Wrap yourself in warmth and style with our collection of 12 gorgeous knit cardigan patterns – 2023 edition, each designed to add a touch of elegance and coziness to your wardrobe.
Elevate your knitwear game with our handpicked selection of 12 gorgeous knit cardigan patterns – 2023 edition. These patterns combine timeless style with modern comfort, providing you with an array of options to enhance your wardrobe. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting your knitting journey, these knit patterns cater to a variety of skill levels, offering detailed instructions and stunning designs. From classic knit cardigans to trendy oversized styles, our collection has something for every fashion enthusiast. Explore these knit cardigan patterns today to create versatile and eye-catching additions to your clothing collection.
Here are the most common supplies you will need to make a cardigan:
Tips For Making Knit Cardigans
Knitting a cardigan is a rewarding project that requires a range of knitting techniques to achieve a comfortable fit and stylish finish. Here are the key knitting techniques you’ll need for knitting a cardigan:
- Casting On: Start by casting on the required number of stitches to create the cardigan’s foundation. Depending on your pattern and preference, you can use various cast-on methods, such as the long-tail cast-on or a provisional cast-on.
- Stockinette Stitch: Most cardigans feature sections of stockinette stitch, where you knit one row and purl the next (or vice versa). This creates a smooth and uniform fabric that’s often used for the main body of the cardigan.
- Ribbing: Ribbing patterns, typically knit one stitch and purl one stitch (1×1 ribbing) or variations like 2×2 ribbing (knit two stitches, purl two stitches), are frequently used for cuffs, hems, and collars to create elasticity and a snug fit.
- Garter Stitch: Garter stitch is often used for edges, cuffs, and borders. It involves knitting every row, creating a textured fabric that doesn’t curl at the edges.
- Working in the Round: Some cardigans are knit in one piece, in the round, to eliminate seams. This requires circular needles or double-pointed needles for the sleeves.
- Increasing: To shape the cardigan, you’ll need to increase stitches. Common methods include knitting front and back (kfb), making one (M1), or yarn overs (YO), depending on the pattern.
- Decreasing: To shape the neckline, armholes, or waist, you’ll need to decrease stitches. Techniques like knit two together (k2tog) or slip, slip, knit (ssk) are commonly used.
- Buttonholes: If your cardigan has buttons, you’ll need to create buttonholes. Techniques for making buttonholes vary but typically involve binding off a few stitches and casting on in the same place on the next row.
- Picking Up Stitches: To add collars, cuffs, or button bands, you may need to pick up stitches along an edge. This involves inserting your needle into existing stitches along the edge and knitting them.
- Seaming: If your cardigan is knit in separate pieces (fronts, back, and sleeves), you’ll need to seam them together using techniques like mattress stitch for invisible seams.
- Blocking: After completing your cardigan, blocking can help shape and soften the fabric. Wet blocking or steam blocking may be used to set the stitches and drape.
- Weaving in Ends: To finish your cardigan neatly, weave in any loose yarn ends to secure them and give your cardigan a polished appearance.
- Colorwork (Optional): Some cardigans feature colorwork, such as fair isle or intarsia. You’ll need to know how to carry and manage multiple yarn colors and create intricate patterns.
- Texture Stitches (Optional): Cardigans with textured patterns, such as cables, bobbles, or lace, require additional techniques for creating these decorative elements.
- Sewing on Buttons and Other Embellishments (Optional): If your cardigan has buttons, attach them securely. You may also add other embellishments like beads or embroidery.
By mastering these knitting techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle various cardigan patterns, whether you prefer classic styles, cozy oversized designs, or intricate stitch patterns. Knitting a cardigan allows for creativity in design, yarn choice, and fit, making it a fulfilling project for knitters of all skill levels.
Disclaimer: None of these knitting patterns are mine they are designed by many talented designers which a link and credit is given underneath each picture. This is a knitting round up post.
12 Gorgeous Knit Cardigan Patterns – 2023 Edition
1. Crowsnest Cardi
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is bluebirdpineshop
What is the skill level?
Adventurous Beginner
What knitting needles should I use?
8mm / US 11, 28” circular knitting needles & 6mm / US 10, 28” circular knitting needles
Optional: 6mm / US 10 DPN’s
What yarn should I use?
We Are Knitters The Petite Wool or any Heavy Worsted to Light Bulky Yarn
Project Size?
8 sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
2. Dotty Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Stephanie Lau AllAboutAmi
What is the skill level?
Not stated
What knitting needles should I use?
Not stated
What yarn should I use?
Bulky level 5 yarn called “Color Made Easy” by Lion Brand Yarn is used
(note that this yarn has now been discontinued, but you can substitute any bulky level 5 yarn such as “Hue + Me”).
Project Size?
