Free knitting patterns for cropped cardigans, boleros, jackets with short and long sleeves. Updated 8/18/24
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.
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Free Patterns
Diaphane Cardigan
Cropped cardigan with shirt collar worked flat with a twisted rib hem and buttonbands, and contrasting columns of eyelets. Sizes 87 to 175cm / 34 to 69". Lace weight yarn. Designed by Audrey Borrego for Hobbii. A kit is also available.
Breezy Cardigan
Cropped sweater with long sleeves knit in all over lace pattern in a 16 row repeat. Sizes XS to 5XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Nicole Winer.
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
Dawn
Designed by Martin Storey, this cropped cardigan features stunning cables, ballet neckline, and elbow length sleeves. Sizes 32-34(36-38,40-42, 44-46, 48-50)" 81-86 (91-97, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127) cm.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Rowan Kid Classic yarn
- See more of Martin Storey's knitting patterns
Little Peacock Cardigan
I love this stitch! Sarah Hoadley designed this cute cropped short-sleeved cardigan sweater around a stitch pattern from Harmony Guides – Knit and Purl. Finished Bust Size 31 (35, 39, 43, 47, 51)” to fit bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get Harmony Guides – Knit and Purl Stitches at Alibris for as low as 99 cents
- Get the recommended Tahki Cotton Classic yarn on Amazon
Hint of Lace Cardigan
Deborah Newton designed this cropped cardi with three quarter sleeves and lace detail. Recommended yarn available on pattern page.
More Free Patterns
Olivia Cardigan
Janet of Yellow, Pink, and Sparkly designed this mohair cardi with ribbed sleeves, an all over eyelet pattern and a crocheted edging. One size, so you’ll have to adapt for other sizes.
Top Down Summer Lace Cardigan
Vera Sanon’s cropped short-sleeved cardigan is knit seamlessly and features a diamond lace detail. S (34-36), M(38-40) L/XL(42-46)” XXL(47″)
Bold and Bulky Mini Cardigan
This cropped cardigan with mod styling is fitted and a quick knit in bulky yarn on large needles. Small, Medium, Large, 1X. From the book FITTED KNITS by Stefanie Japel
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the book FITTED KNITS by Stefanie Japel
- Get the recommended Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn at Amazon
Peggy Sue
Linda Wilgus was inspired by 1950s styles to design this short-sleeved cropped cardigan featuring cables at the waist. SIZE: XS [S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X] Pictured project by Elidee.
Surry Hills
Maria Magnusson’s cropped cardigan features a lace pattern and long sleeves. Knit seamlessly from the bottom up, the sweater has a little shaping on the sides and a seamless set-in ¾ sleeve. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
Westbury
Berroco Design Team created this cropped cardigan that features “stripes” of texture with garter stitch, dropped stitch and stockinette. Great for multi color yarn!
Dawn
Hanna Maciejewska’s open cardigan features cable details in the raglans and fronts. It is knit in one piece from the top down.
Nimbus
Berroco Design Team created this cropped cardigan with a cozy shawl collar and bold garter stitch accents. X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X and 2X. Pictured project by lkkinetic. Quick knit in super bulky yarn
Patterns for Purchase
For The Love of Waffles Cardigan
Chunky, cropped, (almost) seamless cardigan knit with a 4 row repeat waffle stitch texture. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL) (XXL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL). Quick knit in chunky yarn. Designed by JaimeCreates
Easy Cardigan
Cropped cardigan with bubble sleeves knit on large needles and chunky yarn with basic stitches. Sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL. Quick knit in chunky yarn. Cardigan No. 9 designed by Daisy And Peace
Khanyisa Cardigan
Cropped cardigan with cable detail knit top down raglan style with three quarter sleeves. Finished Sizes to fit bust(inches): 32 – 34, 36 – 38, 40 – 42, 44 – 46, 48 – 50, 52 – 54, 56 – 58, 60 – 62”. DK weight yarn. Designed by BiggerthanlifeKnits.
Mont Blanc Cardigan
This easy sweater is a quick knit in super bulky yarn. Does involve picking up stitches.
Dolman Sleeved Cardigan
Easy sweater pattern knit in garter stitch as one piece in just 500 grams of Aran weight yarn. Just two side seams. Designed by Audrey Wilson.
Flora Cardigan
This adorable cropped cardigan has a pretty picot hem and colorwork roses. Worked flat and seamed. Finished Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm to 112cm. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss.
