Free knitting patterns for easy cardigan sweaters that are rated easy by the designers and/or the Ravelrers that have knit them. Updated 12/16/22
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
Breckenridge Topper Cardigan
Beginner-friendly pattern knit flat in 2 rectangles and seamed to form wide sleeves. No picking up stitches. Sizes Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X. Designed by Mama In A Stitch. DK weight yarn.
Coral Cardigan
Beginner-friendly pattern knit flat in one rectangle with a slit and seamed. No picking up stitches. Video tutorial included. Great with multi-colored yarn. Sizes Finished Bust: 46” (57”, 67”) OR 117 cm (145 cm, 170 cm). Designed by Yay For Yarn. Aran weight yarn.
Easy Flyaway Cardigan
Short sleeve cardigan knit in stockinette and ribbing with a foldover shawl collar. Knit in 3 pieces. No picking up stitches. Sizes 3X/4X, 1X/2X, L, S/M. Designed by Lion Brand. Rated easy by the designer. Sport weight yarn.
Easy Breezy Cardi
Knit in 3 pieces in stockinette with ribbed edges. No picking up stitches. Some shaping. Uses just 2 balls of the recommended multi-colored yarn. Sizes 1X/2X, M/L, XS/S. Rated easy by the designer Vladimir Teriokhin for Lion Brand. Worsted weight yarn.
Jutka Cardigan
Short sleeved garter stitch cardigan knit with bulky yarn. Body knit in one piece. Sleeves knit separatedly. Neck edge is finished by picking up and knitting one row. Sizes S (M, L, 1X, 2X). Rated easy by the designer Irina Poludnenko.
Liz Cardi
Short sleeve cardigan sweater knit in one piece, starting from the back, separate for the 2 front panels, then seam up the side and you’re done. No picking up stitches. Rated easy by the designer Jesse Mozlan. Sizes S/L. Worsted weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Knit One, Crochet Too Ty-Dy Cotton yarn used in the pictured project on Etsy
One Row Repeat Longline Cardigan
This easy sweater is knit with a one row repeat mesh stitch and minimal shaping. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes XS(S,M,L,XL, XXL). Designed by Quail Studio
Side Street Cardigan
This short sleeved cardigan is knit in one piece from side to side in garter stitch. Sizes XS to 5X. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Rated beginner level by Yarnspirations
Evening Allure Cardigan
Easy short-sleeved cardigan knit in 3 pieces with a 2 row repeat Garter Rib stitch. No picking up stitches but there is shaping. Designed by Heather Lodinsky for Red Heart. Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X).
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get Boutique Midnight Yarn on Amazon (Prime available)
- See more 2 Row Repeat Knitting Patterns
Lady Kina Cardigan
Cap sleeved cardigan with pretty gathering at the neckline. Rated very easy or easy by most Ravelrers. Designed by Muriel Agator. Available in English and French. Sizes 36, 38/40, 40/42, 46
More Free Patterns
High Line Cardigan
Short sleeved cropped cardigan knit in K1, p1 rib and rated easy by Ravelrers. Sizes s, m, l, xl. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by Rosemary Drysdale for Tahki Stacy Charles. Pictured project by drsmak
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
Get the Tahki Yarns Urban Organics pattern book that includes this pattern
Varsity Hoodie
This long-sleeved hooded sweater with pocket is knit primarily in stockinette. The designer Two of Wands and Lion Brand Yarn rate this a Level 2 Easy (beginner +) pattern. It does require picking up stitches and grafting. Sizes M/L, XL/2XL, XS/S. Also available as a kit.
- Get the free knitting pattern - web version
- Buy the pdf
- Get the kit
- See more Hooded Sweater Knitting Patterns
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.
High Plains Cardigan
This long-sleeved sweater with pockets is knit in a 4 row repeat moss stitch. 5 pieces (back, 2 fronts, and 2 sleeves) and then seamed. The designer Heather Lodinsky and Lion Brand Yarn rate this a Level 2 Easy (beginner +) pattern. Sizes 1X, 2X, L, M, S
Envelope Cardigan
Easy sweater pattern features the Irish Moss Stitch and shawl collar. Knit in two pieces with the only shaping in the collar. From Patons Yarn. Sizes from XS to 5XL.
Tyburn Cardigan
This cozy long-sleeved sweater by Sarah Hatton features mostly stockinette with ribbed sloped front and seed stitch set-in sleeves. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers and skill level 2 by Rowan.
Simple Spring Swing Cardigan
Easy short-sleeved cardigan with garter stitch yoke by Jodi Snyder for Red Heart. Free video knit-along tutorials. Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X). Pictured project by catcouch
Sanpoku
The brilliant Norah Gaughan was inspired by Japanese style to create this wrapped cardigan for Berroco. Rated very easy and easy by the majority of Ravelrers. The recommended yarn is my current favorite Berroco Modern Cotton which has lovely drape and stitch definition and is so comfortable.
Folded Squares Cardigan
Purl Soho’s ingenious design is three garter stitch pieces assembled to form a soft drape in six sizes available: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)
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.
Chelsea Cape
This easy cocoon cardigan is knit in a lace net that drapes beautifully. Designed by Alexandra Tavel for Two of Wands. Also available as a kit.
Garter Stitch Swingy Sweater
Jenn Pellerin’s simple asymmetrical top-down raglan cardigan is worked in all knit stitches. Rated as easy by more than 100 Raverlrers. Pictured project by lbeckste
Patterns for Purchase
Polar Bear Cardigan
A simple cardigan for beginner knitters according to designer. Options for fringe and without. Follow step by step instructions and you will have your own handmade cozy cardigan. Super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Bummbul
Dara Infinity Vest
The easiest way to make a sleeveless cardigan wrap, fun to knit and super fast to make! It’s a great pattern for beginners because it's worked worked flat, seamless and the stitches used are basic. Use any weight of yarn. A crochet version is also available. Available in English and French. Rated easy by knitters. Designed by The Easy Design.
Banff Cardigan
Oversized long sweater knit in seed stitch with worsted weight yarn on large needles. The designer The Blue Mouse says this is an easy pattern that requires basic knowledge of stitches and seaming. Length is customizable.
Mezzo Cardigan
This cocoon style cardigan features offset stripe motif and marled color scheme created by holding two strands together. Knit flat in two pieces and seamed. 4 sizes. Designed by Alexis Winslow
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Annie’s
- Get the recommended Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine yarn at Annie’s
Sweater Coat
Knit in stockinette with textured cuffs and lapels, this coat sweater is a quick knit in super bulky yarn and rated easy by the designer.
Montreal Cardigan
The designer says this draped front shrug is a super simple pattern, a great first garment for an advanced beginner looking to move beyond scarves and baby blankets. And a quick knit in super bulky yarn that the designer says can be finished in a weekend.
Passionista Vest
Lena Skvagerson’s simple-to-stitch vest is a versatile accessory and easy enough for beginners looking to branch out.
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.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- See more Short Sleeved Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Jong
NO LONGER FREE! Easy one-size-fits-all cardigan jacket in garter stitch designed by by Julie Tootill. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Ravelrers have rated it very easy and easy. Pictured project by devaknits
