There is nothing I love more than wrapping my little ones in a cozy handknit cardigan when the weather gets chilly. This post lists several FREE Knitting Patterns for Toddlers Cardigans that I know you’ll just LOVE! Enjoy!
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Colorful Cardigan Patterns
Knit the toddler in your life a cardigan that’s as bright and cheerful as they are! Stitch these colorful cardigans in either cotton, acrylic or wool to suit the season!
It doesn’t get more colorful that this FREE pattern from Paintbox Yarns. Choose between a round or v-neck cardigan and knit it in pieces before seaming it together!
This darling Cardigans sweater is designed for Paintbox Yarns Simply DK but opt for Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK for a spring/summer option. The Cardigans sweater comes in a wide range of sizes: 1 to 9 years old.
Dress you bubbly toddler (or kid!) in this FREE Cathy Bubble Cardigan by Paintbox Yarns! Knit the front, back and raglan style sleeves separately and then seam them together. Create your buttonbands and neckband last, completing this delightful sweater!
The Cathy Bubble Cardigan sweater is designed for Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in all acrylic, but it could be knit in Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK for a lighter option. It comes in a wide range of sizes: 2 to 11 years old.
Do you love a deal as much as I do? Pick your palette (there are 10!) and SAVE on these Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Bella Coco 5 Ball Color Packs from LoveCrafts:
Hazel & Scottie
by Rowan
Knit a classic cardigan that will be cherished for generations! Hazel is a FREE pattern from Rowan that features raglan sleeves and is knit in pieces before seaming. It features a hood, a pocket and 5 buttonholes and it can be knit in sizes 0 months to 5 years old.
Hazel is designed for Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK, which is difficult to find these days. Sirdar Snuggly is a good substitute and comes in many gorgeous shades. CLICK HERE to shop colors now!
The Scottie cardigan is the most advanced cardigan on our list, but the extra effort will most certainly be worth it. You will follow a chart to create the delightful dog motifs and the sleeves, back and front pieces are all knit separately before seaming.
Scottie was originally designed for RYC Cashsoft Baby DK, but Sirdar Snuggly is a good substitute and comes in many gorgeous shades. CLICK HERE to shop colors now!
The Scottie cardigan features a matching beret. Click HERE to access the FREE Scottie Beret Pattern.
Strawberry Pink Sideways Cardigan and Hat
by Lion Brand
Oh so pretty in pink, the Strawberry Pink Sideways Cardigan and Hat by Lion Brand pairs the perfect classic garter stitch cardigan for little ones with a classic hat. The yoke and the sleeves are knit in one piece from one sleeve cuff to the other sleeve cuff. You’ll then pick up stitches along the lower edges of the yoke to complete the back and fronts.
The Strawberry Pink Sideways Cardigan and Hat were originally designed for Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere Yarn which is now discontinued. Great substitute yarns include Sirdar Country Classic Worsted and Rowan Cotton Cashmere.
Chunky Knit Cardigans
I firmly believe that the chunkier the sweater, the cozier it is. This next pattern on our list of Free Knitting Patterns for Toddlers Cardigans will not only keep your toddler warm, but will knit up quickly! What’s not to love?
The Child’s Raglan Cardigan from Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky can be finished in no time! This raglan knit sweater features a hood, oversized buttons and looks oh so cozy!
The Child’s Raglan Cardigan is knit in separate pieces and then seamed together. You can knit it in sizes: 2 – 6 years old.
Do you love Knit Picks as much as we do? Consider knitting your chunky cardigan in one of their Bulky Weight yarns.
Remi & Verde
by Eweknit
The Remi Cardigan is a sweet and simple pattern by Independent Designer Eweknit. Knit it in fingering weight yarn and in a range of sizes: newborn to 4 years old.
The Remi Cardigan by Eweknit is knit from the top down with raglan sleeves. Recreate the delicate colorwork on the front, back and sleeves of this cardigan with FREIA Ombré Shawl Ball Merino Fingering Weight Gradient Yarn or consider these other FANTASTIC fingering weight yarns from Knit Picks:
The Verde Cardigan by Eweknit is simple, stylish and just right for a beginner knitter. It is knit from the top down using raglan shaping and then you work back and forth to create the opening at the front.
