Free knitting patterns for cardigan and slipover vests that can be worn all year long. Updated 3/30/26
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
Anthem Button Vest
May only be free for a limited time. Lace cardigan vest knit flat with a 4-row repeat lace stitch. Button bands and armhole edges are knit separately and sewn on. Sizes 37 to 56" / 94 to 142 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar. A kit is also available.
Rib Vest
Cardigan vest knit flat with a 2-row repeat rib stitch. Sizes S to XL. Quick knit in Jumbo weight yarn. Designed by Spotlight.
Long Waistcoat
Color-blocked vest knit flat with a textured stitch in the lower front and on front borders and arm edges. Front and neck band are knit as you go. Some stitches picked up for arm edges. Sizes S to XXL. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Rico.
Long Waistcoat
Open front vest knit flat with a split palm leaf lace that creates a naturally scalloped edge and cable borders that are knit with the body and not picked up. Knit flat. Some stitches picked up for arm edges. Sizes 35 to 45" / 87 to 112 cm. Quick knit in Bulky weight yarn. Designed by African Expressions.
Cable Vest
Slipover vest knit with a central honeycomb cable panel framed with staghorn cables and broken rib texture. Sizes S to XL. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Durable Yarn.
Trollabackarna Vest
Diamond patterned slipover vest or top knit with 5 colors of nested diamonds. Sizes XS to 3XL. Designed for 5 colors, it's a great stash buster for Aran weight yarn. Designed by Sanne Bjerregaard for Filcolana. Available in English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Swedish
Shoulder Season Cardigan
Comfy casual open front vest with pockets knit flat and no stitches picked up. Sizes XS to 5XL. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Knitting with Chopsticks. Web version is free.
Call and Response Vest
Striped vest or sleeveless top with a twist! The stripes change color in the middle and separated by a colorful cable that makes it look like colorful steps. Sizes XS to 5X. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Laura Barker for Knitty.
More Free Patterns
November Sky Vest
Open front cardigan vest knit with a pretty lace stitch and wide front bands. Sizes 34 to 62". DK weight yarn. Designed by Beata Jezek for Hedgehog Fibres.
Lace Vest
Dress up any spring or summer outfit with this lace open front cardigan vest. Knit flat with different lace patterns on each side. Front and neck bands are knit with body and not picked up. DK weight yarn. Sizes 43" to 55". Available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Designed by Katia. Tip for US knitters: If asked for country, select United Kingdom.
Vertigo Vest
May only be free for a limited time. Sleeveless v-neck pullover knit with two contrasting colors separated with a stylized wave pattern. Sizes 34-53" finished chest (7 sizes). Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kim Smith, Knitting Matters.
Easy Striped Vest
Long line open front cardigan vest with stripes knit flat. Front and neck bands are knit with body and not picked up. Some stitches picked up for armhole edging. Bulky weight yarn. Sizes 37" to 48". Available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Designed by Katia. Tip for US knitters: If asked for country, select United Kingdom.
Laura Slipover
Short sleeved pullover vest with mock turtleneck. Body is knit flat and collar is knit in the round. Sizes 40 to 68" / 101.5 to 172.5 cm. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Berroco Design Team.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Berroco Lanas Quick yarn at Amazon
Easy Color Block Vest
Cardigan vest knit with garter stitch in stripes of 4 colors (or whatever number you choose). Ones Size, adjustable. Great stash buster for Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Irene Handmadepast.
Ethereal Slipover
Perfect warm weather vest to dress up any outfit or even use as a beach coverup. Knit with an 8 row repeat lace stitch. Sizes XS to 4XL. Lace weight yarn. Designed by Letizia De Antoniis.
Sense of Spring Cardigan
It has pockets! Sleeveless cardigan best buttoned in fronts with pockets. Body is knit flat and button bands are knit with the fronts and not picked up. Arm edges are picked up and knit in the round. Sizes 31 to 46" / 77 to 117 cm. DK weight yarn. Designed by Saprotex International Design Studio.
Patterns for Purchase
Treyi Vest
Cardigan vest with shawl collar and textured borders knit flat with front borders knit with the body. Sizes 30 to 54 inches. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Jean Clement.
Embrace Vest
Slipover vest with intriguing all over cable pattern and shawl collar. 3 Sizes. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Tatiana Chystiakova.
Field Guide Vest
Inspired walks in the countryside, this pullover vest or top features a landscape design knit with intarsia. Sizes 32 to 54". DK weight yarn. Designed by Sirdar.
High Neck Vest with Side Slits
Tabard style vest tied at the sides with turnover collar. Sizes Women's M to XXL. DK weight yarn. Available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Designed by Katia.
Elise Vest
I love the jacquard stitch with it's waves of clustered stitches so this slipover vest or sleeveless top has got my attention. Sizes Women's XS to XL. DK weight yarn. Designed by Kiniki Knits
Rip Rap Top
Oversized lacy slipover vest knit with an arrow chevron lace is the perfect layering piece for all seasons. 3 Sizes. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Cheryl Toy
