Knitting patterns for cardigans with shawl collars. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 3/23/23
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
Lace Jacket
Shawl collar cardigan knit with an 8 row repeat lace stitch with ribbed collar. Knit seamlessly from the top town. Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm to 117cm/ 32 inches to 46 inches. Quick knit Bulky weight yarn. Lace Jacket for Women in Debbie Bliss Winter Garden.
Lavinia Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan knit with stockinette with 2 row broken rib texture on fronts and sleeve cuffs. Knit seamlessly from the top town. Sizes XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL). Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Hanna Maciejewska for Filcolana. Available in English, German, and Danish
Honey Cardigan
Cropped shawl collar cardigan knit with a 4 row repeat slipped stitch texture with 4 row cable trim at bottom edge and cuffs. Sizes 36(40, 45)” / 91.5(106.5 – 114)cms. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sue Hanmore for Artesano Aran.
Ausable Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan knit in moss stitch with cables on sleeves and back panel. Sizes 40.75 (45, 49.25, 53.5, 57.75, 62.25, 66.5) inches/ 103.5[114, 125, 136, 146.5, 158, 167] cm. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Amy Christoffers for Knitty.
Mitered Square Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan constructed of mitered squares joined into one large piece that is then folded and seamed. Great portable project and stashbuster! Sizes chest: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Schachenmayr Design Team as Vest S10038. Perfect showcase for self-striping or gradient yarn.
Mountain Vista
Shawl collar cardigan with a 6 row repeat Speckle Stitch. Sizes chest: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)”. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Rae Blackledge for Premier Yarns. Perfect showcase for self-striping or gradient yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Ultra® Alpaca yarn at Amazon
Riding Jacket
Cardigan with shawl collar knit flat in seed stitch with three colors. Sizes Finished Bust 38 (41, 46, 50, 56) in. (96.5 (104, 117, 127, 142) cm), buttoned. Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Vladimir Teriokhin for Lion Brand.
Draw Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan with a graphic knit and purl texture. Sizes Bust (closed): 35 (38, 42, 45½, 47½, 50, 53, 56½, 59½, 63½)". Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Ultra® Alpaca yarn at Amazon
Lacy Summer Topper
Lace cardigan with a shawl collar knit with an 8 row repeat lace in 2 rectangles with ribbed collar knit on. Sizes Small/Medium (Large/1X, 2X/3X). Quick knit in Bulky yarn. Designed by Melissa Leapman for Cascade Yarns.
More Free Patterns
Boxing Day Cardigan
Cardigan sweater with a shawl collar and cables on the sleeves and front. Sizes 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)”. Quick knit in Bulky yarn. Designed by Premier Yarns Design Team.
Paintbox Cardigan
Quick cardigan sweater with color blocking, bishop sleeves, and a cozy shawl collar. Sizes Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman.
Drapey Cardigan
Cardigan with shawl collar knit in one piece in 2 row repeat broken rib and ribbed cuffs and collar. Sizes Finished Bust 36 (48, 56) in. (91.5 (122, 142) cm). Worsted yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Textured Checks Cardigan
Cardigan with shawl collar and texture of blocks of garter and stockinette with little cables. Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL. Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Bernat Design Studio.
Maverick Cardigan
Striped cardigan with stranded colorwork and oversized ribbed shawl collar. Knit flat. Sizes Extra Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). Quick knit in Bulky yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Alabaster Cardigan
Cheryl Beckerich designed this beautiful asymmetrically wrapped cardigan with cable border and shawl collar. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X. Recommended yarn available on pattern page
- Get the free knitting pattern for free registration at Annie’s
- Get the video class for this and 2 other patterns for $3.99 – not necessary to get the free pattern
Cocoon Cardigan
Designed by Marly Bird, this long sleeved sweater features oversized lace sleeves with fitted cuffs, a shawl collar, and interesting overall texture. 3 sizes. Pattern and instructional video class available for free with a free trial at Creativebug
Envelope Cardigan
Easy sweater pattern features the Irish Moss Stitch and shawl collar. Knit in two pieces with the only shaping in the collar. From Patons Yarn. Sizes from XS to 5XL.