Knit the Verde Cardigan in DK weight yarn and in a range of sizes: newborn to 4 years old. Eweknit even sells a kit to create this gorgeous cardigan. Grab it HERE!
My favorite DK weight yarns from Knit Picks include:
Harvest
by tincanknits
Tin Can Knits is one of my all-time favorite independent designers and their FREE Harvest Cardigan Pattern is as relaxed and comfortable as the toddler in it.
Knit the Harvest Cardigan seamlessly from the top down in worsted weight yarn. It features a wide collar which you will knit first before picking up stitches from your provisional cast on to knit the back and front.
You will proceed with raglan style increases until you have create enough sleeve stitches to place on holders. Then knit the remainder of the sweater and then complete the sleeves without any seaming at all – INGENIUS!
Tin Can Knits recommends Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage Yarn when knitting the Harvest Cardigan.
Visit the Tin Can Knits website for even more FREE patterns and a HUGE dose of inspiration!
Cabled Knit Cardigan Patterns
There is something so timeless and classic about a cardigan that features cables. These fantastic free knitting patterns for toddlers cardigans will be sure inspire you to grab your cable needle!
It doesn’t get more classic than this FREE Cabled Knit Cardigan by Patons. It features garter stitch sleeves and body to make the cables POP! You even have the option to add embroidery and create a completely different look:
The body of the Cabled Knit Cardigan is knit from the bottom up in one piece before you divide for the arm holes. You will then continue to knit the back, and fronts separately before shaping the shoulders and attaching the sleeves and hood. This delightful design can be knit in sizes 6 months through to 4 years.
Grab yourself some Patons Canadiana Yarn to knit this cardigan or another fabulous Worsted Weight Yarn from Knit Picks!
Don’t forget your cable needle:
Embroidered Cardigan
by Patons
This sweet Embroidered Cardigan by Patons only comes in sizes 3 through to 18 months, but if you have a darling one -year old in your life, this would be a perfect option!
Knit the Embroidered Cardigan in 3 pieces: the front 2 panels and the back. You can then sew the shoulder seams and attach the neckband and buttonhole band before inserting the sleeves.
Patons recommends their Bamboo Baby yarn which you can buy HERE on Etsy. Alternatively, consider these BEAUTIFUL options from LoveCrafts:
Livia Child’s Cardigan
by MillaMia
The Livia Child’s Cardigan by MillaMia is has a little bit of everything: cables, bobbles and a darling tie belt. This fabulous cardigan is a fantastic length for fall and winter and will be sure to keep your little one cozy.
Knit Livia Child’s Cardigan in pieces before seaming. There is even a matching Livia Adult Cardigan if you can’t resist knitting one for yourself!
The Livia Child’s Cardigan is designed in sizes 2 – 7 years in MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino Sport Weight yarn. For an alternative yarn choice, consider Malabrigo Arroyo or buy in BULK and save with the MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino 5 Ball Value Pack , available in over 20 colorways!
Honorable Mention
While researching the most darling FREE cardigan patterns available, I came across the Avalon Cabled Cardigan. It’s not free, but it costs less than $3 and it’s designed by Heather Cabanas. It is too fabulous NOT to include it!
Avalon Cabled Cardigan
The Avalon Cabled Cardigan by Heather Cabanas is an asymmetrical cardigan with a cabled collar and front. It’s a raglan style cardigan and is knit seamlessly in one piece from the top down.
Designer Heather Cabanas provides options for both sleeves and bind-off so that it can be customized for the perfect style and fit.
Knit the Avalon Cabled Cardigan in worsted weight yarn. Here are a couple of our favorite brands:
This post was all about Free Knitting Patterns for Toddlers Cardigans. Leave a comment below letting us know whether you’ve completed one of the patterns above and what your experience was. Do you have another FREE toddler knitting pattern that you’d recommend? Mention it (or link it below) and we will be sure to check it out!
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