If you’re a beginner knitter, you can totally knit a sweater! I’ve rounded up the 10 easiest sweater patterns that you can try if you’ve just learned to knit.

Some of us think that we have to stick to scarves and shawls for years before we tackle a sweater. It’s just not so! Get ready to make a sweater or two!

Easy Knit Sweater Patterns (for beginners)

Easy Vibes Pullover Pattern

This sweater is literally made of two knit squares and a couple of super easy sleeves that are knit flat. Seam them all together and you’re good to go!

Moonbow Slouchy Knit Cardigan

If you want a legit sweater that’s knit flat, this is for you! It’s also a fast make with the big yarn an needles. This is personally one of my favorite all time sweaters. It’s THE sweater cardigan to make if you’re wanting an easy sweater knitting pattern.

My Comfiest Knit Cardigan Pattern

I designed this to be a go-to, everyday cardigan. You only need to know how to knit and purl! It’s a true classic sweater that will never go out of style. Some followers have made several of these for friends and family.

Big Knit Coat Pattern

Warm, cozy, and easy as can be! If you love a hooded sweater, you will love this baby. It’s long as well, so it will keep you toasty all winter long.

Mandala Pullover Pattern

Another great beginner pullover option. There is light shaping on the sleeves, but the entire pullover is knit flat. AND there are no color changes because it uses color changin yarn!

Painted Skies Shrug Knitting Pattern

Shrugs are so cool, and this one is another option that is made from basic rectangles. It also uses only the knit garter stitch and has no shaping, so it’s wonderful for beginners.

Coziest Cable Knit Cardigan Pattern

This cardigan features cables, but believe me, they aren’t hard! Once you’ve mastered some projects, this one is a breeze.

Artista Raglan Knit Sweater Cardigan

After you’ve knit some sweaters flat, you might want to try a raglan! This is a perfect beginner raglan sweater pattern. It does have shaping and increasing and decreasing, so stick to the other sweaters if you’re just starting out.

Alpine Sweater Vest Knitting Pattern

If you’re looking for something different, go for a knit sweater vest. This is for a complete beginner as it has no shaping. It uses very little yarn too!

Lastly, I have to throw in another favorite…

My Big Comfy Ribbed Cardigan

This one is as easy as the Moonbow, but features an even warmer, textured rib fabric. So easy and so cozy!

How To Knit A Sweater

• There are so many methods and types of sweaters out there! Some of the most popular are raglans, top downs, and sweaters that are knit flat (like the ones here).
• Easy sweaters are made with basic stitches, and the easiest ones are knit flat. Most beginners learn to knit flat to start, so knitting flat is simple for newbies!
• You’ll find in most of the patterns here, you will knit the sweater in pieces. First you will knit a back panel, next two front panels, and lastely the sleeves.
• These pieces are then seamed together to finish! Sometimes you will add a neckline by picking up stitches, and sometimes you won’t.
• I like to add pockets to a lot of my sweaters. You simply knit a square or rectangle to attach it to the sweater.

Knit Stitches & Techniques Needed for An Easy Sweater Knitting Pattern

• You’ll of course first want to learn to knit (HERE)! This means you will cast on, and knit. Here’s a video on how to knit. The method I use is perfect if you knit crochet, and even if you don’t know crochet!

• You will also want to learn to purl HERE if you want to make a sweater with stockinette.
• Casting off is the last step, as well as seaming! Seaming can be as simple as making a whip stitch. There are other seams you can learn as well, like the mattress stitch for sewing together stockinette.

What Yarn Do I Use For A Knit Sweater?

You’ll definitely want to choose a yarn that your pattern requires. Some patterns use chunky yarn, super bulky yarn (like this one), and some use worsted weight or smaller.

For beginners, I like chunky yarns. Sweaters are big projects, and when you can make them a little quicker, that’s a good thing!

How Do I Make Sure My Knit Sweater Will Fit?

First, be sure to look at the sizes offered in the pattern as well as the measurements listed.

Next, check your gauge to be sure you don’t need to adjust your tension or needle size.

As you knit, eyeball the sweater, and even try it on as you go! This will help you determine if you need to make adjustments.

On a lot of the easy sweater patterns, it’s no big deal to make the sweater longer or shorter before you finish.

Other Simple Knit Sweaters To Try

• Comfy Colors Cardigan Sweater – simple with color changes
• Classic Stripe Knit Blanket Sweater – beginner friendly with a striping
• Sherpa Pullover Knit Pattern – it doesn’t get warmer!

You can also get lost in all the sweaters and styles on Ravelry HERE!

Lion Brand Yarn also has some nice, free knit sweater patterns in their library, so you can check that out too.

Tin Can Knits is also famous for their Flax Sweater!

I hope this you found a simple sweater that you’d like to make!! Happy knitting my friends.

XO,

Jessica