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Berroco Tuscan Tweed
Mon Petit Gilet Rayé
This pattern is full of inspiration for different color choices and designs. The options are nearly endless with this lovely, fitted knit sweater!
Yarn weight: Fingering
Suggested yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca
Amiga
This drapey cardigan is lightweight and compact. It’s perfect for carrying around in a backpack or in your car whenever a chilly breeze happens to come through.
Yarn weight: Sport
Suggested yarn: Cotton Kings Sultan
How to Knit a Cardigan
There are a variety of different methods for constructing cardigan sweaters. Generally, they can be broken down into two categories: seamless construction and pieced (seamed) construction.
Seamless cardigans: Seamless cardigan sweaters are knit all in one piece on long circular needles. Seamless cardigans are often knit “top-down,” which means the sweater is knit from the collar down to the hem.
Seamed cardigans: Seamed cardigans are knit in pieces and then seamed together at the end. For example, you’ll knit separate pieces for the back panel, two front panels, and two sleeves. Then, you’ll assemble these pieces with a mattress stitch or other seaming technique. Most seamed cardigans are knit “bottom-up” or from the hem up to the collar.
Can I Knit a Cardigan as a Beginner?
Yes, you can knit a cardigan as a knitting beginner! Just be sure to choose a pattern that is rated as “easy” or “beginner friendly.”
Here are some more guidelines to help you search for simple cardigan patterns:
- Look for designs made from simple, rectangular pieces that will be seamed together.
- Look for patterns made with basic stitch patterns, like stockinette or garter stitch.
- Slouchy sweaters might be more forgiving than fitted styles, especially if you are concerned about your gauge being correct.
- Choose patterns made with bulky yarn if you want your project to work up more quickly.
And if you’d rather knit a pullover style sweater instead, check out this collection of our favorite free knit pullover patterns.
Favorite Yarn for Knit Cardigans
Within this list, you’ll find sweaters knit with various yarn types and weights, from fingering weight all the way up to super bulky. For your convenience, I’ve listed a recommended yarn for each pattern right here within the post. Don’t forget to check your gauge before getting started!
Still not sure what yarn to use? Here are a few of my favorite, cozy cardigan yarn choices.
- Lion Brand Coboo (DK)
- Lion Brand Jeans (worsted)
- Hue + Me (bulky)
- Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky)
Knitting Techniques to Know
Here are some common knitting techniques that you’ll need for cardigan knitting. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the stitches and techniques used in your pattern before getting started on your cardigan. If there are any techniques that you’re unfamiliar with, practice them first – you’ll be glad you did!
Basic Knitting Stitches: Click here for complete tutorials on How to Cast On, How to Knit, How to Purl, and How to Bind Off.
Increases and Decreases: Increases and decreases are essential for shaping your cardigan.
Knitting in the round: Some cardigan patterns will instruct you to knit your sleeves “in the round.” To knit in the round, you’ll need some circular needles or DPNs.
Seaming: If your cardigan is knit in pieces, you’ll need to sew them together at the end. Most patterns will suggest using the mattress stitch to do this step.
Tips
Here are a few more tips and tricks for knit cardigan patterns.
Choose the right pattern for your skill level.
Before choosing a pattern, think realistically about your knitting skill level. If you’re just starting out, look for a pattern that includes simple rectangles, basic stitches, and a forgiving fit. For more advanced knitters, you may want to choose something more challenging to keep your interest.
Most patterns include a suggested skill level for your convenience.
Make a gauge swatch to test your tension and yarn choice.
Even if you purchase the exact same yarn as the pattern designer, remember that every knitter has a unique gauge. It’s crucial to knit a gauge swatch before getting started on your sweater in order to ensure the best fit.
Read the pattern thoroughly and review any new concepts or techniques.
Don’t let your pattern surprise you with tricky or new techniques when you’re already halfway through! To avoid frustration, read through your pattern thoroughly to get the full picture and familiarize yourself with all of the techniques and stitches you’ll need to know. Don’t be afraid to practice any new skills before getting started.
Check the fit as you go.
One of the best parts of knitting your own sweater is that you can make sure that it fits you perfectly! Hold the cardigan up to your body, or try it on a few times throughout the knitting process. This way, you can easily adjust if certain pieces are too large or small or if you want it longer or shorter.
Block the cardigan for the best results
To achieve the best shape, block your sweater when you’re finished knitting. Blocking includes wetting and drying your knit cardigan to set its shape.
Looking for knit pullovers instead?
For a collection of free and easy knit pullover sweaters, check out these 25 easy sweater knitting patterns.
More Free Knitting Patterns
When you’re ready for more, check out these other free knitting patterns.
- 25 Free and Easy Knitting Patterns for Beginners
- 27 Free & Easy Knit Hat Patterns
- 27 Free & Easy Sock Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 27 Free Fingerless Gloves Knitting Patterns
- 25 Free & Easy Sweater Knitting Patterns (Great for Beginners!)
- 30 Free Shawl Knitting Patterns
- 21 Free Vest Knitting Patterns
What’s Next?
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