10+ Timeless FREE Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Everyone!
Cardigan patterns that are fun to make and wear for fall!
Classic and Cozy Cardigan Knitting Patterns!
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a warm and cozy knitted cardigan. A great cardigan can keep you warm during chilly morning walks and evening strolls. But that’s not all!
A great cardigan should also make you look and feel good wearing it!
It can be hard to find a knit cardigan we like from stores or boutiques. So, what can you do? Well, you can knit your own with the free cardigan knitting patterns we have in this round up!
Because of the thousands of search results, finding a pattern that you’ll love enough to try out can be tough. Today I’m going to share some of the coziest and cutest cardigan patterns I found for all skill levels!
Knitting Your Own Cardigan
A knitted cardigan can be quite a big project to undertake. Especially if you’ve never tried it before! Fortunately, there are cardigan patterns that beginner-friendly. Most of these patterns are great for knitters who have tried a few small projects and want to try to knit something slightly larger. The last two patterns in particular are ideal for beginners!
Of course, that is not to say that following a cardigan knitting pattern is a walk in the park. Even pros can experience mishaps here and there. If you’re new to cardigans look for patterns that use bigger yarns (that means they’ll be quick!) and stitch patterns like stockinette or garter stitch.
A little more experienced? We have some patterns for you too! Try cables or all-over textured stitches for a cardigan that really pops.
What You Need for Your Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Knitting patterns typically call for tools like knitting needles and yarn. But sometimes, you’ll need a few more accessories to ensure that your project come out extra perfect!
- Knitting Needles – The most important tool for knitting is a pair of sturdy knitting needles. You can find the recommended gauge in your cardigan knitting pattern’s list of materials or on your yarn skein’s wrapper. Because cardigans have an open front you can use a longer pair of straight needles easily! If it’s knit in one piece, however, you may want to try circular knitting needles instead.
- Yarn – Make sure to check the pattern to see what yarn weight to use. Each pattern should list a recommended brand or weight in the “suggested yarn” section of the free cardigan knitting pattern you’re following! You can make sure you have the right weight by checking the yarn band.
- Blocking kit – This is optional, but if you want your cardigan to fit perfectly and maintain its crisp shape, then you may need some blocking pins and mats!
- Scissors – A pair of scissors is another important tool that you will use for all of your knitting projects. You’ll need them to cut the yarn and trim any leftover yarn tails when you’re done!
- Stitch markers – You might need stitch markers to keep track of where you are, especially if you’re doing increases or decreases to add shaping. If you don’t have stitch markers, you can use a strand of scrap yarn—preferably in a different color so it’s easy to see.
- Yarn/darning needle – You will need a yarn needle or darning needle to sew in the loose ends.
- Buttons! Regular flat buttons might be too tight to hold a handknit cardigan closed. For bulky knits, try picking a button with a shank.
- Free cardigan knitting patterns – Last but not least, it’s time to pick out an easy cardigan knitting pattern for you to work on!
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10+ Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Fall and Winter 2023!
Okay, enough chit-chat on my part. Cardigans are a staple in EVERY wardrobe. They’re a great project to try after you’ve been knitting for a minute.
Well, the wait is over. Time to check out these timeless cardigan knitting patterns!
Disclaimer: This article contains links to external unaffiliated websites.
1. Lights Up Cardigan
By: Wool and the Gang
YARN: Bulky
SIZE: 1 – 4
Sometimes, we feel like our wardrobe is looking dull. Well, this Lights Up Cardigan ought to change that up! Big bright squares take a basic cardigan to the next level. The original pattern uses 6 cool colors but you can mix and match others for your own unique pallette!
2. Patchwork Cardigan
By: Yarnspirations Design Studio
YARN: Aran
SIZE: XS – 5XL
There’s just something about patchwork cardigan knitting patterns that always catches my eye. The combination of different colors, textures, and patterns adds an interesting twist to a normal everyday garment! Plus, they’re a great chance to practice all your skills with one project.
