Knitting cardigans is easier than you think! There are so many patterns out there you just have to know where to look. A roundup post of the top 10 cardigan knitting patterns is a great place to start! I’ve selected a variety of some of my favorite free cardigan knitting patterns for you to choose from to keep cozy while staying inside this fall/winter of 2020. I’ve included a few of my own, but there are a ton of other designers here who I admire and want to share with you!
The Broken Rib blanket cardigan has definitely been my most popular pattern to date. Using this beautiful stitch pattern, the cardigan is knit in one piece- only minimal seaming that needs to be done. This is a great cardigan pattern for beginners, as there are no increases or decreases, picking up stitches, or anything to trip you up. Just knits and purls all the way to a beautiful new addition to your wardrobe!
2. The Downtown Cardigan by All About Ami
The Downtown Cardigan by All About Ami is a sure classic, and soon to be one of your favorite wardrobe staples. I skimmed over the pattern: It’s easy to follow and comes with a TON of helpful photos for the assembly process. The chunky weight makes it a quick and satisfying project too!
3. Back to Basics Knit Cardigan by LionBrand
The Back to Basics Knit Cardigan by Lion Brand is definitely one that everyone needs. Chunky, oversized, and quick to knit, with thorough and accurate instructions. Beware though- the requests from family and friends will start pouring in for this pretty cardigan. Lion Brand sells a convenient kit for the Back to Basics Knit Cardigan here.
The Lemouth Cardigan is a bit more of a challenge. If you’re up for it, you’ll have a truly beautiful piece at the end. I usually save lace projects for crochet admittedly- but I might just have to make an exception for this striking piece. The recommended yarn is Coboo- a luxuirious blend of cotton and bamboo by Lion Brand, making it a great cardigan for any season.
5. Shores Cardigan by Ashley Lillis
Shores is another free cardigan knitting pattern that I want to give a try. I particularly like the shorter 3/4 sleeves on this one, and the ribbing on the collar. The decreases at the shoulders make it a nice fitted piece compared to some of the more oversized cardigans here.
6. Simple Slouchy Sweater by Yay for Yarn
When I was compiling this list of free cardigan knitting patterns, The Simple Slouchy Sweater was a no-brainer. I’ve included a lot of chunkier pieces in this list, so I wanted to give you something in a lighter weight yarn that packs just as much of a stylish punch! I think I love the vertical ribbing on the collar the most. I’ll take one in lavender mohair please?
7. Easy Blanket Cardigan (One size fits all) by Margo Knits
If it’s your first venture into cardigans, might I recommend the Blanket Cardigan Knitting Pattern by yours truly? There’s no shaping, decreasing, or increasing, and only one seam. The Blanket Cardigan is knit in 2 pieces flat, and worn like a ruana. It is made with a worsted weight and fingering weight held together, giving it a pretty marled look. I recommend a solid color worsted weight and pop of color on the fingering weight. Get creative, and use up that crazy colorful yarn you bought, but just can’t seem to find a project for!
8. Super Chunky Slouchy Shrug by Michelle Greenberg
The Super chunky slouchy shrug is another great piece for beginners. The beginner cardigan knitting patterns in this list have just as much style as the more difficult pieces. I think partially because oversized coziness is just in right now? And I hope it never goes out.
9. Hettie Bomber (use code FREEPATTERN) to get the pattern for free
The Hettie Bomber made this list a. because all of the amazing colors in this photo caught my eye immediately, and b. because of these dramatic chunky sleeves! Use the code FREEPATTERN to get this girl for free.
10. Cherish Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern by Margo Knits
The Cherish Cardigan Knitting Pattern is one that you’ll cherish. (Hardy-har-har!). But seriously, it’s truly an easy one. The body is knit in 3 pieces, then seamed. The sleeves are picked up with a crochet hook and knit in the round. (It’s doable for a beginner- youtube has tons of great tutorials!). The end result is a chunky cardigan with dramatically oversized puff sleeves. It was so much fun to knit this piece, that I’ve decided to start selling a few of them soon!
One of my long-term goals with this blog is not only to share knitting patterns, but to eventually create my own mini line of knitwear that I can sell in one-off pieces to special customers who appreciate slow fashion like I do. I’m currently working on about 4 mohair sweaters that I hope to share with you here soon- so stay tuned!
I hope you loved this my list of the top 10 free cardigan knitting patterns! Drop me a link to your favorite cardigan in the comments! Have you, or do you plan to make any of these pieces?
Until next time, happy knitting!
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