Free knitting patterns for easy cardigans with no buttons. Most without any picking up of stitches. Updated 5/12/24
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
Draped Cardigan
Cardigan with unique lace section, draped front, and elbow length sleeves. The body is knit sideways in one rectangle. Sleeves are picked up and knit though I think you could knit separately. No picking up stitches! Sizes S to XXL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Vanessa Ewing.
Snuggle Cardigan
Long sleeved cardigan with shawl collar knit with a 6 row repeat double eyelet lace and bordered with 1x1 rib. The bands and collar are knit with the front pieces. No picking up stitches! Sizes To Fit Bust: 37in to 49.75in. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Cheryl Murray.
Drop Stitch Cardigan
This colorful cardigan with a fun drop stitch pattern in a 6 row repeat that's a great showcase for variegated and handdyed yarn. Sizes 80 to 110 cm / 31” to 43”. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Lang Yarns. Available in English, Dutch, French, German
Cecilia Cardigan
The ruffles add such a flirty romantic touch to this cardigand and, even better, they're knit with the fronts and not picked up. The front pieces are knit sideways starting with the ruffles. Some stitches are picked up for the back collar. Sizes 32in to 44in. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Manos del Uruguay.
Tilly Coat
I love the casual elegance of this easy cardigan knit flat with three-quarter length sleeves and garter bands. No picking up stitches! Sizes 120cm/48in to 140cm/55in. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Aidez Cardigan
Feminine fitted cardigan with traditional Aran cables and twisted stitch texture. No picking up stitches! Sizes To fit bust sizes: 32 to 52 inches. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Cirilia Rose. Pictured project by Roseyroberts80
Brioche Cardigan
Swingy jacket knit flat in two-color brioche rib with a 4 row repeat. Sizes To fit bust sizes: 36 to 44 inches. DK weight yarn. 16 Jacket in Lana Grossa Silkhair.
Tulips Cardigan
Top-down, v-neck seamless raglan sweater with allover diamond lace worked in one piece from a collar strip. The only picking up stitches is at the start with the initial tab. Sizes To fit bust sizes: 32 to 63 inches. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Jeri Riggs.
More Free Patterns
Double Strand Cardigan
Shawl cardigan with wide ribbed front edges and matching waist detail. Sizes To fit bust sizes: 30 to 51. 2 strands Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Susan Mills Knits.
Biscuitroot Cardigan
Love the sleek lines of this easy cardigan knit flat. No picking up stitches except for the sleeve bands. Sizes 36 to 56 inches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Berroco.
Phasian Cardigan
Easy colorful cardigan knit flat in stripes of four colors. No picking up stitches! Sizes XXS to XXXL. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Mari Kalberg Skjæveland .
Sucre Cardigan
Easy cardigan with elbow length sleeves. No picking up stitches as the front bands and neck are knit as you go. Sizes 32 to 50 inches. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Sarah Hatton for Rowan who say it's suitable for beginners.
Lace and Cable Cardigan
Long-sleeved cardigan with pocket knit with cable and lace design. Front bands and neck are knit as you go so there is no picking up stitches though sleeves are knit in the round. Sizes XS to 6X. DK weight yarn. Twisted Brain designed by Amy Gunderson for Knitty
3364 Cabled Cardigan
Long-sleeved cardigan knit with an 8 row repeat wave lattice cable. Collar stitches picked up. Sizes S to XXL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
Collared Cardi
Short-sleeved cardigan with textured stripes and collar. Front edges knit as you knit the front. Collar stitches picked up. Sizes Finished Chest About 34 to 62 in. 86.5 to 157.5 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand
Cable Edged Cardigan
Cable lapels in a 16 row repeat are knit with the fronts. No picking up stitches. Sizes To Fit Bust Circumference: 32in to 50in / 81cm to 127cm. Bulky weight yarn. Cardigan in Rico Essentials Mega Wool Tweed Chunky R2007.
Wharton Cardigan
Leaf lace decorates the bodice in the front and back of this cardigan. No picking up stitches. Sizes To Fit Bust Circumference: 34in to 53in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Fairmount Fibers.
Sparkle in the Storm Cardigan
Diamond lace borders and collar are knit with the body of this cardigan and repeated on the cuffs. No picking up stitches. Sizes To Fit Bust: 32in to 52in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Amy Gunderson. Pictured project by Penknits2
Patterns for Purchase
Dusty Cardigan
Bomber style cardigan with eye-catching cables, cropped length, and the small stand-up collar. 2 Sizes. Super bulky weight yarn. Designed by WoolAffair.
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
Soiree Cable Edge Jacket
Long sleeved cardigan sweater edged with cable. Sizes To Fit Bust 32/34" 36/38" 40/42" 44/46" 48/50" 52/54". Designed by Sirdar. Aran weight yarn.
Vala Cardigan
Cardigan sweater with lace and cable design inspired by leaves or flames on front. Sizes to fit bust: 31 (33 3/4, 36 3/4, 40, 43 1/4, 48)". Designed by IrmianDesign. Sport weight yarn.
VanCampen Cardigan
Color-blocked cardigan knit in garter stitch with a shawl collar. Designed for 4 colors, it's great for stashbusting. Sizes Chest: 37 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56)". Sport weight yarn. Designed by Sandi Prosser.
V-Cable Cardigan
Long-sleeved cardigan gracefully curved cable garter stitch front edges. Sizes 32 to 46 inches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim.
Pavonis Cardigan
Dramatic lace waterfall cardigan knit as a rectangle end to end with sleeves added afterward. You can also throw an end over your shoulder like a shawl. Designed by Robynn Weldon.
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