Knitting patterns for cardigans with shawl collars. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 6/22/25
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
Convertible Cardigan
This lovely cardigan features a literal shawl collar that can be pulled up over your head like a hood, draped over the shoulders, tied in front, and more. The body of the cardigan in knit flat in 2 row repeat Tuck Stitch. Sizes XS to 5X. Designed by Laura Zukaite for Knitty.
Opal Cardigan
Shawl collar cardigan knit with sections of eyelet lace pattern alternating with purl ridges and stockinette stitch and finished with a generous 2x2 rib collar. Sizes 43.25" to 79.25" / 110 cm to 201 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by Tayler Harris. A kit is also available.
A-Line Cardigan
May only be free for a limited time. Long-sleeved shawl collar cardigan with pockets in classic stockinette with rib detailing around the neck. Sizes To Fit Bust 30/32 - 50/52". Designed by Woman's Weekly. Aran weight yarn.
INSTRUCTIONS: At the pattern site, select the pdf option. Make sure the price is 0. Add the pattern to your basket. Then "check out" without payment to get the link to download the pattern
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
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.
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.
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!
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
Listening to the Robin's Song Cardigan
Double breasted cardigan with shawl collar knit with a 2-row repeat Garter Rib stitch pattern creates an overall texture of slimming verticals that border a central Garter stitch panel. Sizes 33 to 55" / 83 to 141 cm. Designed by Deb Hoss. Worsted weight yarn.
Bold Cables Coat Cardigan
Shawl collared cardigan with statement cables on seed stitch. Sizes Small Medium Large Extra Large. Designed by Mary Maxim. Super bulky weight yarn.
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.
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.
Veronika Cocoon Cardigan
This sweater wrap features an oversized shawl collar and textured ridge stitch body that is knit in one piece. 3 sizes.
