9 Free Cardigan Patterns Knit from the Bottom-Up
A little while back, I created a popular post about the 10 Best Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Fall.
Most of the cardigans featured in that post were knitted seamlessly from the top-down.
However, not every likes to knit top-down sweaters and requests came pouring in for sweaters that are worked in pieces from the bottom-up and then seamed.
So I rounded up nine gorgeous cardigans with bottom-up construction. You’ll knit the cardigan in pieces starting with the bottom of the back panel. Then, you’ll knit the fronts and sleeves and finish your project by sewing the seams together.
I come from a sewing background, so this type of sweater construction (also known as flat panel construction) makes a lot of sense to me.
It feels like I am knitting the pieces of a traditional sewing pattern. Instead of cutting out fabric, I’m just shaping the pieces as I knit. Then I joining them together by sewing the seams. There is a lot of comfort in this method of sweater construction!
So let’s get into the projects!
I know you are going to love these sweaters and they will be fabulous editions to your fall and winter wardrobe.
Most of them are beginner to advanced beginner projects with quite a few of them being quick-knits on bulky weight yarn.
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#1. Dotty Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
Knit this beautifully textured cardigan using bulky yarn and the lovely dot stitch! The Dotty Cardigan is a chunky cardigan that looks so stylish with its sophisticated length, ribbed collar, and cozy pockets. This cardigan works up very quickly and will look beautiful layered over jeans, leggings, dresses and all your outfits!
Uses bulky weight yarn
Designed by Stephanie Jessica Lau
Get Lion Brand Color Made Easy Yarn for this project
#2. Cliffside Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
Chunky moss-stitched coziness, a wide ribbed collar, and perfect inset pockets - what more could you want in a cardigan? The Cliffside Cardigan is the ultimate fall/winter sweater and perfect for layering over any outfit whether you’re battling the ocean breeze or strolling the city streets.
Uses super bulky weight yarn
Designed by Alexandra Tavel
Get Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn for this project - also available as a knitting kit
#3. Breckenridge Topper Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
A comfy fit and airy, cotton fabric makes this wide sleeved cardigan your go-to spring and summer piece. Wear it over a tank or graphic tee all season long. Super simple to knit and cool to wear!
If you know how to knit and purl, you can make this!
Uses DK weight yarn
Designed by Jessica Reeves Potasz
Get Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn for this project
#4. Branchville Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
Branchville is a cardigan worked from the bottom up in a simple stitch repeat you’ll be sporting in no time. What’s better than going in your closet to grab that super cozy cardigan? We’d argue nothing!
Uses bulky weight yarn
Designed by Amy Christoffers
Get Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Yarn for this project
#5. Simple Slouchy Sweater Free Knitting Pattern
This soft, slouchy cardigan is a fall wardrobe essential! It’s so cozy you’ll want to make one in every color!
Uses worsted weight yarn
Designed by Yarn for Yarn
Get Lion Brand Pound of Love Yarn for this project
#6. Cotton Candy Beginner Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
The look and feel of this superbly soft, airy cardigan will remind you of cotton candy! It features a comfortable, loose knit fabric with simple stockinette and garter stitches. The stitch definition is gorgeous and it works up quickly with large knitting needles. Because it’s made with minimal shaping and only requires beginner knitting skills, this is the perfect project for first-time sweater makers.
Uses aran weight yarn
Designed by Jessica Reeves Potasz
Get Lion Brand Feels Like Butta Yarn for this project
#7. Lillian Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
The long and lean silhouette of the Lillian Cardigan makes it the perfect cozy companion for lounging around the house and an elegant addition to any ensemble for strolling the streets. Side vents, patch pockets, and a narrow collar add simple but chic elements to this sophisticated style.
Uses worsted weight yarn
Designed by Alexandra Tavel
Get Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Yarn for this project - also available as a knitting kit
#8. Colonia Cropped Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
Garter stripes add a pop of texture to this easy beginner cardigan project. It’s knitted in pieces from the bottom-up and then seamed together. Even though it’s cropped, it has a relaxed, oversized fit.
Uses bulky weight yarn
Designed by Lisa Carnahan
Get Lion Brand Color Made Easy Yarn for this project
#9. Coziest Cable Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern
Loose, cozy fabric and an oversized fit make this one of the comfiest sweaters ever! This cardigan features minimal shaping and basic stitching. There’s a link to a helpful tutorial on how to knit cables if you’ve never tried them.
Uses bulky weight yarn
Designed by Jessica Reeves Potasz
Get Lion Brand Color Made Easy Yarn for this project
