Free knitting patterns for cardigans that are perfect for layering or for light covering in warmer weather. Most patterns are free. Updated 5/11/25
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Free Patterns
Bodil Cardigan
Cozy and stylish cardigan with short sleeves and an elegant shawl collar knit flat. One size but it looks like it would fit a variety of sizes. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Charlotte Spagner.
Lace and Garter Cardigan
Short sleeved cardigan with lace collar, garter stitch yoke, and lace body knit with a 4 row repeat. Sizes Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 47)”. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Heather Lodinsky. A kit is also available.
Bellerose Cardigan
Short sleeved cardigan with floral lace pattern knit in 3 pieces: Back and 2 Fronts. Flower Lace pattern can be worked following written instructions or reading Chart. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X. DK weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand. A kit is also available.
Eva Raglan Cardigan
Short sleeved cable cardigan inspired by one worn by Eva Longoria. Features a buttoned collar, an overall 4 row repeat honeycomb texture, and cable edges. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL which looks like it will fit bust 32" [80 cm] to 47“ [117 cm]. DK weight yarn. Designed by Ekaterina Filippova-Blanchard.
Mesh Cardigan with Short Sleeves
Simple yet elegant short sleeved cardigan knit with an 8 row repeat lace. Sizes to fit bust 32/34“ [82/86 cm], 36/38“[92/97 cm] and 40/42“ [102/107 cm]. DK weight yarn. S7383 Ladies’ Jacket with Short Sleeves designed by Schachenmayr.
Malibu Bolero Cardigan
I love the mixture of chevron and slipped stitch lace in this short sleeved cardigan. Sizes 36 inches to 56 inches / 91.5 to 142 cm. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand.
Honeycomb Cardigan
Short sleeved cardigan sweater knit flat in a 4 row repeat honeycomb pattern with a garter stitch shawl collar. Sizes To fit bust: 82 to 137 cm / 33 inches to 54 inches Chunky weight yarn. Elle 7412 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Shimmer Nights Slip Stitch Cardigan
Short-sleeved cardigan with pockets knit with 4 row repeat slipped stitch stripe pattern. Designed for 5 colors it's also a great stashbuster. Sizes Finished Bust 38 (41, 45, 50, 54, 58) in. (96.5 (104, 114.5, 127, 137, 147.5) cm) . Designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand. Sport weight yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern - link is below kit info
- Get the recommended Vanna's Glamour® Yarn at Amazon
Gaia Cardigan
Short sleeved sweater with lace bodice knit seamlessly in one piece. Designed by Kristen TenDyke for Berroco. Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm/32in to 132cm/52in. Worsted yarn. Pictured project by Berroco in different yarn
Battine Cardigan
This sweater features a 4 row repeat open-work stitch pattern, a wide-ribbed neckline, and elbow-length sleeves. Quick knit in bulky yarn. Sizes: Bust (closed) – 32(36-40-44-48-52)”. Designed by Donna Yacino
More Free Patterns
Simple Spring Swing Cardigan
Easy short-sleeved cardigan with garter stitch yoke by Jodi Snyder for Red Heart. Sizes Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X). Aran weight yarn. Pictured project by catcouch
Lavender Cardigan
Easy short sleeved cardigan sweater is knit seamlessly top-down with optional button detail on the sleeves. I don't think there is any picking up stitches. DK weight yarn. In English, French, or German. Designed by schneckenstrick
Ariosa Wrap Cardi
Short-sleeved shawl collar cardigan sweater knit with easy 4 row repeat Lace Rib, stockinette, and ribbing. Designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald. Bulky weight yarn. Sizes 34 (37, 40, 43, 46)“. Pictured project by lgebbia who modified the collar.
- Get the free knitting pattern at the Internet archive
- See the Ravelry page
- See more of Cecily's knitting patterns
Cari Cable Trimmed Cardi
Cable-trim cardigan with three-quarter length sleeves is knit mostly in 4 row repeat moss stitch. Sizes 32-46 in/ 90-125 cm. Designed by Sarah Hatton. DK weight yarn. Pictured project by agsewnsew.
Johannes Cardigan
This flattering short sleeved cardigan by the Berroco Design Team features a waving openwork stitch pattern. It looks like there's no picking up stitches. Sizes X-Small, Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Designed for oversize fit. Aran weight yarn.
Ribbed Cardigan
Heather Lodinsky’s cardigan features an asymmetrical front knit in double garter stitch. Finished Bust: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54)”. Worsted weight yarn.
Shalom Cardigan
Meghan McFarlane’s striking triple yoked cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down. Bulky weight yarn. Available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Polish and German.
Cap Sleeve Cardigan
A single-button cardigan with horizontal lace panels and garter-stitch edging, first featured in Prima May 2012. Sizes XS(S:M:L)
Touch of Lace Cardi
This classic stockinette sweater features lacy detailing on the three-quarter length sleeves. Designed by Melissa Leapman for Red Heart. Women’s S (M, L, 1X, 2X). Worsted weight yarn.
Anisette Cardigan
Julie Farmer designed this cabled cardigan for Red Heart. Women’s S (M, L, 1X, 2X). Aran weight yarn.
Leilani Cardigan
Berroco Design Team created this asymetrical short sleeve cardigan with a draped front. Bust (closed) – 38(42-46)”. Worsted weight yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Ruched Front Cardigans
Cardigans with feminine ruched ruffled panels down the front. Option for long or short sleeves. Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm to 137cm 32/34 to 52/54 inches. Woman's Cardigans in Sirdar Summer Linen DK 8138
Lace Front Wrap Cardigan
No longer free. Sirdar Toscana DK 7974 asymmetric wrap features a lace panel and knit lace edge. Option for long or short sleeves. Sizes 32/34 36/38 40/42 44/46 48/50 52/54 inches. Long and Short Sleeved Tops in Sirdar Toscana DK 7974
Flora Cardigan
This adorable cropped cardigan has a pretty picot hem and colorwork roses. Worked flat and seamed. Finished Sizes To Fit Bust: 81cm to 112cm. Fingering weight yarn. Designed by Debbie Bliss.
Khanyisa Cardigan
Cropped cardigan with cable detail knit top down raglan style with three quarter sleeves. Finished Sizes to fit bust(inches): 32 – 34, 36 – 38, 40 – 42, 44 – 46, 48 – 50, 52 – 54, 56 – 58, 60 – 62”. DK weight yarn. Designed by BiggerthanlifeKnits.
Annie Cardigan
This easy short-sleeved cardigan sweater features a flattering shape and chevron hem. S (M, L, XL, 2XL). Designed by Kennita Tully. Rated easy the designer.
Ruffle Me Up Lace Cardigan
The lace skirt of this short-sleeved cardigan is gathered into a flattering ruffle. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL which ranges to fit a 32-40″ Bust.
Camber Cardigan
Bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”
Lilas Cardigan
This cardigan knit from the top down in one piece and requires no seaming. Its big, floppy collar and relaxed style make for a chic and versatile piece that looks fantastic layered. Quick and simple, this is a GREAT sweater for beginning knitters. Sizes: Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
