If you’re looking for free knitting patterns for children’s sweaters, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re knitting for a toddler, a boy, or a girl, this roundup features some of the best free patterns available as PDFs for easy downloading and printing.
Why Choose Free Knitting Patterns for Children’s Sweaters?
Knitting a sweater for a child is a rewarding project. With free patterns, you can create beautiful handmade garments without the extra cost. Plus, downloadable PDFs make it easy to access and follow patterns at your own pace.
Free Knitting Patterns for Children’s Sweaters to Download
Here are some fantastic free knitting patterns for children’s sweaters that you can download as PDFs.
1. Free Knitting Pattern for Girls’ Sweater (PDF)
A cozy and stylish sweater is a must-have for every girl’s wardrobe. This free pattern includes step-by-step instructions and sizing options for different ages. Download the Free Knitting Pattern for Girls’ Cardigan Sweater PDF today!
Cabled and Lace Sweater
Free Knitting Pattern for a Child’s Cabled and Lace Sweater, featuring set-in sleeves and a textured design. This charming children’s sweater combines cables and lace for a sweet and stylish look. The design features a “Taffy Twist Cable” panel flanked by “Lace Columns” on the front. The sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up and seamed, with a picked-up and knit-in-the-round neckband. The sleeves are set-in, and the fit is relaxed.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 1-2 (2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10) years
Free PDF Download: Here
Bishop-Sleeve Sweater
Free Knitting Pattern for a Child’s Bishop-Sleeve Sweater, featuring a classic design with a modern twist. This knit sweater is designed for elementary school-aged children and features a relaxed fit with fashionable bishop sleeves. The body is worked in a simple Stockinette stitch, while the lower edges and neckband are worked in a 1×1 rib. The sleeves have a unique shaping that creates the “bishop” effect (fuller at the wrist and gathered into a fitted cuff). The sweater is knit flat in four pieces (back, front, and two sleeves) and then seamed.
Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: 6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 16) years
Free PDF Download: Here
Celestrina Sweater
This girl’s sweater combines a “melon pink” color, glitter yarn, and cables. It is worked from the bottom up. The body is worked in the round to the armholes, then the sleeves are worked separately. Body and sleeves are joined for the yoke, which is worked in the round with raglan decreases. Short rows shape the neckline. The pattern includes a cable chart.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 2 years/92 cl (4 years/104 cl) 6 years/116 cl (8 years/128 cl) 10 years/140 cl (12 years/152 cl). Body, chest: 52-56 (56-61) 61-66 (66-70) 70-75 (75-80) cm. Sweater, chest: 64 (68) 74 (78) 82 (89) cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
Kid’s Double Rib Pullover
This Pullover is worked in pieces and seamed. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round after the Pullover is seamed. Featuring Double Stitch Brioche Rib.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: Child Size 6-8
Free PDF Download: Here
Big Hug Kid’s Pullover
This Pullover is worked from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. The sleeves are worked in a contrasting color to create fun accent stripes.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but based on the techniques (increases, decreases, seaming, picking up stitches), it’s likely Easy to Intermediate. I’ll put Easy, as the techniques are fairly basic, but you may want to adjust this based on your assessment.
Sizes: 3 mos (6 mos, 1, 2, 4) (6, 8, 10, 12) yrs
Free PDF Download: Here
Lille Vilma
This child’s sweater is a top-down raglan design with extensive Fair Isle (stranded colorwork) charts for both the body and sleeves. The sweater uses two strands of yarn held together throughout. The neckband is a folded ribbing, and the hems and cuffs are finished with Italian bind-off. Short rows shape the neckline.
Skill Level: Advanced
Sizes: 2yrs/92cl (4yrs/104cl) 6yrs/116cl (8yrs/128cl). Fits Chest Circumference: 53-56 (57-60) 61-66 (67-70) cm. Circumference: 73 (76) 80 (84) cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
All-Star Pullover
This sweater is knit in pieces and seamed. The star motifs are worked by using the intarsia technique of changing colors.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but based on techniques (Intarsia, seaming, picking up stitches), Intermediate is a reasonable estimate.