Simplicity Shawl Collar Jacket
Designed by Susan Bonell for Cascade Yarns, this cozy jacket features a ribbed shawl collar and pockets. Sizes 37 (40, 43, 46)
Cozy Car Coat
This easy cardigan jacket by Heather Lodinsky knits up quickly in super bulky yarn. I always wanted one of these!
Muse N. Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan with 3 quarter sleeves that are finished in knitted rounds is knit in bulky yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- View the pictured project by kirbystone
- Shop for bulky yarn for this project at Annie’s
Avonia Cardigan
Rachel Søgaard designed this versatile cardigan that can be worn in at least two ways: either as a shorter waist length style or as a longer hip length one, just by turning it upside down. The collar can also be worn as a shawl or cowl collar. Sizes S/M (L) XL/XXL Available in English, German, and Danish
Patterns for Purchase
Hayfield Shawl Collared Cardigan
No longer free. Classic cardigan with options for shawl collar or v-neck. Sizes To Fit Bust 32/34" 36/38" 40/42" 44/46" 48/50" 52/54". Designed by Hayfield. Chunky weight yarn. Yarn also available on pattern page.
Abide Cardigan
Shawl collared cardigan with intertwined rope cables alternating with simpler cables and ribbing. Sizes Bust: 30½ (35, 38½, 43, 46½, 51)“, buttoned with 2” overlap. Designed by Tonia Barry. Worsted weight yarn.
Fog Whisperer Cardigan
Light cardigan sweater featuring delicate cables and a ribbed shawl collar. Sizes 32 (36, 40, 44, 48)(52, 56, 60, 64)” / 81 (91.5, 101.5, 112, 122)(132, 142, 152.5, 162.5) cm bust including front opening. Designed by Juliana Lustenader. Fingering weight yarn.
Aegina Cardigan
Cardigan sweater featuring cable motifs trimmed with ribbed hems, and a shawl collar. Sizes To fit bust 30/32 (34/36, 38/40, 42/44, 46/48, 50/52)in/ 76/81 (86/91, 96/102, 107/112, 117/122, 127/132)cm. Designed by IrmianDesign. Worsted weight yarn.
Bee's Knees Cardigan
Cardigan sweater featuring bold cables and a shawl collar. Sizes To fit bust 34.5(37.5,40.5,43,46.5,49.5)(52,55,58,62.5)”/ 87.5(95.25,103,109.25,118.25,125.75)(132,139.75,147.5,158.75)cm. Designed by Thea Colman. Worsted weight yarn.
Kaare Cardigan
Cardigan sweater featuring a geometric cable texture, deep shawl collar,inset pockets, and folded sleeve cuffs worn. Sizes To fit bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)“. Designed by Emily Greene. Bulky weight yarn.
Tweedy Fog Cardigan
Raglan top down open front cardigan with a generous ribbed shawl collar and twisted stitch elbow patches. Sizes XS(S, M1, M2), (L, XL, 2XL), (3XL, 4XL, 5XL). Designed by SweaterFreak. DK weight yarn.
Avalyn Cardigan
Long sleeved elegant sweater combines classic design with feminine shaping featuring an allover lattice texture, cables, and shawl collar. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). Designed by Vanessa Smith. Sport weight yarn. There is also a version for baby and child sizes.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Lovecrafts
- Get the BABY AND CHILD SIZES knitting pattern
Veronika Cocoon Cardigan
This sweater wrap features an oversized shawl collar and textured ridge stitch body that is knit in one piece. 3 sizes.
Class Reunion Cardigan
This open-front shawl-collar cocoon cardigan is knit in a striking diagonal lace pattern with a long lean profile. Short rows within the garter stitch collar and border provide shaping and add a stylish design element. Sweater is worked flat in one piece from the top down with sleeves worked flat and then seamed. Sizes 30, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53 in. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Carol Sunday.