Free knitting patterns for pullover sweaters, cardigans, and tops using gradient, varigated, self-striping, and other multi-colored yarn. Updated 12/29/24
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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
Kitsap Cardigan
Open front cardigan in stockinette with long sleeves and shawl collar in garter stitch. Beautiful showcase for self-striping yarn. Sizes 30 to 50”. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Fruit Stripe Pullover
Easy garter stitch pullover sweater knit flat with minimal shaping with alternating two row stripes of a variegated yarn and a contrasting solid. Sizes Bust: 35 (39¾, 44¼, 47¼, 51¾, 54¾, 49½, 62½, 67)”. DK weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Cleome
A unique zigzag intarsia design using two colorways of multicolored yarn creates subtle color triangles down the front of this short-sleeved tee top sweater. Sizes 36 to 68”/92 to 172 cm. Rated easy by most Ravelrers. DK weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
Waterfall Cardigan
Easy cardigan knit flat in garter stitch and seamed. No picking up stitches. Sizes 82 cm to 137 cm / 32 in to 55 in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Elle.
Ribline Pullover
This pullover is knit sideways in two pieces from cuff to center in a 2 row repeat Slip Stitch Rib. The collar is picked up. Sizes Extra Small ( Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X ). Perfect showcase for gradient or self-striping DK weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Brenton Top
I love the textured stripes crossing with the color stripes of this easy short sleeved tee sweater with pockets knit with a 2 row repeat Garter Rib. Knit in 4 pieces: front, back, and pockets, with the collar and sleeve cuffs picked up and knit. Sizes S/M (L, 1X/2X). The stripe is patterned, though the recommended yarn is an ombre that adds more color-changes. Rated easy by the designer, Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand. Bulky weight yarn.
V-Neck Cardigan
Easy women's cardigan knit in stockinette with ribbed front border that is knit as you go. No picking up stitches. Sizes 81/86 cm /32/34” to 132/137 cm /52/54”. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar as V-Neck Cardigan 10145
Top in Diagonal Pattern
Sleeveless lace top in diamond handkerchief shape that's great for dressing up tank tops, wearing over swimwear, and more. The stripes are created by using self-striping yarn, but you could also knit in a solid. Top in Diagonal Pattern S9047 Designed by Schachenmayr Design Team. Available in English, Dutch, French, German
- Get the free knitting pattern. All languages in one file. English on page 4.
- Get the recommended Schachenmayr Tahiti yarn
Cabled Jacket
Easy cabled-edged cardigan knit in stockinette with 8 row repeat cable front band knit as you go so there is no picking up stitches. Instructions are for only one size but it should be easy to customize. Cabled Jacket in Noro Obi. Designed to showcase gradient or self-striping Bulky weight yarn but would look great in solid colors too.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- The original yarn was discontinued. Big Twist Yarn might be a good sub.
Madeline Tee
Pullover tee top sweater with rays of vertical garter stitch columns spreading from the yoke and contrasting with the gradient color of the yarn. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. Designed by Sys Fredens for Hobbii. Uses one cake 250 g (8.8 oz) of the recommended Sport weight yarn.
Left Wheel
Fronts knit in different directions with self-striping or gradient yarn gives this cardigan a stunning asymmetric look. Sizes Bust (closed) – 32(36-40-44-48-52)”. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
More Free Patterns
Easy Short Sleeve Sweater
Easy women's pullover tee knit flat with a 4 row repeat moss stitch variation. Sizes Women's S/M, M/L. Worsted weight yarn. Designed for gradient or self-striping yarn, you could also knit in a solid yarn or stripe with different yarns as a stash buster. Designed by Gina Michele
Cabled Cardigan With or Without Sleeves
Women's cabled cardigan with shawl collar and options for sleeveless or long-sleeved versions. Sizes 31 inches to 52 inches/77cm to 132cm. DK weight yarn. Great showcase for gradient or self-striping yarn. Designed by Elle
Wildflower Cardigan
Super easy cardigan knit flat with a one row repeat seed stitch. It's basically 3 rectangles sewn together. Perfect for beginners a great showcase for multicolor yarn. Chunky weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team
Sophia Sweater
Lace pullover sweater with a lace design that is a great showcase for multicolor gradient yarn. Sizes S to 3X. DK weight yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team
Correa Sweater
Pullover sweater with front and back knit flat sideways to showcase gradient or self striping yarn. Sized for Small (Medium, Large, 1X) Designed by Noro Design Team. Aran weight yarn.
