If you have mastered the basics of knitting and want to venture into making your own clothes then making your own cardigan is something you should consider.
Knitting cardigans can seem intimidating but there are plenty of patterns out there that have been designed with advanced beginners in mind and come with plenty of guidance to walk you through each stage of the process.
No matter whether the cardigan is for yourself or a loved one, we have gathered the best knit cardigan patterns on the market that you should consider and you are guaranteed to find the perfect project for you.
So whether you have never made a cardigan before or are wanting to work with complex stitches, this is the perfect guide for you.
Here are the top knit cardigan patterns available on the market that you should consider:
1. Knitting Cardigan Pattern
Our first recommendation is the Knitting cardigan pattern which is a great project for advanced beginners to try who have mastered basic stitches and want to challenge themselves on more complicated stitches and techniques.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is available to download immediately after purchasing. The written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology making the pattern clear to read and easy to follow so you can get the best results.
This pattern comes with instructions for multiple sizes ranging from XS to XXL and comes with plenty of photographs to provide you with a visual aid so you can track your progress with ease.
2. Knitting Chunky Cardigan Pattern
Our second selection is the Knitting chunky cardigan pattern which has a cropped design and bubble sleeves making it trendy and comfortable.
This cardigan is worked on larger needles using bulky yarn meaning that it is quick and easy to make meaning that it is perfect for those wanting a project on a deadline.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is immediately available to download upon purchase and is suitable for advanced beginners who want to work on a larger project.
The written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology making it clear to ready and easy to follow so you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
There are also plenty of photographs dotted throughout the pattern so you can have a visual aid so you can get the best results.
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3. Knitting Pattern Home Cardigan V Neck
Our third choice is the Knitting Pattern Home Cardigan V Neck which has a beautiful v neck design and is more suited for those who want a casual design that can be worn with any outfit.
This cardigan is worked both flat on straight needles and the sleeves are worked in the round on circular needles making it great for those who don’t mind working in the round.
The instructions are available in English, Danish, and Spanish and use standard US and European knitting terminology meaning that you can work on your pattern-reading skills and ensure that the pattern is clear to read and easy to follow for all.
There are also plenty of photographs and video tutorials making this project perfect for all skill levels as you are supplied with various visual aids to help you get the best results.
4. Downtown Cardigan Knit Pattern
Our fourth recommendation is the Downtown Cardigan Knit Pattern which is made using bulky yarn meaning that it is extremely quick and easy to make.
The majority of this cardigan utilizes a simple garter stitch making it an ideal first cardigan project for beginners who may be intimidated by the idea of making a cardigan.
The pattern includes instructions for multiple sizes ranging from XS to 4XL and comes as a PDF file that is available to download immediately upon purchase.
The PDF file has seven pages of instructions that include plenty of photographs to provide you with a visual aid and the written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
5. Dotty Cardigan Knit Pattern
Our fifth selection is the Dotty Cardigan Knit Pattern which is perfect for those who want to make a cardigan that has a beautiful texture.
This pattern may look complex but is only made using knit and purl stitches which is ideal for beginners who are looking for a larger project to complete.
This cardigan is made using chunky yarn meaning that this project is quick and easy to make which is perfect for those who are working to a deadline.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is available to download immediately after purchasing and comes with written instructions that are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills and ensure that the pattern is clear to read and easy to follow.
The pattern comes with instructions for four size options ranging from small/medium to 4XL/5XL meaning that you can make the perfect fit for your recipient.
6. The Max Hoodie Cardigan Sweater Knitting Pattern
Our sixth choice is The Max Hoodie Cardigan sweater knitting pattern which has an oversized fit making it perfect for those who want a cardigan that is perfect for casual wear.
Made using large needles and chunky yarn, this cardigan is made up quickly and easily which is ideal for beginners who want to work on larger projects and challenge themselves.
The pattern comes with instructions for one size but thanks to its oversized fit, it can fit a lot of sizes. The written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills and ensure that the pattern is clear to read and easy to follow.
This cardigan is made using basic stitches including stockinette stitch, 1×1 ribbing, and picking up stitches which is great for beginners.
7. Easy Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Our seventh recommendation is the Easy cardigan knitting pattern which is a versatile cardigan that can be worn with casual and formal outfits making it perfect for those who want to make a cardigan that can work with any outfit.
This pattern is recommended for advanced beginners who have mastered the basics and want to challenge themselves with new skills.
The written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology meaning that it is easy to read while ensuring that you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
This pattern comes with instructions for six sizes ranging from XS to XXL and has plenty of photographs to provide you with a visual aid so you can track your progress easily.
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8. Lost Road Trip Cardigan Wool Sweater Knitting Pattern
Our eighth selection is the Lost Road Trip Cardigan wool sweater knitting pattern which is knitted flat on straight needles using extra bulky yarn making it the chunkiest cardigan on our list and the fastest project to complete.
This project is ideal for beginners looking for their first cardigan project because it doesn’t require the use of circular needles. The pattern comes with instructions for one size and thanks to its oversize fit, it fits a variety of sizes.
