Easy Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Easy Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern- Get ready to add a touch of warmth and style to your little one’s wardrobe with this easy kids cardigan knitting pattern.
This easy kids cardigan knitting pattern is perfect for beginners. It features raglan sleeves, a ribbed hem and sleeve cuffs, a v-neck, and an oversized fit. Whether you’re new to knitting or looking for a straightforward project, this pattern will allow you to create a beautiful cardigan that will keep your child warm and stylish. Grab your knitting needles, select your favorite yarn, and let’s get started on this fun and rewarding journey of creating a handmade cardigan for your little guy or girl.
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Easy Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern
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Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland in Olympic (worsted weight yarn-2 skeins for size 4, 3 skeins for size 6)
Needles: Size US 8 straight knitting needles
Also needed: yarn needle, buttons (I used these)
Gauge: 18 sts and 4 rows = 4 inches
Child Sizes: Kid’s age 4-5 and 6-7 years old (in parenthesis)
Skill level: Beginner +
Pattern instructions for the cardigan sweater:
Back of the Cardigan (sweater is worked from the bottom-up):
Cast on 62 (66) sts.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches, ending on a Purl row and and increase 1 (3) st(s) evenly across last row. 63 (69) sts.
Work in in stocking stitch until work from beginning measures 10 (11) inches, ending on a purl row.
Shape raglans:
Cast off 2 (2) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 59 (65) sts.
Next row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
Next row: P2. P2tog. Purl to last 4 sts. P2togtbl. P2.
1st row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 15 (17) times more. Cast off rem 23 (25) sts.
For the Left Front:
Cast on 31 (35) sts.
1st row: (RS). *K2. P2. Rep from * to last 3 sts. K3.
2nd row: K1. *P2. K2. Rep from * to last 2 sts. P2.
Rep last 2 rows (K2. P2) ribbing for 2 (2), ending on a 2nd row and inc 1 (0) st(s) evenly across last row. 32 (35) sts.
Proceed in stockinette stitch until work from the beginning measures 10 (11) inches, ending on a purl row.
Shape raglan: Cast off 2 (2) sts at beg of next row. 30 (33) sts.
Purl 1 row.
Next row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to end of row.
Next row: Purl to last 4 sts. P2togtbl. P2.
1st row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to end of row.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows once more. 26 (29) sts rem.
Shape neck:
1st row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to last 2 sts. K2tog.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 6 (7) times more. 10 (10) sts rem.
Next row: K2. ssk. Knit to end of row.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2. ssk. Knit to last 2 sts. K2tog.
Next row: Purl.
Rep last 4 rows 1 (2) time(s) more. 4 (4) sts rem.
Next row: K2. ssk.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K1. ssk.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog. Fasten off.
For the Right Front:
Cast on 31 (35) sts.
1st row: (RS). K3. *P2. K2. Rep from * to end of row.
2nd row: *P2. K2. Rep from * to last 3 sts. P2. K1.
Rep last 2 rows (K2. P2) ribbing for 2 (2) inches, ending on a 2nd row and inc 1 (0) st(s) evenly across last row. 32 (35) sts.
Work in stockinette stitch until work from the beginning measures 10 (11) inches, ending on a knit row.
Shape raglans:
Cast off 2 (2) sts at beg of next row. 30 (33) sts.
Next row: (RS). Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
Next row: P2. P2tog. Purl to end of row.
1st row: (RS). Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows once more. 26 (29) sts rem.
Shape the neck:
1st row: (RS). ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 7 (7) times more. 10 (13) sts rem.
Next row: Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
Next row: Purl.
Rep last 4 rows 1 (2) time(s) more. 4 (4) sts rem.
Next row: K2tog. K2.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog. K1.
Next row: Purl.
Next row: K2tog.
Fasten off.
For the Sleeves:
Cast on 34 (38) sts.
Work 2 (2) inches (K2. P2) ribbing as given for Back, ending on a 2nd row and increase 3 (3) st(s) evenly across last row. 37 (41) sts.
Work 6 rows in stocking st.
Increase 1 st each end of next row and following 4th rows until there are 43 (47) sts.
Increase 1 st each end of following 6th rows until there are 49 (55) sts.
Continue working from the beginning until the piece measures 9 1⁄2 (10 1⁄2) inches, ending on a purl row.
Shape the Raglans:
Cast off 2 (2) sts beg next 2 rows. 45 (51) sts.
1st row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
2nd row: P2. P2tog. Purl to last 4 sts. P2togtbl. P2.
3rd row: As 1st row.
4th row: Purl.
Repeat the last 4 rows 1 (2) time(s) more. 33 (33) sts.
1st row: (RS). K2. ssk. Knit to last 4 sts. K2tog. K2.
2nd row: Purl.
Rep last 2 rows 12 (12) times more. Cast off rem 7 (7) sts.
Finishing the Cardigan:
Sew raglan seams. Sew side and sleeve seams.
For the Buttonhole Band:
Cast on 9 sts.
1st row: (RS). K2. (P1. K1) 3 times. K1.
2nd row: K1. (P1. K1) 4 times.
Repeat the last 2 rows until the band, when slightly stretched, measures length to fit up the Right Front, sewing in place as you knit. Place markers on band for 4 buttons, having bottom button 1/2 inches above the cast on edge, and the top button 1/2 inches below the first front decrease and the remaining 3 buttons spaced evenly between.
Continue working in ribbing to fit up neck edge, across back neck edge and down the opposite neck edge to first button marker.
For the Buttonholes:
Make buttonholes to correspond to markers as follows:
1st row: (RS). Rib 4. Cast off 2 sts. Rib to end of row.
2nd row: Rib, casting on 2 sts over cast off sts.
Continue working in ribbing to end of the Left Front.
Cast off in ribbing. Sew on buttons to correspond to buttonholes.
With this easy kids cardigan knitting pattern, you have the opportunity to customize colors, add unique touches, and create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Happy Knitting!
Looking for more free sweater knitting patterns for kids like this Easy Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern?
Beginner Kid’s Sweater Knitting Pattern
Easy Kid’s Poncho Knitting Pattern
Easy Super Bulky Kid’s Sweater Knitting Pattern
I love seeing your finished projects! If you enjoyed making this Easy Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern or any of my other free knitting patterns, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, just tag me @ginamicheleblog.