Small/Medium, Large/XL, 2X/3X & 4X/5X
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
3. My Comfiest Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Jessica Potasz MamaInAStitch
What is the skill level?
Advanced Beginner
What knitting needles should I use?
US Size 11 8.0 mm 29” circular knitting needles
What yarn should I use?
4 (5,6,7,8) skeins Lion Brand Yarn Jeans in Vintage 100 g/skein or comparable worsted weight #4 yarn
Pattern uses approximately 390 (456, 542, 648, 750) grams total
Project Size?
Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
4. Moxie Jacket
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Sabina caidree
What is the skill level?
Advanced beginner
What knitting needles should I use?
For the collar and the ribbing edges you will need 32” (80 cm) US17 (12 mm) or longer circular knitting needles.
For the body and the sleeves you will need 32”(80 cm) or longer US19 (15 mm) circular knitting needles, or size to obtain gauge. + 3.5 mm crochet hook for the toggle attachments.
What yarn should I use?
Super bulky weight yarn such as “Crazy Sexy Wool” from Wool and The Gang
Project Size?
Bust size of the finished sweater with ease built in is XS 33½”, S 36”, M 41”, L 44”, XL 49”, 2XL 52”, 3XL 56”, 4XL 59“, 5XL 64”/
(XS 85, S 92, M 105, L 112, XL 125, 2XL 132, 3XL 142, 4XL 150, 5XL 162 cm). Model is wearing size M on 93 cm bust.
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
5. The Max Hoodie Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Bethany Byman HappyLoveCo
What is the skill level?
Basic knitting skills
Stockinette stitch
Picking up stitches
1×1 ribbing
What knitting needles should I use?
Size 25mm straight knitting needles
Size 25mm circular knitting needles (long cord, mine are 36”)
What yarn should I use?
7 skeins Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool Or similar
6 skeins of Wool and the Gang disco down yarn (optional)
Project Size?
(This is a one size pattern)
Seamed length- 25”
Seamed width- 33”
Sleeve length from seam- 17”
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
6. The Big Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Hanishken
What is the skill level?
Easy
What knitting needles should I use?
Circular needle no. 13 US/ 9mm (80-100cm)
Double pointed needles No. 13 US/ 9mm
Double pointed needles No. 11 US/ 8mm
What yarn should I use?
“Snow” from Drops Design
Project Size?
XS / S / M / L / XL (approx. 700/750/800/850/850g)
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
7. Adelia Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Jessica Allen MMadisonMarie
What is the skill level?
Easy
What knitting needles should I use?
10.0mm needles
What yarn should I use?
Uses weight 5 yarn
Project Size?
small (US 0 – 6) 550 yards
medium (US 8 – 14) 660 yards
large (US 16 – 22) 770 yards
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
8. Cannady cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Jessica Allen MMadisonMarie
What is the skill level?
Easy
What knitting needles should I use?
12.0mm needles
What yarn should I use?
Uses weight 6 yarn
Project Size?
small/medium (US 0 – 10) 636 yards
large/x-large (US 12 – 22) 848 yards
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
9. The Sherbet Cardi
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Laura ketchupknits
What is the skill level?
Beginner
What knitting needles should I use?
10mm circular knitting needles
12mm needles (straight or circular is fine)
What yarn should I use?
9 x 100g balls of Chubbs Super Chunky 100% merino yarn or similar super chunky yarn (100g/65m)
I used 3 x Sky, 3 x Candyfloss and 2 x Teal +1 sky for neckline
If you opt not to add the ribbed neckline you will only need 8 balls.
Project Size?
UK6-14 (shown in photos on a UK8)
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
10. Portobello Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is AuBoutduPre
What is the skill level?
Easy
What knitting needles should I use?
15 mm straight or circular needles
What yarn should I use?
700 and 1000 grs of Aran yarn depending on the size you choose to make
Project Size?
S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL.
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
11. Field Day Cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is ozetta
What is the skill level?
Not stated
What knitting needles should I use?
4.5 mm (US Size 7) 16″ and 32-40″, or the required needles to obtain gauge
What yarn should I use?
DK Weight – Woolfolk Stra (50% Merino/50% linen, 50 g = 164 yds) in colorway S3, 6 (7) 8 (9) 10 (11) 12 (13) 14 skeins
Project Size?
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
12. Chunky cardigan
Who is the designer of this knitting pattern?
The designer of this knitting pattern is Julia Piro ESNQknit
What is the skill level?
Beginner
What knitting needles should I use?
15 mm (US 19) and approx 80 cm/32 inches long.
What yarn should I use?
“Crazy Sexy Wool” by Wool and the Gang in the color Mineral Pink.
Project Size?
XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL.
Where can I find this knitting pattern?
You can find this knitting pattern on the website, here is the link!
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Thank you so much to all the very talented designers that have designed all these incredible patterns!