These are patterns for outwerwear that I think will be comfortable, easy and quick to take on and off with loose or no sleeves to rub against skin or clothes. I’ve included ruanas, cocoon cardigans, loose shrugs, ponchos with sleeves and other unstructured cardigans on this page. Updated 11/23/24
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.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
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Free Patterns
Buttoned Shawl
Versatile shawl that can be worn as a shrug cardigan, scarf, stole, and more. Knit with a basketweave texture with cable borders and a fair isle snowflake on back. Sport weight yarn. 1514-8 Cable Hat and Mittens designed by Turid Stapnes. One of the patterns in the free Viking Of Norway Catalogue 1213 ebook
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.
Dawn Cape
Cocoon cardigan is a statement piece with its beautiful ridged texture and gorgeous drape! Knit flat in 3 pieces, this cape features tapered shoulders and a delicate ribbed collar and ribbed arm openings with subtle ruching that make it the perfect layering piece! Sizes XS/S, M/L, XL/2X, 3X/4X. Web version is free. PDF is for purchase. DK weight yarn. Designed by Stephanie Jessica Lau for AllAboutAmi.
Constantine Cape
This open front poncho features a belt that creates sleeves and a waist. Sizes xs, s, m, l, 1x, 2x, 3x. Knit with a 2 row repeat seed stitch. Designed by Natalie Selles for Knitty. Bulky weight yarn.
Catskills Ruana
This easy cardigan is knit with a 2 row repeat box rib stitch and edged with a plait cable. Worked flat in one piece. Designed by Lion Brand who rates it as easy+. Quick knit in bulky weight yarn.
Sweater Scarf
This easy cardigan wrap was inspired by a “sweater-scarf” from 1917, in the early years that women worked with the Red Cross. It is made from a knit rectangle and belt. Designed by Julie Farmer for Red Heart.
Chrysalis Cardigan
Cocoon wrap knit with a 4 row repeat lace stitch with seed stitch edging. Designed by Craft Evangelist.
Cocoon Cardigan
Designed by Marly Bird, this long sleeved sweater features oversized lace sleeves with fitted cuffs, a shawl collar, and interesting overall texture. 3 sizes. Pattern and instructional video class available for free with a free trial at Creativebug
Cocoon Cape
Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Women’s S/M (L/1X, 2X/3X). Pictured project by Moxiewaffles
Chelsea Cape
This easy cocoon cardigan is knit in a lace net that drapes beautifully. Designed by Alexandra Tavel for Two of Wands.
Diamond Lace Kimono
This kimono style short sleeved cardigan is worked in one piece starting at the back. DK weight. One size fits most. Designed by Kaitlin Blasing of Originally Lovely
More Free Patterns
Summer Snug
Lace cocoon cardigan is made two pieces knit in the round and shaped with short rows. Designed by DROPS Design. Sizes S/M – L/XL – XXL /XXXL. Available in multiple languages.
Cloaked in Clouds Poncho
Alexandra Tavel’s easy cardigan sweater was inspired by blanket ruanas and features a wide rib collar and a thermal stitch for warmth. Quick project in bulky yarn, it is rated easy by the designer and Ravelrers.
Open Lacy Shrug
Lace sweater wrap is knit with a 4-row repeat and sleeves are knit separately and sewn on. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Elaine van Wyk.
- Get the free knitting pattern on the Internet archive
- Get the recommended Rowan Cocoon yarn on Amazon
- See Easy Shrug Knitting Patterns
Chill Begone Sweater Wrap
This shawl collared cardigan is knit side to side in two pieces and seamed/grafted and then the collar and hem are knit from picked up stitches. Sm/Med and Med/Lrg Designed by Linda Braley
Free Spirit Topper
This easy cardigan is worked in 2 pieces in stockinette and seed stitch, then seamed together at back and sides. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn at Amazon (Prime options available)
Thysania
This oversized shrug cardigan features a cable and eyelet pattern knit in a rectangle that is seamed for armholes. Stitches are picked up for the cuffs and collar. Sizes XS-SM-L, 1X-2X, 3X-4X XS-S, M-L, 1X-2X, 3X-4X. Designed by Alison Green for Knitty
Lace Sweater Wrap
This lace shrug is made by knitting a lace piece, folding and seaming, then picking up stitches for the edge. Design by DROPS Design. Size: S/M – L/XL – XXL/ XXXL. Available in multiple languages. Original was knit with two strands of yarn on larger needles. Pictured project by Lamelo
- Get the free knitting pattern in English
- Get links to other languages
- See more One Piece Fold and Seam Knitting Patterns
Ripple Tide Sweater Wrap
Oversized cardigan in three pieces with lace panels in front and back that add a natural scallop to the hem. Designed by DROPS Design. S/ M – L/XL – XXL – XXXL
Easy Blanket Sweater
Jessica from Mama in a Stitch created this cocoon cardigan that she calls a wearable blanket. Quick knit with two strands of chunky yarn held together.
Speckled Shrug
Another folded rectangle shrug but this one from Lion Brand folds up with longer sleeves and more relaxed fit. Knit with ribbing at top and bottom and stockinette for the body. About 38 x 44 in. (96.5 x 112 cm), before folding and seaming. Pictured project by vcgroom
1 Row Repeat Rosy Disposition Cardi
This cardigan wrap is knit with a one row repeat Mistake Rib stitch in worsted weight yarn. Sises XS, S, M, L, XL. Designed by Stitch Studio Design Team
Silk Rosa Dolman Cardigan
Designed Pierrot yarns, this draped cardigan is knit in stockinette, seed stitch, and ribbing.
Patterns for Purchase
Sleeveless Jacket
Easy cardigan wrap knit with belt. Sizes To Fit Chest: 81cm/32in to 117cm/46in. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss
Veronika Cocoon Cardigan
This sweater wrap features an oversized shawl collar and textured ridge stitch body that is knit in one piece. 3 sizes.
Longford Cuffed Cabled Shawl
This sweater wrap features features ribbed cuffs that help keep the shawl in place but give you freedom to use your hands. Cables are written out and charted.
Calida Luxe Coccon Cardigan
Open lace cardigan with a cocoon silhouette. S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL).
Garter Stitch Shawl Collar Cardigan
Easy pattern in one size fits 86cm 34in to 117cm 46in chest. Knit in garter stitch in one piece with just two seams.
Sirocco Cardigan
Ruana with wide sleeves knit in a textured stitch in sizes 46(50-55-60)” across. Recommended yarn on pattern page.
Mont Blanc Cardigan
This easy sweater is a quick knit in super bulky yarn. Does involve picking up stitches.
