Free knitting patterns for raglan baby cardigans knit from the top down in one piece with no seams or minimal seaming. Most have no or few picked up stitches. Most patterns are free. Updated 10/3/23
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
Beth's Cables
Seamless baby cardigan with cables that run down the raglan sleeves and sides. Knitted top down in one piece. Just pick up 3 stitches for sleeves. Sizes 3 months to 12 months. Designed by Knit-a-Zoo. DK weight yarn.
Gladiolus
V-neck ribbed baby cardigan knit seamlessly top down in one piece. There are stitches picked up for button band, sleeves, shoulders. Sizes Newborn to 24 months. Designed by Knit-a-Zoo. DK weight yarn. Available in English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Norwegian, Swedish
More Free Patterns
Top Down Cardigan
Easy one-piece cardigan knitted top down without seams and no picking up stitches. Sizes Baby 12 Months, Child 2 Years, Child 3 Years. Designed by Lion Brand. Worsted weight yarn.
Ode to Doris
Seamless baby sweater with a 4 row repeat lace body knit from the top down with raglan shaping and a rounded garter stitch neckline. Only 8 stitches picked up. Sizes newborn / 1 month. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Kelly van Niekerk. DK weight yarn.
Linnie
Seamless baby sweater knit from the top down with raglan shaping and a garter stitch yoke that's perfect for a contrasting or variegated yarn. 2 stitches picked up. Sizes newborn / 1 month. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Justyna Lorkowska. DK weight yarn. Available in English and Polish.
Watermelon Baby Cardigan
Sleeveless summer baby cardigan with watermelon slice yoke with eyelets to look like seeds. Really easy construction - knitted top down with no picking up or seaming necessary. One size to fit approx 0-3 months. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Stitchylinda Designs.
Patterns for Purchase
Baby Cardigan and Romper
Seamless top down sweater can be knitted with or without sleeves. Oneseie is knitted in garter stitch with a small amount of seaming required. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Sizes Cardigan -- 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months : Onesie -- 0 to 3 months, 6 to 9 months, 9 to 12 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs.
Aida Baby Cardigan
Simple leaf lace adorns the front borders of this baby sweater knit in one piece seamlessly from the top down. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Sizes 3-9 months, 9 - 12 months, 12-18 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs. Pictured projects by katleonard and the designer.
Balina Top Down Cardigan
Perfect pattern for the confident beginner who is ready to try knitting a top down sweater according to the designer. Sleeves can be knitted in the round, or for those knitters not ready to tackle working with a set of double pointed needles, there are also instructions included for the sleeves to be knitted flat. Rated easy by the designer. Sizes 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs. Pictured projects by the designer and mermade.