Looking for a cozy, go-to layering piece for your wardrobe? The free ladies cardigan pattern for the September Cardigan is here, and trust me, it’s about to become your new favorite knit. Seamless, stylish, and so comfy, this cardigan is the perfect addition to any outfit—and it’s completely free! Check out the youth version here.
Why I Love the September Cardigan for Adults
I have to admit, this cardigan has been a labor of love. After seeing how much my daughters adored their Youth September Cardigan (free pattern here), I knew I had to make an adult version. They practically lived in theirs last winter, and I wanted in on that kind of cozy goodness.
The September Cardigan for Adults is everything I hoped it would be—soft, warm, and versatile. I throw it on over a t-shirt for a casual day at home or layer it over a dress for church. It’s the ultimate wardrobe staple that works for every occasion.
The Yarn: Durable and Dreamy
Just like the Youth September Cardigan, this free ladies cardigan pattern uses Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling DK (affiliate link). This yarn is a lifesaver for busy knitters like me. It’s soft, lightweight, and incredibly durable—perfect for a cardigan you’ll wear on repeat.
And let’s talk about the colors! The earthy tones are my absolute favorite, but there’s a shade for everyone. Plus, the anti-pilling feature means this cardigan will look just as good after dozens of wears and washes. Seriously, this yarn (affiliate link) is a game-changer.
No Seams, No Stress
If you’re like me and hate sewing seams, you’re going to love this free ladies cardigan pattern. The September Cardigan for Adults is a top-down raglan knit entirely in the round. The sleeves and edging are included in the design, so there’s no need for extra finishing work.
Knitting this cardigan felt like a dream—no stopping to sew, no fiddling with picked-up stitches. Just knit, knit, knit, and you’re done. It’s the kind of project that makes you fall in love with knitting all over again.
Why Blocking is a Must
I know blocking isn’t everyone’s favorite thing, but hear me out. For the September Cardigan, blocking is essential. It takes the ribbed edges from average to absolutely stunning. Trust me, you’ll be glad you took the time to block your finished sweater—it makes all the difference.
Styling the September Cardigan for Adults
This free ladies cardigan pattern is all about versatility. I’ve styled mine in so many ways, and it always works:
- Casual Days: Paired with jeans and a tank top for errands.
- Office Ready: Over a blouse and slacks for a polished look.
- Dress It Up: Layered over a midi dress with ankle boots.
- Stay Cozy: Worn with leggings and fuzzy socks for a movie night.
Whether you’re headed to a meeting or lounging at home, this cardigan has got you covered.
Yarn Substitutions
While I highly recommend Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling DK (affiliate link) for this pattern, you can substitute any DK-weight yarn that’s soft, durable, and machine washable. Just make sure to check your gauge before diving in to ensure the perfect fit.
And if you’re knitting matching outfits for your family, don’t forget to check out the Youth September Cardigan free knitting pattern on my blog. There’s nothing cuter than mommy-and-me cardigans!
Tips for Knitting the September Cardigan
To help you get the most out of this free ladies cardigan pattern, here are a few of my top tips:
- Swatch First: Knit a gauge swatch to ensure your cardigan will fit perfectly.
- Use Stitch Markers: They’ll help keep your raglan increases on track.
- Block, Block, Block: I can’t say it enough—blocking is essential for this pattern.
- Pick the Right Yarn: Opt for a durable, easy-care yarn like Premier Yarns Anti-Pilling DK (affiliate link).
What Makes This Cardigan Special
There’s something so satisfying about knitting a garment you know you’ll wear all the time. The September Cardigan for Adults is one of those pieces. It’s cozy enough for chilly mornings, lightweight enough for layering, and stylish enough for any occasion.
I also love how customizable this free ladies cardigan pattern is. You can adjust the length, play with color combinations, or add a fun button or brooch for a personal touch. It’s a pattern you’ll want to knit again and again.
Ready to Cast On?
If you’re ready to knit your own September Cardigan, head over to my blog to download the free ladies cardigan pattern. Whether you’re making it for yourself, a friend, or a family member, this cardigan is sure to be a hit.
And don’t forget to share your finished project with me! I love seeing your creations and hearing how you style your knits.
Happy knitting, friends!
Materials and Info
Materials – sport weight (size 3) yarn 1075, 1140 (1220, 1305) 1385, 1500 (1605, 1680) 1770 yards, size 6 (4mm) circular needles (16-24ins), size 6 double pointed needles, size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles (24-36in), size 5 double pointed needles, stitch markers, yarn needle
Gauge -6sts/in
Sizes – 0-2, 2-4 (6-8, 10-12) 14-16, 18- 20 (22-24, 26-28) 30-32
Appx Finished Bust Measurements – 33, 35.5 (37.75, 42.5) 44, 49 (51.75, 56) 59.75 inches
September Cardigan was created for my daughters. I was looking for a specific pattern and couldn’t find it, so I made it! And then I fell in love with it and wanted one for me.
It’s designed to have 2-4ins of positive ease.
I chose to use Yarn Bee Must Be Merino as an affordable option that will hold up to the wear and tear of being a mom of 8
Abbreviations can be found at the end of the pattern.
