Knitting patterns for baby cardigans and pullover sweaters with cute shawl collars. Most patterns are free. Updated 5/22/23
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
Heirloom Cables Baby Sweater
Baby cardigan with shawl collar and cables. Sizes 12 months, 18 months, 24 months (2 years). Designed by Lion Brand Yarn. Aran weight yarn. Pictured projects by earlyrider and KellyK
- Get the free knitting pattern - download link is below kit info. Note the official image is different than the project images.
- See the Ravelry projects
Henry’s Sweater
Easy, seamless, top-down baby cardigan in stockinette with garter stitch shawl collar. The cardigan can be made in one weekend according to the designer Sara Elizabeth Kellner. Sizes 3-6 months, 6-12 months. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured projects by reeniehanlin and designer
Cardigan with Shawl Collar
This shawl-collared long-sleeved cardigan sweater is available in baby and child sizes. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Sizes 6 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos, 2 yrs, 4 yrs. Designed by Bernat Design Studio
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Bernat Softee Baby Chunky yarn on Amazon (Prime options available)
Professor Sweater
Cardigan with a shawl collar and elbow patches for your budding scholar. Knit seamlessly from the top down. Sizes 2 (4, 6, 8, 10)yrs. Designed by Rae Blackledge. DK weight yarn. Pictured projects by designer and salliewren.
Trellis Baby Sweater
Baby cardigan with shawl collar and 18 row repeat trellis cables and seed stitch. Sizes 6 [12, 18] months. Designed by Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff for Knitty. Aran weight yarn.
Baby Sophisticate
A shawl collar adds a stylish touch to this seamless baby sweater knit from the top down. Sizes 0-3 months, 6-12 months are free. More sizes available in paid pattern. Rated easy by Ravelrers but it does require picking up stitches for the collar and button band. Designed by Linden Down. Aran weight yarn. Pictured projects by surypie and ElfenJustin who added stripes to the sleeves and contrasting color for the collar and trim.
More Free Patterns
Little Gentleman Jacket
Sized for 12 and 18 months.
Little Man Cardigan
Alice Tang designed this stylish shawl-collared cable cardigan for Red Heart. Options for buttonholes on either side. Sizes 2 yrs, 4 yrs, 6 yrs, 8 yrs.
Forest Walk Kid Cardigan
Basketweave cardigan with shawl collar designed by Darya Kuleshova & Aistė Butkevičienė. Size: 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) years. Available in English and Russian.
Mi Escuelita Cardigan
Comfy cardigan with a large shawl collar and cables down the front and back. Knit seamlessly in the round. Sizes 6 years [8 years, 10 years, 12 years, 14 years] though there is an adult version. Designed by Rosi Garmendia for Knitty. DK weight yarn. Available in English only.
Méabh’s Cardigan and Hat
Baby and toddler sized sweater features a shawl collar and braided cables down the front and a statement cable cascades down the back. Matching beanie features twisted rib and cables. Sizes 0-3 mths (3-6 mths, 6-12 mths, 12-18 mths, 18-24 mths, 2-3 years, 3-4 years). DK weight. Designed by Ciara Ní Reachtnín for Knotions
- Get the free knitting pattern for the cardigan
- Get the free knitting pattern for the hat
- See the Ravelry page
Child’s Cable Pullover
Long-sleeved sweater with shawl collar and center cable panel with XOXO pattern. Sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Amanda Woeger
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Malabrigo Yarn Rios on Amazon
- See more Child’s Sweater Knitting Patterns
Denise or Denephew Baby Cardigan
This shawl-collared striped cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, increasing along the raglan lines. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by by Ned Renfield.
Ribbed Baby Jacket
A warm unisex baby jacket with a wide ribbed lapel. Sizes 0-3 months (3-6 mo., 6-9 mo., 9-12 mo., 12-24 mo.)
Patterns for Purchase
Cable Baby Cardigans
No longer free. Baby cardigan sweater with options for shawl collar or v-neck, knit with cables and Irish moss stitch. Sizes 0-6 Months 6-12 Months 1-2 Years. Designed by Sirdar as Cardigans in Sirdar Supersoft Aran 4827. Aran weight yarn. Yarn also available on pattern page.
Baby Raglan Cardigans
No longer free. Long-sleeved baby sweater in moss stitch and cables with either a shawl collar or v-neck. Sizes 3 to 48 Months. Designed by Sirdar item 4884. Sport yarn. A kit is aslo available.
Sirdar 4811 Boys Sweaters in Snuggly Spots DK
NO LONGER FREE! Shawl-collared long-sleeved cardigan pullover is available in baby and child sizes. There's also another style in the pattern with a hooded crew neck. Sizes Months (0-6; 6-12); Years (1-2; 2-3; 4-5; 6-7). DK weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar. Note that this project pic is different than pattern pic.
Sources to buy the pattern pdf
Shawl Collared Vest
Textured sleeveless sweater vest with cables and shawl collar. Sizes -- 1-2 yrs, 3-4yrs, 5-6yrs, 7-8yrs, 9-10yrs. Aran weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs.
Baby and Toddler Cable Sweaters & Hats
Baby pullover with shawl collars and matching hats in cable designs. 3 different cable patterns to choose from -- Double Rope, Honeycomb, and Oxox. Lightweight yarns will produce sweaters for 3-12 month old babies. DK Sport weights will produce sweaters for 13-24 month olds. Worsted weights will create outfits for 2-3+ year old toddlers. Designed by KittyKnits.
Northgate Tweed Sweater
This modern sweater has a traditional Fair Isle twist and is knitted in pieces…..front, back, and sleeves. The shawl collar is knitted separately and then sewn into position. Knit flat. Sizes (Approximate Age): 6 months -- 1 year -- 2 years -- 4 years -- 6 years -- 8 years -- 10 years -- 12 years. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs.
Snuggly Baby Cardigans
Baby sweater with options for shawl collar or v-neck. Garter stitch gives added texture at the shoulders and the elbows. Knit flat. Sizes: (0-6; 6-12) months; (1-2; 2-3) years. DK weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar.
Louis Baby Cardigan
Baby double breasted cardigan sweater with shawl collar. Size: To Fit Age: Newborn to 18 Months. DK weight yarn. Designed by Willow & Lark.
“Gramps” Cardigan
Inspired by the cozy cabled cardigan grandpa wears. Size: 6 months(12 months, 18 months, 2, 4, 6, 8)
Baby Peony Garter Stitch Cardigan
Very quick and very easy to knit designed by Audrey Wilson. Sizes 0-3months. 3-6 months. 6-12 months. Pictured project by Aloysius