The pattern includes instructions that are written in English and use standard US terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills while also incorporating basic knitting techniques making it accessible for all skill levels.
9. Classic Knitting Pattern
Our ninth choice is the Classic Knitting Pattern which has a vintage style and is perfect for those who want to make a cardigan that can work with formal and casual outfits making it highly versatile.
This cardigan has a classic stitch design and is worked from the top down which makes it ideal for intermediate and advanced knitters who want to challenge themselves.
The pattern includes written instructions that are available in both English and German and uses standard US and German knitting terminology making it more accessible while also including links to video tutorials for the difficult sections of the cardigan.
This pattern comes with instructions for nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL meaning that you can find the perfect option to fit your recipient.
10. Knit Cardigan Pattern – The Seasons Cardigan
Our tenth recommendation is the Knit Cardigan Pattern – The Seasons Cardigan which is another cardigan that is ideal for advanced knitters who want to make a project that combines basic and complex stitches and techniques.
This pattern comes with written instructions provided in English and Portuguese and uses standard US and Portuguese knitting terminology meaning that it is clear to follow and easy to read while ensuring that you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
There are also plenty of photographs throughout so you can have a visual aid to track your progress and links to video tutorials to teach you the more difficult aspects of the pattern.
This pattern comes with instructions for six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL so you can choose the perfect fit for your recipient.
11. Crowsnest Cardi Knit Sweater Pattern
Our eleventh selection is the Crowsnest Cardi Knit Sweater Pattern which is a great project for advanced beginners who have mastered the basics and want to challenge themselves with more complex techniques and work on a larger project.
This cardigan is worked from the top down and is worked as three pieces with the body and sleeves being sewn together at the end.
The sleeves are worked in the round and the body is worked flat meaning that some experience of working with circular needles will be helpful but this project can also be a great foray into circular knitting.
This pattern has written instructions that are provided in English and uses standard US knitting terminology meaning that you can work on your pattern-reading skills while ensuring that the pattern is clear to follow and easy to read.
This pattern uses basic knit and purl stitches and will also incorporate basic shaping with increases, decreases, and picking up stitches.
12. Ivy Knits Harrie Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Our twelfth choice is the Ivy Knits Harrie Cardigan Knitting Pattern which is a great project for those looking for a fast and easy project to complete as it is made using super bulky yarn meaning that beginners can complete this project quickly.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is available to download immediately after purchasing and comes with written instructions in English and uses standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
The pattern is clear to read and easy to follow making it ideal for beginners looking for their first large project.
It is also a great project for more advanced knitters as it is easily can be customized and made larger or smaller depending on your preference.
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13. Digital Knitting Pattern – Poppy Cardi Pattern
Our thirteenth recommendation is the Digital Knitting Pattern – Poppy Cardi Pattern which is ideal for those who want to work with more than one color.
The best cardigan project for those who are planning to delve into colorwork, this pattern is great for beginners and experienced knitters alike as it uses stocking stitch and requires no shaping on the neck or arms.
This pattern comes with instructions for a variety of sizes ranging from XS to 5XL and the written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology making it clear to read and easy to follow meaning that you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
The cardigan is made using basic stitches including stocking stitch, 1×1 rib stitch, and basic increases and the pattern includes various video tutorials throughout for beginners who may need the extra guidance.
14. Knitting Pattern The Oversized Cardigan
Our fourteenth selection is the Knitting Pattern: The Oversized Cardigan by Lovebird Knitwear which has an oversized fit making it perfect for those wanting to make a cardigan that has a more relaxed and casual fit.
This pattern comes with instructions for a variety of sizes ranging from XXS to XL so you can choose the perfect option for your recipient. This cardigan is worked from the bottom up with the body worked flat on straight needles and the sleeves knitted in the round on circular needles.
It is made using super chunky yarn meaning that it is quick and easy to knit making it ideal for those working to a deadline.
The written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills as the instructions are clear to read and easy to follow.
15. Knitting Pattern Longline ‘Ankle Grazer’ Cardigan
Our fifteenth choice is the Knitting Pattern – Longline ‘Ankle Grazer’ Cardigan which comes as a PDF file that is immediately available to download upon purchase.
This pattern is perfect for those looking to make an ankle-length cardigan that is perfect for lounging around and wearing with casual outfits. This pattern is accessible for beginners but is also great for experienced knitters looking for a quick and easy project to complete.
The great thing about this pattern is that it can easily be customized by altering the length to suit your recipient best.
This pattern may look complex but actually only uses a combination of knit and purl stitches and has basic shaping and rib stitching at the edges making it great for beginners looking for their first cardigan project.
This pattern is written in English and is clear to read and easy to follow meaning that you can work on your pattern-reading skills.
There are instructions for a variety of sizes ranging from small to XL so you can choose the option that best suits your recipient.
16. Chunky Knitting Pattern Nova Cardigan
Our sixteenth recommendation is the Chunky Knitting Pattern – Nova Cardigan which has a cardigan/jacket structure and is great for those looking for a cardigan that can be worn with formal and casual outfits.
