You’ll enjoy knitting these darling children’s sweaters almost as much as they’ll enjoy wearing them
Is there any greater labor of love than knitting a sweater? I think not. A great deal of time, consideration, and care goes into knitting any sweater, especially children’s sweaters. Not only is knitting a sweater an investment of time and yarn, but it’s also an investment of quality.
After all, sweaters aren’t any good unless they fit. So more than most projects, fit is of utmost importance.
That’s what can make knitting a sweater for a child such a challenge. We all know of a child who outgrew a sweater while a knitter was making it for them. What a depressing thought!
Still, a sweater that is thoughtfully made and carefully knitted to ensure the best possibility of a good fit can be a most beloved gift. And if you knit it for charity, you can rest assured that the recipient will never forget it.
So if you’re interested in knitting children’s sweaters either for charity or as a gift, read on for a collection of free children’s sweater patterns!
Free Knitting Patterns for Children’s Sweaters: Pullovers
Ash: Ash is an incredibly attractive pullover with a collar. You’ll knit it in a chunky rib with a single cable that runs down the center of both front and back. As another bonus, it’s seamless.
Viking Ships for 4-Year-Olds: This is an adorable striped pullover with little viking ships at the bottom.
Kids’ Cotton Cable Turtleneck: This pullover is similar to the the one above, except that the cables run all over the sweater, and it has a turtleneck collar. It’s a very attractive sweater great for young teenagers (although the designer noted that she knows of a child who had been wearing the sweater with cuffs rolled since age 9).
DROPS Girl’s Pullover: Again, this is called a girl’s pullover, but in different colors it would be quite suitable for boys, too. The crocheted granny square pocket is completely optional, and the pattern comes in a nice array of sizes — from 5 to 14.
Star Player Pullover: The pattern fits children ages 2 to 8, and it’s cute as can be. It’s also a great introduction to intarsia, if you’re not accustomed to it. If you are, you’ll love it anyway (or even more!).
Free Knitting Patterns for Children’s Sweaters: Cardigans
Cute Cardi and Hat: This super-sweet cardigan will fit a child 2 to 8. As a bonus, the designer includes a matching hat pattern.
Nomi: This is a beautiful cardigan for 8-year-olds, and both boys and girls will be happy to wear it. I love the single button at the top, as well as the texture.
DROPS Girls’ Cardigan: This is called a girls’ cardigan, but honestly, aside from the colors, I don’t see why this can’t be made for a boy as well. Just change the colors and the buttons. I really appreciate that this pattern has such a tremendous range in ages; it goes from size 5 to size 13.
DROPS Adult & Child’s Cardigan: This V-neck cardigan is available in both adult sizes and children’s sizes, and the latter is offered from size 2 to size 14! It’s a great choice for someone who wants a simple cardigan pattern that they can use for nearly anyone. (Scroll down to the second half of the page for the child’s version.)
Jersey Jacket for a Child: Can I be honest? I’m posting this primarily because of Franklin Habit. He wrote the accompanying article, because he designed the sweater based on a vintage pattern. And he is always a delight to read! If nothing else, read the article for a smile. Then you can knit the sweater. It will fit a child far younger than the other sweaters in this collection, but it’ll take so little time to knit that I’m sure you won’t consider it a waste of time.
I think you’ll enjoy knitting any or all of these darling children’s sweaters! Which is your favorite?
Want to knit children’s sweaters for charity? Get a step-by-step process with Knitting for Charity, One Stitch at a Time, on sale now!