Sizes: 1 (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) year
Free PDF Download: Here
Rosenborg Sweater
This child’s sweater features a textured trellis pattern (cables) on the body. It’s worked from the bottom up. The body is worked in the round to the armholes, then divided for front and back. Stitches are picked up around the armholes, and the sleeves are worked top-down, with short rows to shape the shoulders. A ribbed neckband is picked up and knit. The pattern includes a cable chart.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 2 years/92 cl (4 years/104 cl) 6 years/116 cl (8 years/128 cl). Body, chest: 53-56 (57-60) 61-66 (67-70) cm. Sweater chest: 70 (74) 78 (82) cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
220 Superwash® Sport Girl’s Sweater
This girl’s sweater features colorful stripes in varying widths. It’s worked flat in pieces and seamed. The pattern includes button and buttonhole plackets along the shoulders, and a ribbed neckband.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8) years. Finished Chest: 26 (28, 30, 32) inches.
Free PDF Download: Here
Little Diva
This child’s sweater is a top-down raglan design with lace detailing at the neck and sleeve cuffs. It’s knit with two strands of yarn held together. The body is worked in stockinette stitch. The yoke features increases to create puffed shoulders.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 4 (6) 8 (10) 12 (14) years. Fits Chest Circumference: 58 (64) 68 (72) 79 (85) cm. Circumference: 72 (79) 86 (93) 101 (108) cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
2. Boy Sweater Knitting Pattern Free PDF
Knit a stylish and comfortable sweater for your little boy with this boy sweater knitting pattern free PDF. Whether you’re going for a classic pullover or a trendy hoodie style, this pattern has great options.
Kids Chevron Pullover
This Pullover is worked flat from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. This Pullover is intended to fit with 3-5” positive ease. Featuring Chevron Stripes.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but based on the techniques, it’s likely Intermediate (due to colorwork, working into rows below, and increasing/decreasing). I will put Intermediate, but you should confirm this based on your own assessment of the pattern.
Sizes: 12 mos (2T, 4T, 6) (8, 10, 12) years
Free PDF Download: Here
Stripe-o-saurus Sweater
This sweater is worked flat from the bottom up and seamed. Neck edging stitches are picked up and worked in the round. Featuring colorwork.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but based on techniques (seaming, picking up stitches, and the note about slipping stitches for the stripe sequence), it is likely Intermediate.
Sizes: 3-6 mos (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) years
Free PDF Download: Here
Sverrigsgade Sweater
Free Knitting Pattern for a Child’s Striped Sweater, featuring a top-down construction, short rows, and colorwork. This colorful children’s sweater is inspired by the vibrant houses of Sverrigsgade in Copenhagen. The design features a top-down construction, starting with a ribbed neckband and incorporating short rows to shape the shoulders. The yoke includes raglan increases and a bold striped pattern. The body and sleeves continue the striping, and the sweater is finished with ribbed cuffs and hem. It is designed for boys, but is suitable for any child.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: (2 years/92 cl) 4 years/104 cl (6 years/116 cl) 8 years/128 cl (10 years/140 cl) 12 years/152 cl
Free PDF Download: Here
Side to Side Stripes
This striped pullover is worked from side to side, starting and ending with the sleeve cuffs. The bottom hem band is picked up and knit flat once the body is complete and the neck band is picked up and knit in the round.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated. Based on the description (side-to-side construction, picking up stitches), it’s likely at least Intermediate.
Sizes: 3 mos (12 mos, 24 mos, 4 yr, 6 yr, 8 yr, 10 yr)
Free PDF Download: Here
Knits and Purls Textured Sweater
This children’s sweater features a textured knit and purl pattern. The sweater is worked flat in pieces (back, front, sleeves) and seamed. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round. The pattern notes the right and wrong sides are very similar, cautioning to pay attention when seaming.
