Free knitting patterns for pullovers, cardigans, and other tops with empire waistline. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 9/14/23
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
Manitoba Swing Jacket
Long-sleeved cardigan with empire waist and lace details on body and sleeves. Aran weight yarn. Sizes To Fit Bust: 36in to 56in. Designed by Julie Ferguson
Leaf Patterned Sweater
Pullover sweater with an 8 row repeat lace bodice above an empire waist. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes S to XL. Designed by Sanne Fjalland
Woman’s Jacket
Long-sleeved cardigan with ribbed bodice and sleeve, empire waist, and body in stockinette. Super Bulky weight yarn. Sizes To Fit Bust: 34in to 50in. Woman’s Jacket in Plymouth Yarn De Aire 2092
Fearne Tunic
Short sleeved pullover with a flattering empire waist and A-line silhouette that flares at hips. DK weight yarn. Sizes To Fit Bust: 32in to 42in. Designed by Twilleys of Stamford
Smocked Empire Tunic and Shrug
Women's pullover sweater with options for an empire waist tunic or cropped shrug, and for long or cap sleeves. All versions feature four panels of cabled smocking to create a cozy, elastic fit. Sizes Bust: 34 (36, 38, 41) in. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Betsy Farquhar
More Free Patterns
Inamorata
Sleeveless top with flowing lines, empire waist, and cable details on bodice. Sizes Chest: 29[33, 37, 41, 45.5, 49.5, 53] inches. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Mercedes Tarasovich for Knitty
Gaia Cardigan
Short sleeved sweater with lace bodice knit seamlessly in one piece. Designed by Kristen TenDyke for Berroco. Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm/32in to 132cm/52in. Worsted yarn. This pattern was featured in Season 8 of Knit and Crochet Now! and is free with registration at Annie’s-
- Get the Knit and Crochet Now video tutorial for $3.99 (includes instruction for 2 patterns and other techniques)
- Get the recommended Berroco Cotolana yarn at Amazon’s
Cardi to Love
Women's cardigan knit with a 4 row repeat easy lace sttich below the bodice and on the bell sleeves. Sizes Finished Bust: 34 (39, 43, 48, 53)”. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lynda for Red Heart.
Katherina Tee
Short sleeved pullover tee with flattering empire waist, cap sleeves, and lace panels on the yoke. Sizes Bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)". DK weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Empire Waist Pullover
Sweater with lace bodice and eylet lace on the skirt. Edging is crocheted. One size 90cm (35.5") bust, so you may have to adapt the pattern. Fully written out in English. DK weight yarn. Designed by Pierrot (Gosyo Co., Ltd)
