Free knitting patterns for easy cardigan sweaters with open fronts. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 12/8/25
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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
Gentle Hug Cardigan
Duster length cardigan with pockets with body knit flat and no stitches picked up for the edges and bands. The sleeve stitches are picked up and sleeves are worked in the round. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes XS to XL. Designed by Sari Nordlund.
Wide Welt Cardigan
Easy cardigan with a wide shawl collar knit flat. Collar is knit separately in ribbing and sewn on. No picking up stitches. DK weight yarn. Sizes 87 cm to 117 cm / 35" to 47". Designed by Elle. Official pattern photo shows a button with loop closure that is not in pattern, but I think you could easily add it if you want by creating an i-cord or chain loop.
Jessamine Cardigan
I love patterns that showcase multicolored yarn. This cropped cardigan with a bobble pattern is designed for self-striping yarn. Knit flat. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes XS to 5XL. Designed by Noro.
Relaxed Cardigan
Easy open front cardigan with pockets knit flat with front edges and neckband knit with the body. No picking up stitches. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes S to 2X. Designed by Lion Brand.
Beginner Cardigan
Easy classic cardigan knit flat with front edges and neckband knit with the body and not picked up. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves which are then knit flat. Aran weight yarn. Sizes 38.5" to 58.5". Designed by The Blue Mouse.
Ripple Cardigan
Fun cardigan with pockets knit flat with a wavy color blocked design. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Sizes S to L. Designed by Spotlight.
Truly Madly Deeply Wrap Cardi
Easy to knit and easy to wear, this open front cardigan is knit flat with front and neck bands knit with the body. No picking up stitches. Super Bulky Mohair weight yarn. Sizes S to XL. Designed by Spotlight.
All Day Big Knit Cardigan
Quick easy cardigan with open front. The body is knit flat and front and neck bands are knit with the body, not picked up. Sleeves are knit separately in the round. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Sizes XS to 5XL. Designed by Caron.
Tab Front Cardigan
Color blocked open front cardigan knit flat. Front bands are knit separately and sewn on. Only 10 stitches picked up to start the bands. Sizes Small to XXLarge. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Julie Gaddy.
Stay Home Cardigan
Easy cozy cardigan with a small rolled collar in the back. Knit flat. No picking up stitches. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Sizes S to 2X. Web version is free. PDF is for purchase. Designed by Louise Bollanos for Handy Little Me.
Cropped Vest
Short-sleeved open cardigan knit flat sideways in garter stitch with a creative construction that showcases self-striping yarn. Sizes XS to XXL. DK weight yarn. Designed by SKEINO LLC.
More Free Patterns
Stripe Pattern Cardigan
Colorful cardigan with fun drop stitch stripes on the body that are mirrored with ribbed texture in the sleeves. Knit flat. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes S to XL. Designed by Spotlight.
Jengibre Cardigan
Duster length striped cardigan knit flat with open front. No picking up stitches. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Katia.
Lace Back Cardigan
This cardigan features a classic open front and a surprise in back: lace in back knit with an 8 row repeat. The body is knit flat and front and neck bands are knit with the body, not picked up. Stitches are picked up for the sleeves that are knit in the round. Worsted weight yarn. Sizes XS to 3XL. Web version is free. PDF is for purchase. Designed by Amanda Saladin.
Plummery Cardigan
I love the silhouette, wide garter front borders, and slight shawl collar of this cropped cardigan. Knit flat. Sizes XS to 3XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Sandy Sessler.
Lace Cocoon Cardigan
Easy cardigan knit flat in one piece with an 8 row repeat knit shell stitch. No picking up stitches. Sizes S to 5X. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. There is no crochet in the shrug, though the official name is Crochet-Knit Shrug. The name might refer to the way the knit stitch looks like crochet. Designed by Jennifer Kent.
Patterns for Purchase
Composure Cardigan
Open A-line cardigan knit flat in garter rib and knit-and-purl chevron texture. Sizes 32 to 65 in/ 82 to 165 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by BullockOzkanDesigns.
Hazy Skies Cardigan
Open front cropped cardigan with big puffy sleeves knit with textures created with knit and purl stitches. Knit flat in 4 panels with stitches picked up for the collar. Sizes XS to 5XL. Designed by ahoneyknits.
Grey Sheep Bobble Jacket
Open front cardigan knit with garter stitch in the upper half and a Fisherman rib stitch in the lower half, bordered with bobbles on the sleeves. Knit flat. Sizes XS to 4X. Designed by rukeknit.
Lene Cardigan
Open front jacket with bubble texture knit flat. It looks like front bands are knit with the body. Sizes S to 3XL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by KnitbySiv.
Garter Cardigan
Easy comfy cardigan with pockets knit with garter stitch. Body including sleeves is knit flat in one piece. Aran weight yarn. Designed by PeartreeKnitting.
Weave Got This Cardi
Bomber style cardigan knit with basket weave stitch and balloon sleeves. Sizes 71 to 158 cm / 28 to 58 inches. Chunky weight yarn. Designed by Anxiousgirlknits.
