Knitting patterns for baby cardigan sweaters butttoned only at the top. Most patterns are free. 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.
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Free Patterns
Rosebud
Seamless, one-piece baby cardigan knitted top down, in garter stitch with a ruffle at the hem. Changes in needle size create the graceful shape. Sizes 3, 6, 12, 18 months. Designed by The Noble Thread. Fingering weight yarn.
Olive You Baby
Baby sweater for boy or girl, knit top down, with an offset button front and cable panel. Sizes 0-3 months 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months. Designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs. Worsted weight yarn. Pictured project by freshstitches. Available in English and Italian
Baby Top Down Cardigan
Knit in one piece. Sizes 6, 12, 18, 24 months. From Bernat.
Autumn Leaves
Nikki Van De Car designed this baby cardigan for sizes 6-9, 9-12, 12-15 months. Get Nikki’s book What to Knit When You’re Expecting
- Get the free knitting pattern
- View the pictured project
- Get Nikki’s book What to Knit When You’re Expecting
Maile
Nikki Van De Car designed this baby cardigan for 3 months, 20-in chest circumference.
Leaf Love Baby Sweater
Another baby cardigan by Taiga Hilliard Designs’s for any boy or girl, knit top down, with an offset button front and lace panel. Sizes 0-3 months 3-6 months,6-12 months, 12-18 months
More Free Patterns
Ode to Doris
Seamless baby sweater with a 4 row repeat lace body knit from the top down with raglan shaping and a rounded garter stitch neckline. Sizes newborn / 1 month. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Kelly van Niekerk. DK weight yarn.
Linnie
Seamless baby sweater knit from the top down with raglan shaping and a garter stitch yoke that's perfect for a contrasting or variegated yarn. Sizes newborn / 1 month. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Justyna Lorkowska. DK weight yarn. Available in English and Polish.
Offset Front Baby Cardigan
Long-sleeved sweater knit top down with an offset front. Sizes 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months). Designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs. Worsted weight yarn. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Pictured project by lisadoggett
Watermelon Baby Cardigan
Sleeveless summer baby cardigan with watermelon slice yoke with eyelets to look like seeds. Really easy construction - knitted top down with no picking up or seaming necessary. One size to fit approx 0-3 months. Rated very easy by Ravelrers. Designed by Stitchylinda Designs.
Patterns for Purchase
Lil Miss Cardigan
Baby cardigan sweater sizes newborn to 3 years. Knit from the top down with cables on the yoke and buttoned only at the top. Sizes 0/1, 1/3, 6/9, 12/18 months, 2 (3) years. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Raimonda Bagdoniene.
Ciqala Arrowhead Sweater
Baby cardigan sweater is knitted from the bottom up, sleeves knitted separately, and then joined to the yoke. The only seaming required are the sleeve seams. The arrowhead lace detail on the yoke adds a lovely touch. Both written and charted instructions are included. Sizes 0 – 3 months -- 3 - 6 months -- 6 - 12 months -- 12 - 18 months. Sport weight yarn. Designed by OgeDesigns.
Baby Cardigan and Romper
Seamless top down sweater can be knitted with or without sleeves. Oneseie is knitted in garter stitch with a small amount of seaming required. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Sizes Cardigan -- 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months : Onesie -- 0 to 3 months, 6 to 9 months, 9 to 12 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs.
Aida Baby Cardigan
Simple leaf lace adorns the front borders of this baby sweater knit in one piece seamlessly from the top down. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Sizes 3-9 months, 9 - 12 months, 12-18 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs. Pictured projects by katleonard and the designer.
Balina Top Down Cardigan
Perfect pattern for the confident beginner who is ready to try knitting a top down sweater according to the designer. Sleeves can be knitted in the round, or for those knitters not ready to tackle working with a set of double pointed needles, there are also instructions included for the sleeves to be knitted flat. Rated easy by the designer. Sizes 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months. DK weight yarn. Designed by OGE Knitwear Designs. Pictured projects by the designer and mermade.
