24 Free Knitting Patterns for Children's Sweaters
Check out our biggest collection of everything from free toddler sweater patterns to children's cardigans!
Baby sweater patterns aren't difficult to come by, so why is it so hard to find great children's sweater patterns? My theory is that, since children can (and will, freely!) voice their opinions about things, knitters are hesitant to spend the time making a handknit sweater for the children in their family. Nobody likes to slave over a hot pair of knitting needles for countless hours just to hear "I don't like it" from the recipient! Children aren't necessarily known for their subtlety. However, the problem in this scenario isn't the child, it's the pattern! You just need to pick the perfect, cutest pattern for the little one (and use comfy yarn) and he or she is guaranteed to love it.
I like to keep both the child and parents in mind when choosing children's sweater knitting patterns. Sure, little Timmy would probably love an ugly monster face on his pullover, but maybe his mom and dad aren't too keen on the idea of staring at that all day. Whether you choose either a classic or a playful design, just make sure that it's something that the parents can get on-board with. Finally, nothing itchy or uncomfortable, because you just know the little one is going to rip it right off. With that in mind, you're sure to find the perfect pattern in this collection of free knitting patterns for children's sweaters.
Join Our 160,000+ Fans And Sign Up to Receive Your FREE eNewsletter!
Table of Contents
Toddler Sweater Patterns
Toddlers are fun to knit sweaters for because they're basically just overgrown babies. Anything that looks cute on a baby is bound to look cute on a toddler, too. For bonus points from the parents, pick out a sweater that will look good over a collared shirt or a sun dress—adorable!
Looking to knit for someone a little younger? You'll love our collection of75+ Free Baby Knitting Patterns
Toddler Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Like with babies, cardigans have the perk of easy removal and addition to help with fussiness and accidents. Plus, you're bound to suffer some pushback if you have to pull the sweater over your child's head. I love to make these in neutral colors so they'll look great with any outfit, buttoned or unbuttoned.
Children's Sweater Patterns
Gradeschool kids are undoubtedly the most fun to knit for in my mind. Kids love color, and there's nothing more fun than choosing bright and bold colors to knit with (after all, adults are a lot less likely to want to wear a bright rainbow pullover)! Check out some of the best children's sweater patterns on AllFreeKnitting.
Are you also obsessed with color? You'll love our collection of the very best17 Fair Isle Knitting Patterns
Children's Cardigan Knitting Patterns
Everyone loves wearing layers. While cardigans aren't necessarily going to help the mom and dad out anymore, at this age, every kid is going to appreciate being able to peel off the cardigan when they're playing at recess so they don't get overheated, or pull it back on when the A/C starts blowing right at their desk.
Up Next:
27 Patterns for Premature Babies
What's your favorite thing you've ever knit for a child?
Read NextKids' Hippie Hoodie
