23 Best Cardigan Sewing Patterns (3 FREE!)

Cardigans make the perfect layering pieces for transitional and colder weather, so today I’m sharing 23 of the best sewing patterns I found. 3 of them are free! There are all sorts of styles included in this list, from waterfall fronts to classic buttoned cardigans, so you’re sure to find one you love.

Contents list:

Easy cardigan patterns
Long / maxi style
Button-up style
Cocoon / circle style
Oversized / “Boyfriend” style
Waterfall / drape front style
Tie front style
Wrap style
Cardigan jacket patterns
Men’s cardigan patterns
Quick Q&A’s

Easy cardigan patterns:

“Harper” duster style, open front cardigan

DOWNLOAD NOW

Download now from Sinclair Patterns – FREE

Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Bust: 31.5” – 60” (80 – 152 cm). 3 height options: regular, petite, and tall.
Design: Semi fitted cardigan / duster. Fitted shoulders with set-in sleeves. Four lengths: cropped, classic, longline, and duster. Optional cuffs and bands. Optional patch pockets. Options for short, three quarter, or long sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabric with at least 50% stretch. For example, cotton jersey, French terry, sweatshirt knit, rib knit, interlock, or double knit.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a beginner could enjoy sewing this pattern since the style of the cardigan is very simple, and the cuffs, bands and pockets can be left off for an easier sew. The reviews suggest that the instructions are clear and detailed, and there’s also a Facebook group with additional support if needed.

“Blackwood” open front cardigan with length options

BUY NOW

Buy now from Helen’s Closet – $16

Sizes:
- US 0 – 22 (B-cup). Bust: 31” – 48” (78.5 – 122 cm).
- US 12 – 34 (D-cup). Bust: 40” – 62” (101.5 – 157.5 cm).
Design: Fitted cardigan with open, duster style front. Extra long sleeves. Option for hip or mid-thigh lengths. Optional patch pockets.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabric with at least 40% width-wise and 20% length-wise stretch. For example, cotton jersey, sweatshirt knit, rib knit, interlock, sweater knit, French terry, or double knit.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size.
Instructions: Detailed, illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. There are additional tutorials and hacks available here.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a confident beginner would enjoy sewing this pattern. Some previous experience sewing with knit fabrics could be helpful but isn’t essential as the style of the cardigan is simple. Using a stable knit such as a French terry would be easier to work with than something with a lot of stretch. Helen’s Closet patterns come with great, beginner-friendly instructions and the additional support materials would be really helpful for beginners.

Long / maxi style:

“Marni” long cardigan with open front and wide neckband

BUY NOW

Buy now from Sew Over It – £11.50 – 29.50 (approx. $14 – 36)

Sizes: UK 6 – 20. Bust: 31” – 45” (79 – 114 cm).
Design: Long line cardigan. Dropped shoulders. Wide neckband. Roomy pockets. Options for knee or midi length.
Fabric: Light to heavy-weight knit fabric depending on the type of cardigan you wish to sew. Use a viscose, bamboo, or rayon jersey for a light, drapey cardigan, or a wool, sweatshirt knit, French terry, or Ponte for a cozy feel.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included. Copyshop printed patterns are available at an additional cost.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. This pattern would be great for a beginner with some sewing experience wanting to advance their skills sewing with knit fabrics. The style of the cardigan is simple with no fastenings to sew. Use a stable knit fabric for an easier sew.

“Esme” buttoned maxi length cardigan with pockets

BUY NOW

Buy now from Named Clothing – $11.99

Sizes: XS – XXL. Bust: 30” – 50.5” (76 – 128 cm).
Design: Maxi length cardigan with an oversized fit. Dropped shoulders. Chunky button closure. Large, in-seam front pockets. Rolled up cuffs.
Fabric: Medium to heavy-weight knit fabric with 20-40% stretch. For example, French terry, sweatshirting, or sweater knits..
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner would struggle with some parts of this pattern, such as sewing the pockets and the buttonholes, which can be tricky to sew in knits. Choose a fabric with a low stretch percentage to make the sewing process easier.

Button-up style:

“Charlotte” classic jewel neck cardigan

BUY NOW

Buy now from Jalie – $12 – 16

Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 33” – 51” (84 – 130 cm).
Design: Classic, jewel neck cardigan. Long sleeves. Optional button up front. Options for cropped or hip lengths. Optional patch pockets. Hem and sleeve cuff bands.
Fabric: Medium weight knit fabric with 40% stretch. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, double knit, French terry, or sweatshirting.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are included. A paper version is also available, as well as a PDF + paper bundle. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this pattern would suit an adventurous beginner with some previous sewing experience. Sewing the cardigan with the pockets and the button band would be better suited to an advanced beginner to intermediate sewist as sewing buttonholes on knit fabric can be tricky, but the open front version would make for an easier sew.