Skill Level: Given the textured stitch pattern, shaping, seaming, and picking up stitches, Intermediate is an appropriate assessment.
Sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8) years. Important Note: The pattern provides finished chest measurements: 25 (27, 29, 31) inches. Always use these measurements to choose the correct size.
Free PDF Download: Here
Child’s Sweater with Textured Pattern
This child’s sweater features a textured pattern (likely a cable or textured stitch based on the “motif of 6 sts” and chart reference). The sweater is worked flat in pieces (back, front, sleeves) and seamed. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated. Given the textured pattern (likely cables), seaming, and picking up stitches, Intermediate is a reasonable assumption.
Sizes: 61/65cm [24/25½”] (66/69 cm [26/27”], 71/73 cm [28”/28½”]) chest. This translates roughly to sizes for approximately 4-5 years (6-7 years, 8-9 years), but it’s crucial to go by the chest measurements, not age.
Free PDF Download: Here
Molis Sweater
This child’s sweater features a unique design where vertical stockinette lines “break” at the bottom, which is worked in reverse stockinette. The pattern includes instructions for a three-color striped version. The construction is bottom-up, with the body and sleeves worked separately and then joined at the yoke. Raglan shaping is used, and German short rows shape the neckline.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 2 yrs/92 cm (4 yrs/104 cm) 6 yrs/116 cm (8 yrs/128 cm). Circumference: 60 (66) 71 (75) cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
Fisketur Sweater
This child’s sweater is inspired by fishing trips and features a textured pattern with stripes. The construction is bottom-up: the body is worked in the round to the armholes, then divided for front and back, which are worked flat. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armholes and worked top-down. A ribbed neckband is picked up and knit. The pattern includes a chart.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 2 yrs/92 cm (4 yrs/104 cm) 6 yrs/116 cm (8 yrs/128 cm) 10 yrs/140 cm. Fits Chest Sizes: 56-60 (61-66) 67-70 (71-74) 75-78 cm. Chest Circumference: 71 (76) 80 (84) 89 cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
3. Unisex Children’s Sweater Patterns
Looking for a versatile option? These free children’s knitting patterns to download PDF offer unisex styles that suit any child. From simple crewnecks to textured designs, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Kids’ (basic, seamless, top-down) Raglan Sweater
There are many patterns for a basic raglan sweater. Not all of them are top-down, and since I’m picky, none of them are written
quite the way I like. I’ve designed this pattern to be easy to follow and easy to customize. This is a kids’ sweater with ribbed neck and ribbed or straight hem and cuffs. The ribbed version of the cuffs is designed to fold so that you can adjust the sleeve length as the child grows. The fit is classic and comfortable.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but given that it’s described as “basic” and “easy to follow,” and the techniques are standard for a top-down raglan (increases, ribbing, picking up stitches), Easy or Beginner-Friendly is a good assessment.
Sizes: 2 4 6 8 10 years
Free PDF Download: Here
Anthem Rondo Child’s Sweater
This child’s sweater is a basic design worked in stockinette stitch with ribbed edges. The construction is simple: it’s knit flat in pieces (back, front, two sleeves) and seamed. The shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind-off, and the neckband is picked up and knit in the round.
Skill Level: Given the basic stitches and construction, this pattern is suitable for Easy or Beginner-Friendly knitters.
Sizes: Child’s 2 (4, 6). Finished Measurements: 22 (24, 26) inches at chest; 12.5 (13.5, 15) inches in length.
Free PDF Download: Here
Easy Stripe Pullover
The Easy Stripe Pullover is knit flat in pieces and seamed. Color A is used for the Hem of the body, Main Sleeve, and Neck Edging. Color B is used for the main Front and Back and Sleeve cuffs.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated. Given the name “Easy Stripe Pullover” and the basic construction (flat, seamed), it’s likely Easy or Beginner-Friendly.
