Top buttoned cardigan sweater free knitting patterns for cardigan sweaters that are only partially buttoned at the collar or yoke. Most patterns are free. Updated 10/13/24.
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Free Patterns
Raglan Jacket
Simple but stylish short sleeved cardigan knit flat with a 4 row repeat welted texture and flattering circular yoke. Sizes to fit bust 76cm/30” to 102cm /40”. DK weight yarn. Designed by Schachenmayr. Available in English, Dutch, French, German
Alcott Cardigan
Short sleeved cardigan knit with a fern leaf lace. Knit flat and the stitch pattern is charted and written out. Sizes Bust circumference: 33 (37, 41, 45, 49)”. DK weight yarn. Designed by Manos del Uruguay.
A Line Cable Jacket
Free for limited time, not sure how long. Cabled cardigan jacket with a gentle flare. Sizes To Fit Bust/Chest: 32/34", 36/38", 40/42". Designed by Designed by Woman's Weekly. Aran weight yarn.
INSTRUCTIONS: At the pattern site, select the PDF option. Make sure the price is 0. If not the offer has expired. Add the pattern to your basket. Then "check out" without payment to get the link to download the pattern
Cardi to Love
Women's cardigan knit with a 4 row repeat easy lace sttich below the bodice and on the bell sleeves. Sizes Finished Bust: 34 (39, 43, 48, 53)”. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lynda for Red Heart.
Nelina
Women's cardigan knit worked in four diagonal panels that are designed to showcase hand-dyed yarns but work equally well with solid colors. Sizes 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)" bust. DK weight yarn. Designed by Corrina Ferguson for Knitty.
Lacy Jacket
Shawl collared women's cardigan knit with a 4 row repeat easy lace stitch so it's great for layering. Sizes 82 - 117cm [32½ - 46in]. DK weight yarn. Elle 6923 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Bingo Cardigan
Classic elegant cardigan jacket knit in stockinette with garter stitch borders and wide sleeves. Knit flat and the stitch pattern is charted and written out. Sizes 36/38 (40/42, 44/46, 48/50) inches. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Lana Grossa.
Elle Cardigans 6961
Cabled cardigan buttoned at collar with Long-Sleeve and Cap-Sleeve options. Sizes To Fit Bust: 30½ (32½, 34¼, 36¼, 38¼, 40, 42¼, 44, 46) inches. DK weight yarn. Elle 6961 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio. DK weight yarn.
Cable Cardigan
Cabled women's cardigan knit has cabled bottom sections on body and sleeves knit sideways and then the stockinette body is knit on. Fastened with tag at neck. Chunky weight yarn. Elle 7016 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Short Sleeved Cardigan
Fun cropped cardigan with peplum and ruffled sleeves. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. Great showcase for multicolor yarn. DK weight yarn. Designed by Jenny Watson for Noro
More Free Patterns
Diamond Cardigan
Cardigan knit with an 8 row repeat diamond texture and finished with wide ribbed bands that are buttoned at the top. Sizes To fit bust (cm) 72cm to 117cm (about 29 inches to 47 inches) DK weight yarn. Elle 7855 designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Textured Checks Cardigan
Cardigan with shawl collar and texture of blocks of garter and stockinette with little cables. Sizes XS/S, M, L, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL. Quick knit in Super Bulky yarn. Designed by Bernat Design Studio.
Simple Yoke Cardigan
Easy cardigan with elbow length sleeves knit in seed stitch with a stockinette yoke. Size Finished Chest: 38(42, 46)” [96.5(106.5, 116.5) cm]. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Mary Maxim
Pip Cardigan
This breezy, short-sleeve cardigan is knit with a 6 row repeat in two directions to showcase self-striping yarn, though it also would look great in solids. Sizes Women’s XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X. Designed by Alison Green for Knitty. DK weight yarn.
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Petal Cardigan
Lace cardigan with shawl collar knit with a 4 row repeat vine lace. Sizes 32 [38, 40, 44, 49, 50, 56] inches. Designed by Heather Hoefle for Knitty. DK weight yarn.
Versailles Cardigans
Cardigan with pockets, collar, epaulettes, and fastened with button tabs. Sizes Bust Circumference: 32 ½ (37, 40, 44 ¾ , 48 ½ )”. Designed by Manos del Uruguay Design Team. DK weight yarn.
Amelia Cardigan
Top buttoned cardigan with deep garter stitch cuffs and a bit of a peplum, along with pintuck-inspired twisted rib panels. Sizes 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) inches. Designed by Laura Chau for Knitty. Aran weight yarn.
Cabled Cardigan
Figure flattering cardigan with 4 row repeat cables framed with 8 row cables with a ribbed shawl collar. Sizes 28" to 53.9" / 72-77 (82-87, 92-97, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127,132-137) cm bust. Designed by Saprotex International Design Studio. DK weight yarn.
Cardigan with Cabled Yoke
Short-sleeved cardigan sweater features a beautiful cabled yoke, so there are cables running horizontally and vertically. Sizes XS/S 36" (91.5 cm), Medium / 40" (101.5 cm), Large 44" (112 cm), X-Large / 48" (122 cm), 2/3XL / 56" (142 cm), 4/5XL / 64" (162.5 cm). Designed by Patons. Worsted weight yarn.
Patterns for Purchase
Imagination Jacket
No longer free. Cardigan sweater jacket with 6 row repeat cable along front edges, sleeves, and sides. Sizes To Fit Bust 32/34" 36/38" 40/42" 44/46" 48/50" 52/54". Designed by Sirdar. Chunky weight yarn. Yarn also available on pattern page.
Amalfi Cardigans
No longer free. Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans with lace body below stockinette yoke. Sizes To Fit Bust/Chest: 32/34", 36/38", 40/42", 44/46", 48/50", 52/54". Sirdar Amalfi DK 7774. DK weight yarn.
Imagination Cardigans
No longer free. A twisted zigazag design decorates the yoke of this women's cardigan sweater with options for 3/4 Sleeves and Short Sleeves. Sizes To Fit Bust/Chest: 32/34", 36/38", 40/42", 44/46", 48/50", 52/54". Cardigans in Sirdar Imagination Chunky 8055.
Bethel Cardigan
No longer free. Stylish women’s cardigan perfect for layering with its 4 row repeat Ladder and Vine Stitch. Knit flat and the stitch pattern is charted and written out. Sizes Bust: 35 inches to 50 inches / 89 cm to 126 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by Susan Baron for Tahki Yarns.
Ethos Cardigan
Women's cardigan or vest is suitable for beginners according to the designer. Sizes S (M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X) Worsted weight yarn. Designed by MinimiKnitDesign.
Electra Cardigan
Easy women's cardigan sweater pattern knit flat in pieces, this pattern is appropriate for beginners. Sizes XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Katerina Amprikidou for ThroughTheStitch.
Creative Twist Cardigan
Quick cardigans knit with chunk cable details and options for long or short sleeves. Sizes: 36-40 (42-46). Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Rico Design.
Tailcoat Jacket
Figure flattering cardigan with curved front edges with blackberry stitch borders and shawl collar. Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kari-Helene Rane
Dolman Sleeved Cardigan
Easy sweater pattern knit in garter stitch as one piece in just 500 grams of Aran weight yarn. Just two side seams. Designed by Audrey Wilson.
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