This pattern consists of five main sections which are made using a combination of knit and purl stitches.
The body of the cardigan is knitted flat on straight needles and the sleeves are worked in the round on circular needles making it great for advanced beginners who want to develop more skills and work on a larger project that combines basic and challenging techniques.
This pattern comes with instructions for five sizes ranging from XS to XL so you can choose the best option for your recipient while the instructions are clear to read and easy to follow allowing you to work on your pattern-reading skills.
For advanced knitters, this cardigan can easily be altered and customized according to your preference and the designer can be contacted if you want further tips on how to get the best results.
This cardigan requires knowledge of basic techniques such as knit and purl stitches, picking up stitches, and applying a mattress stitch for sewing up the seams.
17. Oversized Cardigan Knit Pattern
Our seventeenth selection is the Oversized cardigan knit pattern which is made using a shaker rib stitch and other basic stitches such as knit and purl.
This cardigan may look complicated but is incredibly easy to construct and is great for advanced beginners who have mastered the basics and want to challenge themselves on more challenging techniques and shaping.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is immediately available to download upon purchase and the written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology so you can work on your pattern-reading skills and ensure that the pattern is clear to read and easy to follow meaning that you are guaranteed to get the best results.
There are also plenty of photographs dotted throughout the pattern to provide you with plenty of visual aids so you can track your process with ease.
18. Need To Have Cardigan Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern
Our eighteenth choice is the Need To Have Cardigan Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern which has an oversized slouchy design that is perfect for those who want to make a casual cardigan that is comfortable to wear with anything.
This cardigan is made using super chunky wool and big needles meaning that whether you are a beginner or advanced knitter, you’ll be able to complete this project quickly ad easily which is ideal if you have a deadline or are making it as a gift for someone.
The pattern comes as a PDF file that is immediately available to download upon purchase and the written instructions are provided in English and use standard US knitting terminology meaning that it is clear to read and easy to follow.
Beginners will find this particularly useful as it will help them develop their pattern-reading skills.
This pattern comes with instructions for six sizes meaning that you can choose the best size for your recipient and provides plenty of scope for customization if you want to make the length longer or shorter.
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19. Uptown Cardigan Knit Pattern
Our penultimate recommendation is the Uptown Cardigan Knit Pattern which is another oversized long cardigan that is perfect for casual everyday wear.
This cardigan is different from the majority of options on this list as it is made using finer yarn meaning that it can take longer to make but is perfect for those who want to work with yarn that isn’t as bulky as the cardigan has more flow and isn’t as hot.
This cardigan is made using basic garter stitch making it perfect for beginners who are looking for their first cardigan project as it also requires minimum shaping.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is available to immediately download after purchasing and comes with an additional PDF for a “Mini Uptown Cardigan” pattern which allows you to make cardigans for the little ones in your life.
The regular pattern comes with instructions for a variety of sizes ranging from small to 5XL meaning that you can make the perfect size for your recipient.
The PDF file is a total of 13 pages and is filled with detailed instructions and images to provide you with all the information you need to track your progress and ensure that you get the best results.
20. Chunky Cardigan For Women Knitting Pattern Beginner Level
Our final selection is the Chunky Cardigan for women, Knitting pattern Beginner level which is a great project for advanced beginners who have mastered the basics and want to venture into more complex techniques.
Advanced knitters will also benefit from this pattern as it is made from chunky yarn meaning that it will be extremely quick and easy to make and can be done within a few days which is great if you are making the cardigan as a gift for someone.
This pattern comes as a PDF file that is available to download once the purchase has been made. Unlike the majority of easy cardigans, this cardigan is more unique as it consists of an English rib which is a little bit more difficult to complete and perfect for those wanting to learn new stitches after mastering the knit and purl based stitches.
This pattern comes with a variety of different video tutorials taking you through the various stages of this pattern including how to knit an English Rib stitch, how to sew the side seam on the English Rib stitch, how to sew the shoulder seams, and how to sew the sleeves to the body.
This pattern comes with instructions for a variety of sizes ranging from XS to 3XL so you can make the perfect cardigan for your recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cardigans Easy Knitting?
Cardigans are viewed as a larger project and can be quite complex depending on what kind of stitches are used; however, there are plenty of easy cardigan patterns available for you to choose from, especially if you knit the project flat on straight needles.
This will mean that you make each component separately in rectangles and then sew each piece together at the end.
Can You Knit A Cardigan On Straight Needles?
Cardigans can be worked on straight needles but not as a whole piece. The pieces that are worked on straight needles or circular needles will be dependent on the pattern that you undertake so if you are adamant that you want to work on straight needles throughout then be sure that the pattern reflects this so you can find it easier.
Is Knitting Easier Than Crocheting?
There are some people that find crocheting easier than knitting because the former only requires using one hook and you don’t have to work back and forth.
On the other hand, knitting allows you to play with cables more and there is a wider range of knitting stitch combinations than crochet.
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