“Cambridge” V-neck, buttoned, fitted cardigan

BUY NOW

Buy now from Peekaboo Pattern Shop – $9.95

Sizes: 2XS – 3XL. Bust: 30” – 50” (76 – 127 cm).
Design: Classic, V-neck, button front cardigan. Fitted style. Option for long or short sleeve lengths. A matching kids pattern can be bought here.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, double knit, French terry, or sweatshirting.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. This cardigan has a simple design, and the reviews suggest the instructions are well written and easy to follow. A complete beginner may have some issues sewing the buttonholes on the knit fabric, but an adventurous beginner could sew this pattern with some practice and patience.

“Driftless” drop shoulder cardigan with pockets

BUY NOW

Buy now from Grainline Studio – $16

Sizes: US 0 – 18. Bust: 32” – 44” (81 – 112 cm).
Design: Casual, drapey cardigan. Dropped shoulders. In seam pockets hidden in a horizontal seam. Neck and hem bands. Button up front. Option for straight or dropped hem. Optional split hem.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric with at least 20% stretch. For example, cotton jersey, interlock, double knit, French terry, Ponte, or sweatshirting.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could sew this pattern. Some experience sewing with knit fabrics could be an advantage, especially when it comes to sewing in the buttonholes. For an easier sew, use a stable fabric such as a ponte and choose the view without the buttons.

“Milo” button front cardigan with optional pockets

BUY NOW

Buy now from Seamwork – $16

Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust: 33” – 54” (84 – 137 cm).
Design: Semi-fitted, button front cardigan with V-neckline. Gently dropped shoulders. Hem, neck and sleeve bands. Optional patch pockets. Two length options: high or low hip.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric with at least 30% stretch. For example, Ponte, double knit, merino jersey, French terry, rib knits, and sweater knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available.
Instructions: Instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a paid video tutorial / class featuring this pattern here.
Suitable for beginners? The pattern skill level is rated ‘advanced. Beginner’. I think this a good rating for this pattern. A complete beginner might struggle sewing the button band and attaching the cuffs. Some experience sewing with knit fabrics would be an advantage.

“Marlo” oversized button up cardigan

BUY NOW IN US 0-18

BUY NOW IN US 14-30

Buy now from True Bias in standard and plus sizing – $16 – 20

Sizes:
- US 0 – 18. Chest: 32” – 44.5” (82 -113 cm).
- US 14 – 30. Chest: 41.5” – 57.5” (105 – 146 cm).
Design: Oversized, boxy cardigan sweater with a deep V-neck. Dropped shoulders. Thick button band with large buttons. Cropped and mid-thigh views. Optional patch pockets.
Fabric: Medium-weight woven or knit fabrics such as sweater knit, french terry, sweatshirting, polar fleece, rib knit, and bouclé for the body. The bindings require at least 20% stretch.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available at an additional cost.
Instructions: Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern. There’s also a photo sew along, a side slit hack and a vest hack available on their blog.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. An advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern. The style is simple, and the oversized fit makes it easy to fit. The additional tutorials would also be helpful for a beginner.

Cocoon / circle style:

“Slouchy Cardi” with curved, cocoon style hem

DOWNLOAD NOW

Download now from Peppermint – FREE

Sizes: A – K. Bust: 30” – 51.5” (76 – 131 cm).
Design: Slouchy, cocoon style cardigan. Curved hem. Wide neckband. Open front. In seam pockets. Mid-thigh length.
Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabric with at least 20% stretch. For example, Ponte, double knit, merino jersey, French terry, and sweater knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are available as a separate download.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern is better suited for an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist with some prior experience in sewing with knits. A beginner might struggle sewing the bands to the curved seams and the in-seam pockets.

“Hyssop” cardigan with curved, cocoon style hem and wide neckband

DOWNLOAD NOW

Download now from Mood – FREE

Sizes: US 2 – 30. Bust: 32.5” – 58.5” (82.5 – 148.5 cm).
Design: Semi-fitted, cocoon style cardigan. Fitted shoulders with set-in sleeves. Curved hem. Wide neck and hem band. Open front. Mid-thigh length.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric. Fleece is suggested, but you could also use sweatshirting, Ponte, sweater knits, or French terry.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes.
Instructions: Photo instructions are included in the blog post, but they are quite minimal.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern is better suited for an advanced beginner to intermediate level sewist. A beginner could struggle with the curved seams, the set-in sleeves, and sewing the neck / front band. The instructions aren’t very detailed either.