Sizes: 0-3 mo (6-12 mo, 18-24 mo, 2-4 yr, 4-6 yr)
Free PDF Download: Here
Classic Children’s Sweater
Free Knitting Pattern for a Child’s Classic Sweater. This basic children’s sweater is a wardrobe staple, worked in a smooth Stockinette stitch with ribbed edges. The sweater is knit flat in pieces (back, front, and two sleeves) from the bottom up and then seamed. The neckband is picked up and knit in the round.
Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: Child’s sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8, 10) Shown in size 6
Free PDF Download: Here
Autumn Smiles Jumper
Knit a charming and cozy “Autumn Smiles Jumper” for your little one! This delightful sweater is worked from the top down with a seamless raglan construction, featuring lovely garter stitch details and simple yet effective cable accents. The pattern includes a wide range of sizes, from 6 months to 8 years, making it a versatile and long-lasting project. Perfect for confident beginners and intermediate knitters looking for a satisfying and stylish knit. The pattern uses a worsted weight (Yarn Group B) yarn for warmth and durability.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 6/9 – 12/18 months (2 – 3/4 – 5/6 – 7/8 years)
Free PDF Download: Here
Button-Neck Child’s Sweater
This sweater features a textured yoke pattern with slipped stitches and ribbing. The front and back are worked flat, with a buttoned shoulder detail. The sleeves are also worked flat and seamed.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but the combination of slipped stitches, shaping, picking up stitches, and buttonholes suggests Intermediate.
Sizes: The pattern provides stitch counts for four sizes, but doesn’t give explicit size names (e.g., 2, 4, 6, 8 years). It gives stitch counts, (35 (49:57:67) sts), inferring four sizes.
Free PDF Download: Here
Funshine Candyland Jumper
This children’s pullover pattern offers two style options: a two-color striped version (Style A) and a single-color version (Style B). The sweater is worked flat in pieces and seamed. It features a simple stockinette stitch body with ribbed hems and cuffs. The neckband is picked up.
Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 years. To Fit Chest: 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 cm. Actual Size: 74, 79, 88, 93, 98 cm
Free PDF Download: Here
4. Free Knitting Patterns for Children’s Sweaters with Cables
Explore our free knitting patterns and create a beautiful and classic sweater for your children. Find free knitting patterns for children’s sweaters with cables to download. Knit a beautiful textured sweater and get your free patterns now.
Cabled Kids Sweater with Beads
This advanced pattern offers a modern take on the classic Aran sweater, incorporating seed stitch panels with integrated beads and complex cable patterns. The sweater features a crew neck, set-in sleeves, and twisted rib hems. The design is knitted in a luxurious baby merino yarn.
Skill Level: Advanced
Sizes: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 years
Free Pdf Download: here
Crosscut Pullover
The Crosscut Pullover is a great little sweater with engaging construction. This sweater is knit in one piece – worked sideways from cuff to cuff. A fun, textured cable is carried up the sleeve to the neck opening, where the front and back of the sweater are then worked separately. After the neck width is reached, the front and back are rejoined, and the cable motif recommences.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 3-6 mo (6-12 mo, 12-24 mo, 2-4 yr, 4-6 yr)
Free PDF Download: Here
Rose Garden
A classic aran sweater is given a twist in the Rose Garden sweater, knit in our sinfully soft Offbeat yarn. This self-striping yarn features crisp color changes that decorate this piece, adding extra interest to the gorgeous cables and Double Moss stitch. This easy-care blend of acrylic and alpaca is super for little ones, plus it’s sized for little ones to grow! This sweater is knit in the round from the bottom up. The sleeves are knit flat and sewn to the body.