September Cardigan Pattern
YOKE
Cast on with U.S. 6 circular needle: 78, 80 (88, 92) 90, 92 (92, 96) 104 sts
Set up row (wrong side): 1. purl 1, 1 (1, 1) 1, 1 (1, 1) 1 (right front), PM, purl 14, 14 (16, 16) 15, 12 (12, 12) 12 (right sleeve), PM, purl 48, 50 (54, 58) 58, 66 (66, 70) 78 (back), PM, purl 14, 14 (16, 16) 15, 12 (12, 12) 12 (left sleeve), PM, purl 1, 1 (1, 1) 1, 1 (1, 1) 1 (left front).
Row 1 (right side): *knit to 1 stitch before marker, kfb, sm, kfb, repeat from * 3 more times, knit to last stitch (8 stitches increased)
Row 2 (wrong side): purl
Repeat rows 1-2 for a total of 22, 25 (26, 30) 32, 36 (39, 43) 45 decreases. 254, 280 (298, 332), 346, 380 (404, 440) 464 sts
Work in Stockinette until yoke depth measures approx 7.5, 8 (9, 10) 10, 10.5 (10.5, 11) 11.5 inches from cast on row (making sure to end with a wrong side row worked last.
DIVIDE FOR SLEEVES
Remove markers as you get to them.
Knit to marker (left front), place the next 58, 64 (68, 76) 79, 84 (90, 98) 102 sts on a scrap piece of yarn (left sleeve), cast on using the backwards loop method 2, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) 3 (left underarm), knit 92, 100 (106, 118) 122, 138 (144, 156) 168 sts (back), place the next 58, 64 (68, 76) 79, 84 (90, 98) 102 sts on a scrap piece of yarn (right sleeve), cast on using the backwards loop method (3, 2), 3, 2, (2, 3) (right underarm), knit to end (right front). 142, 158 (166, 186) 194, 218 (230, 250) 266 body sts
SWEATER BODY
Work in stockinette until piece measures 11.5, 12 (12.5, 13) 13, 13.5 (13.5, 14) 14 inches or until desired length measuring from underarm. Make sure to end with a right side worked last.
RIBBED EDGE
Switch to the U.S. 5 circular needle. You will now start working in the round.
Place beginning of round marker, pick up and knit 98, 101 (109, 115) 116, 121, (121, 127) 127 sts from the front edge, knit the 78, 80 (88, 92) 90, 92 (92, 96) 104 sts of the neck cast on, pick up and knit 98, 101 (109, 115) 116, 121, (121, 127) 127 sts from the front edge, pm, knit across the 142, 158 (166, 186) 194, 218 (230, 250) 266 body sts 416, 440 (472, 508) 516, 552 (564, 600) 624 sts
Round 1 – (k2, p2) to 2sts before marker, k2, sm, (k2, p2) to 2sts before marker, k2
Round 2 – k1, m1l, work in established (k2,p2) pattern to 1st before next marker, m1r, k1, sm, k1, m1l, work in established (k2,p2) pattern to 1st before next marker, m1r, k1 (you have increased 4 sts)
Repeat rounds 1 and 2, working increased sts into the (k2,p2) pattern until rib measures approx.: 3, 3.5 (3.5, 3.5) 3.5, 3.5 (3.5, 3.5) 3.5 inches. Making sure to end with a round 2. Bind off all stitches in pattern loosely, break yarn and weave in ends.
SLEEVES
Work each sleeve one at a time as follows:
Pick up 2, 2 (2, 2) 3, 2 (2, 2) 2 sts from underarm, knit 58, 64 (68, 76) 79, 84 (90, 98) 102 sts of the sleeve on the scrap yarn, pick up 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2, (2, 2) 2 sts from underarm on to U.S. 6 double pointed needles, place marker at center underarm to keep track of the beginning of round. 62, 68 (72, 80) 84, 88 (94, 102) 106 sleeve sts
Decreases
Round 1: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Knit 8 rounds
Repeat the last 8 rounds: 7, 10 (12, 14) 14, 14 (15, 19) 19 total times). 44, 48 (48, 48) 52, 60 (60, 64) 68 sts
Knit each round under sleeve measure from under arm to working round approx. 15, 15.5 (15.5, 16) 16, 16 (17, 17) 17 inches
RIBBED CUFF
Switch to U.S. 5 double pointed needles.
Work in (k2, p2) ribbing until cuff measures approx.: 2.5, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5 inches or until desired length.
Bind of in pattern LOOSELY. Weave in all ends.
You will need to block the sweater to get the edging to lay flat instead of gathering. I prefer to use steam for this but a good wash in some wool wash and laying it out flat with some pins works wonders as well.
Abbreviations
k – knit
P – purl
Pm – place marker
Sm – slip marker
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
kfb – knit into the front and the back of the same stitch to increase by 1 stitch
m1l – pick up from front to back the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through back loop
m1r – pick up from back to front the strand between the 2sts on your needles, knit through the front loop
Download September Cardigan PDF
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