3. Sweet Spring Cardigan
By: DROPS Design
YARN: Lace
SIZE: Small – 3XL
The Sweet Spring Cardigan is an elegant and airy cardigan that is perfect for warmer days. Cables bring extra bold texture to an otherwise simple shape that’s totally wearable year-round.
4. Green Whisper Cardigan
By: DROPS Design
YARN: Aran + Lace
SIZE: Small – 3XL
One of my favorite things to do whenever my family visits the beach is to walk along the shoreline. But it can get pretty chilly — especially in the mornings and evenings!
This gorgeous easy cardigan knitting pattern uses classic beginner-friendly knit Moss Stitch to create a wonderfully squishy fabric.
5. Cardigan of Many Colors
By: Irina Poludnenko
YARN: Aran
SIZE: Small – 2XL
Now, I love neutrals as much as the next person, but I have to admit that vibrant colors are nice to look at too!
If done right, a combination of loud colors and textures can add an interesting twist to our typically-plain-looking cardigan. This short-sleeved version is a great way to add a piece that will get a ton of wear all year long!
6. Cardigan in 3 Styles
By: Cleckheaton
YARN: Bulky
SIZE: Small – XL
Simple cardigan patterns can be knit again and again using different color combinations for radically different looks. This pattern gives you two ways to play with blocks of color and also a third option with big textured bobbles too! It doesn’t get cuter than this pattern.
7. Cardigan with Pockets
By: Bergère de France
YARN: Aran
SIZE: Small – XXL
I don’t know about you, but one of the things I look for in a cardigan are pockets. They’re convenient and perfect little compartments to put your hands in when you’re chilly (or in a very awkward conversation)!
This pattern uses slipped stitches to create a really fun all-over knit texture.
8. Helli Cardigan
By: Sari Nordlund
YARN: Super Bulky
SIZE: XS – XXL
Chunky cardigans are the best and I’m not changing my mind about them any time soon! I especially love them when the sleeves are long enough to cover my hands.
Those qualities are exactly what this Helli Cardigan has! If you love chunky clothing, this pattern is for you.
9. Cardigan 7832
By: Saprotex International Design Studio
YARN: DK
SIZE: Adult
This pattern proves that cardigans are amazing wardrobe pieces that don’t need to have any intricate textures or color combinations to look good!
No cables, no bumpy stitches. Just smooth stockinette stitch and a calm color palette.
10. My Big Comfy Ribbed Cardi
By: Jessica Reeves Potasz
YARN: Bulky
SIZES: Small – XL
Chunky knits, long floppy sleeves, and POCKETS! If I was asked to describe my perfect cardigan, this pattern would be it.
I actually downloaded this pattern the instant I saw it. You bet I’ll be making a few for myself in different colors!
11. Effortless Cardigan
By: Zabeth
YARN: Worsted
SIZES: XS -XL
“Effortless” is one of the best words to describe a cardigan. Popping on a cardigan is a quick, effortless way to add dimension and layers to any outfit.
This soft cardigan knitting pattern uses just stockinette stitch and ribbing, perfect for beginners.
12. Moonbow Slouchy Knit Cardigan
By: Jessica Reeves Potasz
YARN: Bulky
SIZES: Small – XL
Another pattern that I quickly added to my list is this Moonbow Slouchy Knit Cardigan! The chunky yarn weight is easy for beginner knitters. The garter stitch button band is super cute and means the front will stay nice and flat.
Plus, pros will love this pattern as it’ll knit up much faster than the other patterns on this list!
Thoughts on Timeless Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Fall and Winter
Done! Those were some of the best cardigan knitting patterns online that caught my eye. Having a hard time choosing? I like to think about my favorite cardigan and try to match some of the things that made it fun to wear. For me, pockets are always the thing I look for in a cozy knit cardigan pattern.
I immediately loved the My Big Comfy Ribbed Cardi from this list. It’s so chunky and cozy. I just need it in my life! What about you? Which pattern caught your eye the most?
Let’s chat in the comments!
Looking for more warm patterns for fall and winter? Check out our timeless knit vest patterns and cozy sock knitting patterns for fall!