“Fraser” cocoon style cardigan with optional hood

BUY NOW

Buy now from Love Notions – $12.50

Sizes: XS – 5XL. Bust: 33” – 57.5” (84 – 146 cm).
Design: Slouchy, cocoon style cardigan. Open front with dramatically curved front edges. Front pockets. Option for hemmed or cuffed sleeves. Contoured collar band. Optional hood. Full bust option.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabric with at least 25% stretch. For example, sweatshirting, Ponte, sweater knits or French terry. Lighter weight knits can be used, but it’s recommended to size down when using lightweight knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think a confident / advanced beginner could try sewing this pattern. Some sewing experience with knits would definitely be an advantage for sewing the contoured collar and front pockets, as well as the hood.

Oversized / “Boyfriend” style:

“S9373” oversized cardigan with sleeve variations

BUY NOW

Buy now from Simplicity – $14.67

Sizes: 2XS – 2XL. Bust: 29.5” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
Design: Oversized cardigans with buttoned front and V-neckline. Dropped shoulders. Optional patch pockets. Four sleeve options: balloon sleeves, gathered cuffs, straight sleeves, or turned-up cuffs.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics. For example, sweatshirting, Ponte, sweater knits, rib knits, bamboo, interlock, double knit, or French terry.
Format: Paper pattern with a printed instruction booklet.
Suitable for beginners? Yes I think a confident beginner could sew this pattern. Choose the straight sleeve option for an easier sew and use a fabric which won’t stretch too much such as a Ponte or French terry. A complete beginner might struggle with sewing in the buttonholes without any previous experience.

Waterfall / drape front style:

“B6527” cascade collar cardigan with open front

BUY NOW

Buy now from Something Delightful – $19.95

Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 29.5” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
Design: Fitted, jacket style cardigan with cascading collar. Fitted shoulders with long, set-in sleeves. Optional contrasting collar and front bands.
Fabric: Moderate stretch knits, such as viscose, bamboo, rayon or cotton jersey.
Format: Paper pattern with a printed instruction booklet.
Suitable for beginners? No. Although the style of this cardigan is very simple, a complete beginner might struggle with the cutting and sewing the cascading front and collar. Moderate stretch knits can be difficult to sew with since they are so slinky so some sewing experience would be helpful.

“Neffy” long, floaty cardigan

BUY NOW

Buy now from Allie Olson – $16

Sizes: US 0 – 14. Bust: 32” – 40” (76 – 96.5 cm).
Design: Cozy, easy fit cardigan. Long length. Flowing, waterfall style front. Long sleeves.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch and lots of drape. For example, viscose, bamboo, rayon or cotton jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think an adventurous beginner with some previous sewing experience could sew this pattern. The style is very simple but handling the fabric could be difficult for a complete beginner. The suggested jerseys are very fluid with lots of stretch and movement and can be hard to work with.

“Candy” cardigan with waterfall style front

BUY NOW

Buy now from Sinclair Patterns – $9.99

Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Bust: 31.5” – 60” (80 – 152 cm). 3 height options: regular, petite, and tall.
Design: Waterfall front hip-length cardigan. Semi fitted at the shoulders with set-in, semi-fitted sleeves. Relaxed through the waist and hips. Short, three quarter or long sleeves. Options for straight or curved hem. Optional patch pockets.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 30-50% stretch and lots of drape, such as viscose, bamboo, rayon or cotton jersey.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner with some experience would enjoy sewing this pattern. Some experience sewing with knits would be helpful since the required fabrics have a lot of drape and can be tricky to sew with.

Tie front style:

“Sable” fitted, tie front cardigan

BUY NOW

Buy now from Seamwork- $16

Sizes: US 00 – 30. Bust: 32” – 60” (81 – 152 cm).
Design: Fitted, hip-length cardigan. Fitted shoulders with set-in sleeves. Three tie closures on the front, creating peekaboo / keyhole openings. Hemmed sleeves and hem.
Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics. For example, Ponte, merino jersey, French terry, rib knits, and sweater knits
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No, I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate level sewist. Fitting the shoulders and sleeves could be challenging for a complete beginner, as well as sewing the front facing and the front ties. Lightweight knits can also be tricky to work with if you’re new to sewing with knits.

Wrap style:

“Pearl” wrap front cardigan with sleeve options

BUY NOW

Buy now from Tilly and the Buttons – $16

Sizes: UK 6-34. Bust: 30” – 60” (76 – 152.5 cm).
Design: Cropped, wrap front, semi fitted cardigan. Dropped shoulders. V neckline. Neckband, hem band, sleeve cuffs. Options for straight, short or balloon sleeves.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics with some drape and at least 20% stretch. For example, ponte, jacquard, velvet, merino jersey, French terry, rib knits, and sweater knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is also available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident / advanced beginner could try sewing this pattern. Some experience sewing with knits would be an advantage when sewing the neckband and attaching the ties. Make the straight sleeve option in a low stretch knit for an easier sew.