Twist Stitch Sweaters
Pullover sweaters with 2 options for lengths and sleeves knit with an 8 row repeat twist stitch pattern at bottom. Sizes Bust: 81-86 (91-97: 101-107: 111-117: 122-127) cm, 32-34 (36-38: 40-42: 44-46: 48-50) in. Designed by Rico as Jumpers in Rico Creative Melange DK - R2006. Aran weight yarn.
Sideways Pullover
V-neck pullover knit sideways in stockinette with sleeves knit on. Great showcase for gradient or ombre yarn. Sizes: 36/38 (40/42, 44/46). Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Lana Grossa.
Marble Hill Pullover
Easy long-sleeved pullover sweater knit flat in stockinette. Sizes Finished Chest About 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)". Designed for gradient or ombre yarn to give a color blocking effect but you can knit in solid colors. DK weight yarn. Designed by Lisa Carnahan for Lion Brand.
2 ways to get the pattern
- Get the free WEB VERSION knitting pattern at Joann
- Get the free PDF VERSION knitting pattern at Lion Brand - link is below kit information
- Get the recommended Mandala® Ombre Yarn at Joann (pictured colorway Spirit)
Sia Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover sweater knit flat with an 8 row repeat texture. Sizes Bust: 45 (47, 50, 53)in/114 (119, 127, 134.5)cm. Designed by Noro. Worsted weight yarn.
Bartlette Vest
Sleeveless pullover sweater vest knit with the 4 row repeat trinity stitch. Great showcase for multicolor yarn. Sizes Bust: 38 (42, 46, 50 1/2, 55, 59, 63)“ / 96.5 (106.5, 117, 128.5, 139.5, 150, 160) cm Aran weight yarn. Designed by Jeannie Chin for Noro. May only be free for a limited time.
Patterns for Purchase
Metamorphic Cardigan
Women's long-sleeved cardigan sweater knit in half fisherman’s rib with a tubular neckline and the raglan sleeves. Sizes 28in / 76cm to 54in / 137cm bust. Chunky weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar. A kit is also available.
Al Mare Pullover Sweater
Cristina T. Ghirlanda’s oversized pullover sweater features an asymmetric hemline and a lovely drape. XS (S, M, L, 1X)
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- Get more Pullover Knitting Patterns on this site
Costanza Cardigan
Cristina T. Ghirlanda’s fitted cardigan features lace sleeves and shoulders and is knit in pieces. XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X)
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- Get more Cardigan Knitting Patterns on this site
Bella Vita Cardigan
An asymmetric hem adds edge to Cristina T. Ghirlanda’s lightweight oversized cardigan that is worked in one piece from the bottom up.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get more Short Sleeved Cardigan Knitting Patterns on this site
Inca Vest Wrap
Seamless sleeveless cardigan knit sideways in garter stitch and is versatile enough to be worn in several ways. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Suitable for beginners according to designer, laurimukspatterns.
Bronte Cardigan
Cute cropped cardigan with Herringbone Stitch and applied i-cord trim on the collar and button bands. Sizes Finished Chest Circumference: 34 to 50”/86.5 to 127 cm. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Angelia Robinson
Honeycomb Vest
Vest in a two-color honeycomb slipped stitch pattern, with ribbed cap-sleeve edgings and a wide single-rib neckband. A gradient yarn gives it spectacular color dimension. Sizes Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X. Designed by Laura Zukaite. One of the patterns in Noro Knitting Magazine, Spring/ Summer 2020, Issue 16.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Lovecrafts
- See more pics and get Noro Knitting Magazine, Spring/ Summer 2020, Issue 16 on Amazon
- Get the recommended Noro Geshi yarn (including Waltz colorway used in the vest)
Tulip Vest
This versatile vest is knit with a ribbed stitch in one piece from side to side. The sleeveless sweater is designed to be worn two ways: as a large collar vest or a simple collared vest with the larger side down. Sizes XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL. Designed by Camexia Designs who says it is easy enough for beginners. Worsted weight yarn.
Miss Carter Tie Front Shrug
Ballerina shrug with ties across bust can be worn a variety of ways. Knit sideways from sleeve to sleeve. Sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL) equals 37 (38) 42 (44) 45 (46) cm cross back. Designed by Artesanitarium Designs. Fingering weight yarn.
