Free knitting patterns for short-sleeved cardigan sweaters sized for children with short sleeves that are great for warm weather or layering. Included are some easy patterns, and some with size ranges that include babies or adults.. Updated 4/30/23
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
Bell Edged Cardigan
Cardigan with lace bodice knit in a 4 row repeat and lace bell shaped ruffled edge in child sizes. Sizes 2 to 13 years. DK weight yarn. 7251 designed by Elle Yarns.
Neck Down Cardi
Easy baby and child sized cardigan sweater knit in diagonal garter stitch. Sizes: 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 2-3 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years. Knit flat in one piece from the top down. No picking up stitches. Rated very easy by Ravelrers so I'm not sure why Lion Brand labels it as advanced. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Allsorts Cardigan
Striped short-sleeved child cardigan as colorful as the candy it's named for. Designed for at least 5 colors, this is a great stash buster too! Sizes 3 years to 12 years. DK weight yarn. Designed by Tina Barrett.
Leaf Lace
Lace shaped like leaves or diamonds form the yoke of this baby and child cardigan. Sizes Birth to 6 years. Fingering weight yarn. 7044 designed by Elle Yarns.
Bug Warmer Cardigan
Easy top down gender neutral cardigan that can be knit with short or long sleeves in sizes for children and babies. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Sizes Newborn(3 months,6 months,9-12 months, 12-24 months,2-3 years,4-6 years). Designed by Taiga Hilliard. Aran weight yarn. Pictured projects by Debnewlen, smikatti, and tattyapple.
Little Hoodie Cardigan
Cardigan sweater with hood and short sleeves for babies and children. Sizes Newborn to 8 years. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team.
Curved Border Cardigan
Cardigan in child and adult sizes with ribbed front band that flow into a curved hem. Options for short or long sleeves, and wide or narrow ribbing. Sizes To fit chest: 72 to 107cm/29in to 43in. Fingering weight yarn. 6954 Short Sleeve Cardigan designed by Elle Yarns.
Saige Hooded Cardigan
Child's poncho style sweater with hood. The 5 colors of sock yarn in the sample create a patchwork look. You can use more colors or even leftover yarn, so it's great for stashbusting. Sizes Toddler/Child 1, 2, 4, 6. Designed by Berroco Design Team. Fingering weight yarn.
Heart Cardigan
Girl's cardigan with lace hearts and shaping at the front. Available in half length and full length sleeves. Sizes 2-3 years 4-5 years 6-7 years 8-9 years 10-11 years. DK weight yarn. Girls Cardigans F088 designed by Stylecraft Yarns.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Stylecraft Organic Cotton DK yarn
Leaf and Lace Cardigan
The lace leaves at the hem and diamond lace at the shoulders on this short-sleeved child cardigan caught my eye. Sizes 2 years to 13 years. DK weight yarn. 7252 Cardigan designed by Elle Yarns.
More Free Patterns
Vinkel Cardigan Baby and Child Sizes
Cardigan sweater knit in diagonal garter stitch. Sizes: 3m, 6m, 12m, 24m, 4y, 6y, 8y, 10y, 12y. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Yarn-Madness. Available in English and Swedish. Pictured project by SylviKnits who added a handmade button not part of the pattern.
American Girl and Doll Cardigans
Matching cardigan sweaters in child and doll sizes. Girl's size 7-8, 15-18" doll. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Amanda Kremer.
Short Sleeve Summer Sweater
Cardigan sweater with cable trim on front and sleeves. Size: Child’s size: 2 (3, 4, 5). DK weight yarn. Designed by Sheila Joynes for Cascade Yarns.
Garter Stitch Cardigan
Sweater knit in garter stitch. Size: Age 3-4 Years, 5-6 Years, 7-8 Years, 9-10 Years, 11-12 Years. Quick knit in chunky yarn. Designed by Cygnet. May only be free for a limited time.
Cute Kimono Cardigan
Easy pattern by Ann E. Smith from Red Heart for a wrap cardigan in garter stitch. Sizes 2, 4, and 6 years.
Cabled Knit Sweater & Leg Warmers
Cindy Craig designed this sweet double-breasted, short-sleeved cabled cardigan for Red Heart. It comes with instructions for matching legwarmers. Sizes 4 through 10.
Daisy Chain Cardigan
Amanda Lilley’s design is knit from the top down seamlessly with cap sleeves. Instructions included for the optional embroidered daisies. 1 yr., 2-3 yr., 4-5 yr.
Short Notice Cardigan
Taiga Hilliard designed this asymmetrical cardigan for girls or boys, short or long sleeves, babies or children. Sizes – Newborn(3 months,6 months,9-12 months, 12-24 months,2-3 years,4-6 years)
Precision Wrap
Easy pattern by Cathy Payson from Red Heart for a dancer-style wrap cardigan. Sizes 6 through 12.
Easy Little Girl Shrug
This easy child’s cardigan is knit in a 4-row repeat trinity stitch. Sizes 2, 4, 6, 8 years. Designed by Cathy Payson for Red Heart
Patterns for Purchase
Romane and Roman
Cable yoke cardigan for babies and children with options short or long sleeves, with A-line or straighter fit. Sizes 3 mos to 12 yrs. DK weight yarn. Designed by Aurélie Colas
Cove Cardigan
This children’s sweater by Velvet Acorn features a leaf lace front. Sizes 2/3, 4/5, 6/7, 8/9, 10/11 years
Saffron Cardigan
Playful shrug-cardigan that features cute ribbed ruffles with a top-down raglan construction, and it is completely seamless. Sizes available: 12-18 months, 1-2T, 2-3T, 3-4T, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 8-9, 9-10, 10-12, 12-14 years. DK weight yarn. Designed by Elena Nodel
Sweet Butterfly Baby or Child Cardigan
This sweater features the butterfly stitch on the bodice and back and is worked seamlessly from the top-down with set-in sleeves. Two versions are available: Baby for sizes 6-12-18-24 months. Child for sizes 4-6-8-10-12 y. Designed by Christelle Nihoul.