“S9189” knit wrap jacket with large cape collar

BUY NOW

Buy now from Simplicity – $15.37

Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 29.5” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
Design: Wrap jacket style cardigan with dramatic cape collar. Two length options. Short, three quarter, or long sleeve options. Curved hem. Button fastening.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics with some drape. For example, ponte, jacquard, velvet, French terry, bouclé, and sweater knits
Format: Paper pattern with a printed instruction booklet.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would best suit an intermediate sewist. The style of the cardigan could be quite difficult for a beginner to sew with the cape collar. Some sewing experience with knits would be helpful in working with the suggested fabrics.

Cardigan jacket patterns:

“Oslo” open front cardigan jacket with wide front bands

BUY NOW

Buy now from Seamwork – $16

Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust: 33” – 54” (84 – 137 cm).
Design: Open front, jacket style cardigan. Dropped shoulders. Wide front facing bands. Long sleeves. Button closure. Three sleeve style options.
Fabric: Heavy-weight knit fabrics. For example, sweater knits, double knit, ponte knit, jersey knit, rib knits, and French terry.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced beginner could make this pattern. The style of the cardigan is simple to sew but the heavyweight fabric could be difficult for a complete beginner to handle. Sewing the buttonholes for the fastening could also be tricky and some sewing experience would definitely be an advantage here.

“M6996” cardigan jackets with raised neck and gathered back collars

BUY THE PDF PATTERN

BUY THE PAPER PATTERN

Buy now from Something Delightful – $13.27

Sizes: US 4 – 26. Bust: 29” – 48” (75 – 122 cm).
Design: Close fitting, jacket style cardigan. Fitted shoulders with long set-in sleeves. High neckline. Open front with an optional belt closure. Front band extends to a gathered collar at the back. Optional, lower back peplum.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics with some drape. For example, Ponte, jacquard, velvet, French terry, rib knits, and sweater knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Paper version also available here. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would best suit an advanced beginner to intermediate sewist. Some experience with knit fabrics would be helpful for sewing the peplum hem and gathered collar. To make the sewing process easier choose a sturdier knit fabric such as a Ponte or French terry.

Men’s cardigan patterns:

“Everton” classic buttoned cardigan with pockets and elbow patches

BUY NOW

Buy now from Sinclair Patterns – $9.99

Sizes: XS – 2XL. Chest: 34.5” – 49” (88 – 124 cm).
Design: Classic buttoned cardigan with V-neckline. Semi-fitted shoulders with set-in sleeves. Front and hem bands. Sleeve cuffs. Optional patch pockets. Optional elbow patches.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch. For example, sweater knits, sweatshirting, Ponte, jacquard, French terry, and double knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced beginner with some experience with knits could sew this pattern. Some of the details like the elbow patched, the pockets, and the buttons can be left off or snap fastenings could be used instead to make the process easier.

“Far Far” classic buttoned cardigan with optional shawl collar

BUY NOW

Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – $14

Sizes: 2XS – 4XL Chest: 28.5” – 48” (71 – 124 cm).
Design: Cozy, classic V-neck buttoned cardigan. Front and hem bands. Sleeve cuffs. Optional patch pockets. Optional shawl collar.
Fabric: Medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch. For example, sweater knits, fleece, sweatshirting, Ponte, jacquard, French terry, and double knits.
Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some experience could sew this pattern. Some experience sewing knit fabrics would be helpful for sewing the button band, as a complete beginner might struggle here. The pattern reviews suggest that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.

Quick Q&A’s:

How many yards of fabric do I need for a cardigan?

Depending on the style and size, a cardigan could be sewn from about 1.5 – 3.5 yards of fabric. Cropped cardigans with short sleeves will use less fabric than a midi length cardigan or a waterfall style front maxi cardigan.

What is the best fabric to sew a cardigan?

Floaty cardigans with waterfall style fronts work well in knit fabric with lots of drape, such as rayon, viscose, bamboo or modal jerseys. Classic cardigans with button fronts pair well with medium to heavy weight knits such as sweater knits, rib knits, or Ponte.

What measurements do you need for a cardigan?

The most important measurements to take when selecting your size for a cardigan are bust / chest and hip measurements (depending on the length of the cardigan you are planning to sew).
For a cropped cardigan, the bust and waist measurements will be the most important as these are the parts of the body the cardigan will need to fit. For a full length cardigan, the hip measurement should also be taken into account.
If you’re making a cardigan with fitted shoulders and sleeves, you should also measure the shoulder width, bicep circumference, and arm length to achieve a good fit.
It’s always a good idea to check the finished garment measurements to see how much ease there will be in the garment once it’s sewn as this might influence the size you wish to sew.

What to read next?

This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.

Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…