Free cardigan knitting patterns with stripes of color, stitches, and more. Updated 5/23/25
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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
Colorblock Cardi
Stash buster cardigan knit with stripes of different widths and lengths. Knit flat with intarsia. Sizes S to 2X. Designed for 6 colors it's a great stash buster for Sport weight yarn. Designed by Melissa Leapman.
Kikki Striped Cardigan
Two color striped cardigan knit with a 2 row repeat broken rib with ribbed bands and cuffs. Sizes S to XL. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Spotlight.
Cropped Cable Cardigan
The combination of cables and slip stitch with stripes creates in interesting combination of color and texture in this women's cardigan trimmed with broken rib collar, cuffs, bands, and bottom section. Sizes S to 4X. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Blake Cardigan
Women's striped cardigan knit in 2 row repeat Shaker Rib. Designed for at least 5 colors, it's perfect for stash busting. Sizes XS to 5X. DK weight yarn. Designed by Rachel Brockman for Universal Yarn.
Aurora Borealis Cardigan
This is bucket list project for me. I love the wedge and short row construction that caues the stripes to narrow on the sleeves in a striking look. It's not an easy patttern but I'd love to knit it. Designed for at least 9 colors, it's perfect for stash busting. DK weight yarn. Designed by Gina Wilde for Lion Brand.
Shannon Cardigan
Easy quick cropped cardigan knit with fleece in stockinette with garter stitch bands. Only neckband is picked up and knit. Designed for at least 6 colors, it's perfect for stash busting. Sizes Finished Bust 41 to 61 inches/ 104 to 155)cm. Quick knit in Jumbo weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Striped Boyfriend Cardigan
Duster length cardigan with pockets in stockinette and ribbing. Knit flat and front bands and collar are picked up and knit. Designed for at least 6 colors, it's perfect for stash busting. Sizes XS/S (M/L, 1X/2X). Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Heather Lodinsky for Lion Brand.
More Free Patterns
Marita Cardigan
Easy lightweight women's cardigan with bold chevron zigzag stripe in a 2 row pattern repeat. 5 Sizes 94cm/37in to 134cm/52in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Novita.
Shawl Collar Cardigan
Bordered stripes gives a dimensional look to this women's cardigan with flattering shawl collar. 6 Sizes 71cm/26in to 157cm/62in. DK weight yarn. Designed by Patons.
Runcorn Stripes Cardigan
Stripes of broken rib texture and jewel-toned color brighten this women's cardigan. 6 Sizes 81cm/32in to 132cm/52in. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Berroco.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn
- See more Broken Rib Knitting Patterns
Oh So Dreamy Cardigan
Love the bomber style of this cardi! Easy women's striped cardigan with colorful stripes and two styles, short bomber jacket style and long. No picking up stitches! Designed for at least 4 colors, it's perfect for stash busting. 7 Sizes 32" to 58" / 81cm to 147cm. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Paintbox Yarns.
Top Down Cardigan
I'm a fan of zigzag patterns so I loved the look of this jacket with the contrasting yoke with chevron stripes and high collar, even though I don't knit a lot of patterns with zippers. I also love the wide range of sizes. Sizes To Fit Bust: 71cm/28in to 157cm/62in. Bulky weight yarn. Top Down Alpaca Cardigan designed by Bernat.
Chevron Trim Cardigan
Cardigan sweater knit flat with zigzag chevron stripes on sleeves and hem. Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Yarnspirations Design Studio.
Birger Cardigan
Quick easy cardigan knit flat in stockinette with garter stitch stripes. No picking up stitches! Sizes XS to 2X. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Vladimir Teriokhin for Lion Brand.
Patterns for Purchase
Chevronella Jacket
Unbuttoned and loosely draped jacket with colorful zigzag chevron stripes. Sizes S to XXL. Aran weight yarn. Designed by RianAnderson.
Summer Breeze Cardigan
No longer free. Striped and color blocked cardigan knit in three colors with a 6 row repeat texture. Sizes 32-34 36-38 40-42 44-46. DK weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim.
Cadenza Cardigan
Striped cardigan with A-line body, buttoned at the top, making a flared shape. It is worked seamlessly from the top down with hidden side pockets that are worked at the same time as the body. Sizes Bust circumference: 75.5 to 105 cm / 29.75 to 41.5 inches. Designed by MinimiKnitDesign. Worsted weight yarn.
The Garden Cardigan
I love this colorful cardigan sweater with alternating sections of lace and garter stitch and stockinette stripes. One size. Designed by Vanessa Cayton for theknittingniche. Worsted weight yarn.
Writer's Block Cardigan
Striped stitch cardigan featuring a v-neck with a generous shawl collar and pockets. Great stashbuster! 11 Sizes from XS to 7X. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Alex Capshaw-Taylor
Hoodie Shawl Cardigan
Cardigan sweater with hood with unique construction that starts out as a triangle shawl and evolves into a cardigan knit with garter stitch and stockinette. Designed for 3 colors, it can be knit with 2 or more colors. Sizes to fit chest circumference of 86 (97, 107, 117, 127) [137, 147, 157] cm / 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) [54, 58, 62]“. Designed by Susanne Sommer. Worsted weight yarn. A kit is also available.
