10 Free Sweater Knitting Patterns

Posted by Mary Egan on Sep 13, 2012

As the weather becomes cooler and autumn approaches, crafters naturally flock toward knitting projects and sweater patterns to create warm and cozy garments for themselves and their loved ones. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out these free sweater knitting patterns, including cardigans, zip-ups and pullovers.

Woman wearing knit shrug with flower detail

This easy pattern for a rolled-collar shrug requires a pair of 9 (5.5 mm) needles, 6 (6, 7) 2½oz/70.9g skeins (each approx 100yd/92m) of yarn, and a really cute outfit. Wear it in mild weather or at an indoor gathering. Oh, and don't forget to brag that you made it yourself.

Check out VOGUEknitting for the free pattern for this adorable shrug.

This cabled raglan sweater knitting pattern is perfect for the changing seasons. The pattern calls for sizes 4 mm (U.S. 6) and 4.5 mm (U.S. 7) knitting needles, a cable needle, and 4 stitch holders. The high neckline and cables are sure to keep you warm and cozy.

Visit Paton's Yarn for the sweater knitting pattern.

This free pattern for a ladies pullover top down sweater is courtesy of Plymouth Yarn and calls for their Baby Alpaca Grande wool, a chunky, 100% alpaca wool. The pattern requires a gauge of 3 sts = 1"/US10.5 needle.

For the free sweater pattern, visit this post on CraftFoxes.

Woman wearing a purple sweater with a high neck

This sweater knitting pattern has a high neck and is a comfortably loose-fitting sweater. The pattern, taken from "Rowan Knitting and Crochet Magazine," calls for 11 (13:14) 100gm balls of Rowan Cocoon in Lavender Ice 811, a pair each of 6mm and 7mm knitting needles, and a cable needle.

Visit All About You for the free knitting pattern.

Woman wearing an off-shoulder pullover sweater

Looking for something to keep you cozy at home—and out on the town, too? Try knitting this gem and relish in pulling it down an inch or two to show off those collarbones and some dangling earrings. You'll need some experience to tackle this intermediate level project as well as a pair of size 7 (4.5 mm) needles. VOGUEknitting recommends using a yarn with gold flecks for a little extra bling.

For the free sweater pattern, visit VOGUEknitting.

Woman wearing a blue sweater, clasped in front with a small pearl button.

For a dainty sweater worn over a dress or autumn outfit, try this Pearl Cardigan. This free sweater knitting pattern requires 10 (11, 13, 15) skeins of Panda Bamboo, US 7 Needles, and 4 buttons.

Visit Universal Yarn for the free knitting pattern.

The Aiden pattern is a cozy, roomy and warm masculine pullover worked from the bottom up. Other than a little Kitchener stitch at the underarms and a few whip stitches to hold the collar down, it is seamless and all in one. The neckline is reminiscent of the classic shawl collar but is constructed as your work, so no picking up stitches.

For the free sweater knitting pattern, visit this CraftFoxes post.

Woman wearing a light blue sweater outdoors.

The Olivia is an elegant cardigan featuring an eyelet pattern. The sweater knitting pattern requires 7 x 50g balls of DK mohair yarn, 4mm and 3.25 mm knitting needles, a 3.5 mm crochet hook, and 8 buttons.

Visit Yellow, Pink and Sparkly for the free cardigan pattern.

Woman wearing a blue sweater with a cowl neck.

This lovely sweater with a fashionable cowl neck falls within the easy skill level, so it’ll be a breeze for experienced knitters. The free sweater knitting pattern requires Classic Elite Yarns, Bazic Wool, 100% wool, worsted weight yarn (65 yards per hank): 13 (14, 16, 17) hanks of Aqua (2972), size 9 (5.5 mm) straight knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge, and a size 8 (5 mm), size 10 (6 mm), and size 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) circular knitting needle, 16-inch length.

For the free sweater knitting pattern, visit Better Homes and Gardens.

Woman wearing a thick green sweater with a zipper in the front.

For something a bit more complex, try this accordion jacket sweater with a zip-up front, which comes in adult and child sizes. The sweater knitting pattern has a few options to let you experiment with patterns and textures.

Visit Knitty for full details on this sweater pattern.

Credits: Margaret Ohare; VOUGEknitting; Paton's Yarn; Plymouth Yarn; All About You; VOUGEknitting; Universal Yarn; Need Knit Design; Yellow, Pink and Sparkly; Better Homes & Gardens; Knitty.

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