Free knitting patterns for cardigans knit with 6 row repeat lace, cable, texture, or colorwork. Most without any picking up of stitches. Updated 10/17/25
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Zico Cardigan
V-neck cardigan knit with a 6 row/round repeat cable and lace stitch that forms a fluffy zigzag texture. DK weight yarn. Designed by Veronica Ory for Knitty.
Courmayeur Bolero
Cropped cardigan with three quarter sleeves knit flat with a 6 row repeat Checker stitch. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Adriafil Yarn.
Snuggle Cardigan
Long sleeved cardigan with shawl collar knit with a 6 row repeat double eyelet lace and bordered with 1x1 rib. The bands and collar are knit with the front pieces. No picking up stitches! Sizes To Fit Bust: 37in to 49.75in. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Cheryl Murray.
Drop Stitch Cardigan
This colorful cardigan with a fun drop stitch pattern in a 6 row repeat that's a great showcase for variegated and handdyed yarn. Sizes 80 to 110 cm / 31” to 43”. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Lang Yarns. Available in English, Dutch, French, German
Lace Rib Vest
Cardigan vest knit with a 6 row repeat lace stitch. Front bands are knit with the work. Some stitches picked up at armholes. Sizes S to L. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team. A kit is also available.
Chill Out Cardigan
Knit flat in two rectangles with a 6 row repeat, this cardigan is about as easy as it gets. The one new technique for some would be drop stitches, but those are fun to learn. Perfect summer beach and pool cover up. Sizes UK 6-12 14-20 22-28 US 2-8 10-16 18-24. DK weight yarn. Chill Out Zone Cover Up Sirdar 1056.
Amira Cardigan
Easy cardigan knit with a 6 row garter ridge texture and trimmed with seed stitch. Knit in pieces. No picking up stitches. Sizes S / M / L / XL. Aran weight yarn. Jacket 232-11 designed by Langyarns.
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Betty Cardigan
Cropped sweater with cap sleeves knit in a 6 row repeat Roman Stripe stitch pattern. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) = 28” (32”, 36”, 40”, 44”, 48”, 52”, 56”) bust. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Hilary Smith Callis. Pictured project by designer and Hazel.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See more of Hilary's knitting patterns
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 yarn at Amazon
My Fair Cardi
Lace cardigan sweater knit in one piece with a 6 row repeat Feather and Fan lace stitch. Sizes Finished Chest: 37 (40½, 44, 50½, 53)”. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Stoller for Red Heart
More Free Patterns
Eyelet Pattern Cardigan
Button front cardigan knit with a 6 row repeat diagonal lace stitch. 3 sizes. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Ann Højgaard Slot.
Picata Cardigan
Easy woman's cardigan with a 6 row repeat chevron border that is knit with the front pieces so there is no picking up stitches. Sizes Bust: 32 to 72" / 82 to 183 cm. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team
Ivy Cardigan
Twisted Rib with 6 row repeat adorns the front edges, cuffs, and deep hem of this cross front cardigan with tie fastenings. Sizes XS to 3X. DK weight yarn. Designed by Glenna C. for Knitty. Pictured project by Knitgoeroe
I Love Hue Longline Cardigan
Shawl collared cardigan coat with pockets and belt with 6 row repeat cable details. Sizes To Fit Chest: 81cm to 147cm/ 32" to 58". Aran weight yarn. Designed by Paintbox Yarns
Oversized Shrug
Super easy cocoon cardigan knit flat in one rectangle with a 6 row repeat Slip Stitch Mesh stitch edged with garter stitch. Sizes S/M, (L/XL). Fast project in Super Bulky and suitable for beginners. Woman’s Oversized Shrug in Plymouth Yarn De Aire 2391.
Shrowl Jacket
Easy sleeveless cardigan knit flat in one piece and seamed. Knit with a 6 row repeat that does include wrapped and dropped stitches which may be a new skill for some beginners. No picking up stitches. The stripes come from a self-striping yarn. Sizes To Fit Bust: 82cm/33in to 47cm/52in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Elle
Lacy Shrug
Easy shrug cardigan knit flat in one rectangular piece with a 6 row repeat and seamed. No picking up stitches. Sizes S (M, L, XL, XXL). Designed by Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns ® Pacific® yarn at Amazon (ad)
Enveloped
Cocoon cardigan is knit flat in one piece with a 6 row repeat texture, with the lower edging added on. The collar features a 6-row repeat reversible cable with ribbing, so it looks great no matter how it's folded. Sizes XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]. Designed by Amy Gunderson for Knitty. Aran weight yarn.
Celadon Vest
Easy open front vest knit flat in one piece with a 6 row repeat texture. No picking up stitches. Sizes 36 to 57” / 96 to 145 cm. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Cecilia Lalanne and Gabriella Calderini.
Truman Vest
Easy sleeveless hoodie cardigan knit flat with a 6 row repeat texture. Size finished chest 32-52 inches. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Patterns for Purchase
Nadia Jeanne Cardigan
Seamless cardigan knit in one piece with a 6 row repeat Feather and Fan pattern with a garter stitch across the 6th row. . Sizes S to 3XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Adele Hamey.
Summer Breeze Cardigan
Striped and color blocked cardigan knit in three colors with a 6 row repeat texture. Sizes 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46. DK weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim.
