Knitting patterns for cardigans that are perfect for layering or for light covering in warmer weather. Most patterns are free.
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.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
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.
Gaia Cardigan
Short sleeved sweater with lace bodice knit seamlessly in one piece. Designed by Kristen TenDyke. Sizes XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X. Worsted yarn. This pattern was featured in Season 8 of Knit and Crochet Now! and is free with registration at Annie’s
- Get the free knitting pattern with free registration at Annie’s
- Get the Knit and Crochet Now video tutorial for $3.99 (includes instruction for 2 patterns and other techniques)
- Get the recommended Berroco Cotolana yarn at Amazon’s
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.
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)
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Classic Yarn (40+ colors) at Red Heart
- See more knitting patterns by Melissa Leapman
Lace Front Wrap Cardigan
Sirdar Toscana DK 7974 asymmetric wrap features a lace panel and knit lace edge. Option for long or short sleeves. Sizes Size 32/34 36/38 40/42 44/46 48/50 52/54 inches.
- Get the free knitting pattern - at Deramore's add the pattern to your cart and "check out" without payment to get the link to the pattern
- Get the recommended yarn at Deramore’s
- See more patterns using this 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
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Inca® Tweed yarn on Amazon
Vita Cardigan
Designed by Martin Storey, this short-sleeved cardigan features a delicate all over cable pattern. Sizes S -XXL. Download free digital version at Deramore’s by adding to cart and checking out without paying for it.
Turpan Cardigan
Exquisite cardigan with three quarter length sleeves knit in the trinity stitch, cables and a unique sleeve and hem border. SIZES: Small (Medium, Large). Designed by Deborah Newton. Pictured project by barta
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
See more knitting patterns by Deborah Newton in her book Warm Weather Knits at Leisure Arts
Cozy Lace Cardigan
Designed by Amy Gunderson, this cardigan is a quick knit in worsted yarn. Recommended yarn is available on the pattern page.
- Get the free knitting pattern for free registration at Annie’s site
- Purchase the video class for this pattern and two other patterns – not necessary to get the free pattern
Simple Spring Swing Cardigan
Easy short-sleeved cardigan with garter stitch yoke by Jodi Snyder for Red Heart. Free video knit-along tutorials. Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X). Pictured project by catcouch
Lavender Cardigan
schneckenstrick’s sweater is knit in the round from top-down with with optional button detail on the sleeves. In English, French, or German.
More Free Patterns
Johannes Cardigan
Ribbed Cardigan
Heather Lodinsky’s cardigan features an asymmetrical front knit in double garter stitch.
Shalom Cardigan
Meghan McFarlane’s striking triple yoked cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down.
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)
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
Anisette Cardigan
Julie Farmer designed this cabled cardigan for Red Heart. Women’s S (M, L, 1X, 2X)
Topside Cardi
Designed by Vickie Howell, this cardigan features cable detail down one side and cap sleeves. Small (Medium, Large, 1X, 2X)
Hint of Lace Cardigan
Deborah Newton designed this cropped cardi with three quarter sleeves and lace detail. Recommended yarn available on pattern page.
- Get the free knitting pattern for registration at Annie’s site
- Purchase the Knit and Crochet Now episode with demo of this pattern – purchase not necessary to get pattern
- See more Cropped Cardigans
Mitered Square Jacket
Julie Farmer’s colorful cardigan is designed for multi-color yarn.
Top Down Summer Lace Cardigan
Vera Sanon’s cropped short-sleeved cardigan is knit seamlessly and features a diamond lace detail. S (34-36), M(38-40) L/XL(42-46)” XXL(47″)
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Diamond Motif Knitting Patterns
Leilani Cardigan
Berroco Design Team created this asymetrical short sleeve cardigan with a draped front. Bust (closed) – 38(42-46)”
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
- See more Draped Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Leaf Lace Cardigan
Designed by Universal Yarn Design team in sizes Extra Small/Small (Medium/Large, 1X/2X) . Knit in crochet thread.
Sapporo Cardigan
Designed by Anne E. Smith for Caron, this cardigan features a chevron patterned yoke.
Lace Merino Worsted Cardigan
Leanne Prouse’s cardigan features Lilly of the Vally Lace, deep ribbing on the waist and sleeves, and a scooped neckline. Bust 80-90 95-105 110-120 / 31 ½ -35 ½ 37 ½ -41 ¼ 43 ¼ -47 ¼ in
Patterns for Purchase
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.
Cardigan with Lacy Peplum
Empire waist short-sleeved cropped cardigan with different lace designs on bodice and peplum. To fit bust: 32-42 inches. DK weight yarn. Designed by Jenny Watson. A kit is also available.
- Get the knitting pattern at Deramore's
- Get the kit for less than $16
- Get the recommended Deramores Studio DK Yarn (45+ colors)
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.
Shorebird Cardi
This short-sleeved cardigan sweater features eyelet mesh lace front panels with drape fronts and an eyelet hem around the back neck and sleeves. S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Annie’s
- Get the recommended Plymouth Yarn Cleo DK Cotton at Annie’s (25+ colors)
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.
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern on Etsy
- Get the recommended Lion Brand Amazing yarn on Amazon
- See more Multi-Color Yarn Knitting Patterns
Just a Couple of Skeins Cardin
This pretty short-sleeved cardigan is rated easy by the designer and takes no more than 880 yards of sport-weight yarn. One of the more than 30 patterns in 1, 2 & 3 Skein Solutions, available in digital and print form. S (M, L, XL, 2XL)
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)