Skill Level: Easy
Sizes: 1-3 yrs (4-6 yrs, 7-10 yrs)
Free PDF Download: Here
Florian Sweater
This child’s sweater is a raglan design featuring large cables. It’s worked from the bottom up: the body is worked in the round, then the sleeves are worked separately. Body and sleeves are joined, and the yoke is worked in the round with raglan decreases. Short rows shape the neckline. The pattern includes a cable chart.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 4 years/104 cl (6 years/116 cl) 8 years/128 cl (10 years/140 cl) 12 years/152 cl. Chest, body: 56-61 (61-66) 66-70 (70-75) 75-80 cm. Chest, sweater: 68 (74) 78 (82) 89 cm.
Free PDF Download: Here
Child’s Polo Neck Aran Sweater
Knit a cozy and stylish Aran sweater for your child with this classic pattern! Featuring a charming combination of lattice and bobble stitches, this sweater offers both visual appeal and chunky warmth. The pattern includes options for both a polo neck and a round neck. The textured design is worked in a worsted weight yarn.
Skill Level: Intermediate (due to cables, bobbles, shaping, and seaming)
Sizes: To Fit Chest: 24-25 [26-27, 28-29, 30-31] inches / 61-63 [66-69, 71-74, 76-79] cm (Approximately 2-3 [4-5, 6-7, 8-10] years)
Free PDF Download: Here
Kids’ Moss Stitch and Cross Stitch Pullover
This pullover features a combination of moss stitch and a textured “cross stitch” small cable. The sweater is worked flat in pieces (back, front, sleeves) and seamed.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 4 (6, 8) years.
Free PDF Download: Here
Kids Colorwork Sweater Patterns
Find free knitting patterns for kids’ colorwork sweaters! Download beautiful designs, perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike. Start your next colorful project today with one of these patterns.
Betta Swetta Set
This sweater and hat duo features cute little fishes swimming across the surface of the fabric. The sweater is worked seamlessly in the round from the top-down. The hat is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up. Contrast color edgings add to the fun. The hat is topped with a pom pom.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated. Given the colorwork, seamless construction, and multiple needle sizes, Intermediate is a good estimate.
Sizes: Sweater: 3-6 mo (12-24 mo, 2-4 yr, 4-6 yr); Hat: Baby (Toddler, Child)
Free PDF Download: Here
Flower Fence Sweater
Knit this adorable Flower Fence Sweater, which is a perfect design for a growing little one. A graphic colorwork pattern of stripes and flowers adorn this pullover and the tonal colorways are sure to create lots of smiles every time it’s worn. This sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are separated at the underarm and worked flat.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but the colorwork, seaming of sleeves, and three-needle bind-off suggest Intermediate.
Sizes: 6 mo (12 mo, 18-24 mo, 2-4 yr, 4-6 yr)
Free PDF Download: Here
Confetti Sweater – Child
Trinket is a fun carry-along yarn that has colorful tweedy nubs to give your project a complex and interesting effect! One strand each of Trinket and Everyday Worsted are held together throughout this project. Two separate balls of Trinket will be required to hold with the two colors in each round of the colorwork section. Colors are changed using the stranded method.
Skill Level: Not explicitly stated, but stranded knitting, working in the round, and complex shaping (simultaneous yoke decreases and neck shaping) definitely put this at Intermediate, possibly even Advanced.
Sizes: 2 (4, 6/8, 10/12) year
Free PDF Download: Here
Charlie Pullover
This child’s pullover is a top-down raglan design featuring a garter stitch buttoned placket at the neck, a Fair Isle (stranded colorwork) zig-zag section on the body, and garter stitch cuffs. The body and sleeves are worked in the round.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes: 7-Year Old, 28″ Chest Circumference.
Free PDF Download: Here
See More Free Sweater Patterns for Children and Toddlers
Happy Knitting!
With these free knitting patterns for children’s sweaters, you can craft beautiful, warm, and stylish sweaters without spending a dime on patterns. Whether you’re knitting for a toddler, a girl, or a boy, there’s something here for every skill level. Happy knitting!
Looking for more free patterns? Stay tuned for more knitting inspiration and resources!
