Free knitting patterns for pullover and cardigan sweaters and tops with decorative details in the sleeves. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 9/5/23
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
Gridded Pullover Sweater
Easy pullover with textured grid pattern on sleeves and a long a split hem. Sizes 2X, 1X, L, M, S. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Irina Poludnenko for Lion Brand.
Octave Pullover
Relaxed fit pullover sweater with a center panel on sleeves. Included in the pattern are 2 options for the sleeves: Cluster Stitch or Twisted Stitch. Sizes Chest/Bust: 38.5[44, 47.5, 50.5, 54, 57.5, 63.5, 66.5, 71.5] inches / 98[112, 120.5, 128.5, 137, 146, 161.5, 169, 181.5] cm. Designed by Stephanie Earp for Knitty. Worsted weight yarn.
Lady Soul Sweater Pattern and Video
Cool and classic, simple and sophisticated, the Lady Soul Sweater is a fabulous quick knit. Featuring minimal shaping and an intriguing cable running up both arms, this sweater comes together in a snap using large needles and fluffy yarn. Lucy from Wool And The Gang walks you through casting on, working the cable, seaming the sweater, and picking up stitches to create a luscious funnel neck. The slightly cropped fit is oh-so-chic and can be easily extended by knitting a few extra rows. Aran weight yarn. Pattern and instructional video class available for free with a free trial at Creativebug.
Lace Sleeve Sweater
Pullover sweater knit top down in stockinette with a 10 row repeat lace sleeve cuffs. Sizes XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL. Women's seamless sweater Novita Wool Cotton designed by Saara Toikka for Novita. DK weight yarn.
Aria Sweater
Pullover sweater with long lace sleeves knit with a 4 row old shale lace stitch. Sizes Finished Bust/Chest Circumference: 36, (40, 44, 48, 52), (56, 60, 64, 68)”. Web version is free. PDF is for purchase. DK weight yarn. Designed by Kaitlin Barthold for Originally Lovely. A kit is also available
Sheer Elegance Pullover
Light pullover sweater knit with a stockinette stitch body and dramatic lace knit sleeves. Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL. Designed by Yoko Hatta for Sugar Bush Yarns. Fingering weight yarn.
Silas Cardigan
Cardigan with lace sleeves knit in a feather or flame inspired lace stitch. Sizes S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
More Free Patterns
Kenzy Cardigan
Long sleeved cardigan sweater with a 2 row repeat broken rib on the sleeves and down the front edges. Sizes Bust: 28-30, 32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50 in/ 71-76, 81-86, 91-97, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127 cm. Designed by Sarah Hatton for West Yorkshire Spinners. DK weight yarn.
Braided Sleeve Sweater
Pullover with long sleeves with cabling of braided strips. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Ann Højgaard Slot.
Gibson Cardigan
Cardigan sweater worked top down, with ¾-length lace sleeves. Sizes Chest/Bust: 30.5[34.75, 38.75, 42.75, 46.5, 50.75, 54.75] inches/ 77.5[88.5, 98.5, 108.5, 118, 129, 139] cm Aran weight yarn. Designed by Angela Hahn for Knitty.
Natte Pullover
Sweater with braided lace sleeves and boatneck is knit flat sideways from cuff to cuff in one piece. Web version is free. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kaitlin Barthold.
Beechnut Pullover
A 10 row repeat Beech Leaf lace panel adorns the sleeves of this stockinette sweater with square neckline and three-quarter sleeves. Sizes XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). DK weight yarn. Designed by Amy Gunderson.
Diandra Sweater
Pullover with striped cowl collar and sleeve cuffs knit in a 6 row repeat 3 color broken rib stripe. Worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. Sizes Bust – 38½ (41-46-49½-53½)" 98 (104-117-126-136) cm. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Martha Wissing.
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)
Jasseron Pullover Sweater
Becky Wolf designed this intriguing pullover with feminine lace sleeves and ballet neckline contrasting with a casual body. Sizes XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
Patterns for Purchase
Lace Balloon Sleeve Cardigan
This V neck cardigan features balloon sleeves with a diamond lace pattern and a cable rib stitch on the body. Sizes UK 6-8 / US 2-4 (32-24 in) to UK 26-28 / US 22-24 (52-54 in). DK weight yarn. 10664 designed by Sirdar. A kit is also available.
Mia Cardigan
Long-sleeved cardigan that looks like it's knit with garter stitch with cable details at the bottom of sleeves and hem. Sizes 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 years, S, M, L, XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Valentine Tsvyrko.
Norwegian Fir Sweater
Seamless top down sweater is an intuitive knit, suitable for the intermediate knitter. Worked in garter stitch in the round, with a lace pattern that travels down the sleeve. Children Sizes:2 yrs, 4yrs, 6 yrs, 8 yrs, 10 yrs, 12 yrs, Adult sizes: XS, S, M, L , XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs.
Nuala Swoncho Sweater
Oversized pullover top with lace panels on the sleeve. Includes written and charted instructions for the lace. Sizes: To fit bust 30-38 (40-48, 50-58)"/76-96.5 (101.5- 122, 127-147.5) cm. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Libby Jonson.
Seraphina Top
Short-sleeved pullover with cable and lace detail running across the shoulders and down the sleeves. The body of the top is worked in simple Stockinette stitch with Slipped stitch stripes. Sizes Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL): to fit bust 28/30 (32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, 48/50, 52/54)”/71/76 (81/86, 91/96, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, 132/137) cm. Both written and charted instructions. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Irina Anikeeva.
