This Free Sweater Knitting Pattern for Kids: The Child Anna Cardigan is a cozy, oversized design that fits right in with your favorite free sweater knitting patterns.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a kid-friendly sweater that’s both practical and actually gets worn, this one solves that problem. The relaxed fit, chunky yarn, and simple construction make it approachable while still giving you a finished piece that looks polished and put-together. This free sweater knitting pattern for kids is worked flat from the bottom up with drop sleeves, making it ideal if you prefer straightforward knitting over complicated shaping.
If you want a sweater that knits up quickly, feels soft, and works for everyday wear, this one checks every box. The texture adds interest without slowing you down, and the pockets make it a favorite the second it’s worn. It’s the kind of project that feels manageable and rewarding from start to finish.
This design is all about ease—easy to knit, easy to wear, and easy to reach for again and again.
What Materials Do You Need for This Free Sweater Knitting Pattern for Kids?
For this free sweater knitting pattern for kids, I used Premier Yarns Elle by Me Charlotte, which gives the cardigan that soft, chunky feel kids love. It’s a great choice when you want something warm without feeling stiff, and the thickness means you’ll see progress quickly. You’ll also need US size 9 and 10 circular needles, buttons, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for finishing.
The yarn really makes a difference here. A chunky option like this helps the cardigan hold its shape while still feeling comfortable for everyday wear. It’s especially nice for kids who are picky about texture since it stays soft even after lots of use.
Once you have your materials ready, you’ll be set up for a smooth, enjoyable knitting process.
How Is This Free Sweater Knitting Pattern for Kids Constructed?
This free sweater knitting pattern for kids is worked flat from the bottom up in separate pieces, which keeps everything simple and easy to manage. You’ll knit the back, two front panels, and sleeves, then seam them together for a structured but relaxed fit. The drop sleeve design adds to that laid-back shape and makes layering effortless.
The diamond knit/purl panel is what really brings this cardigan to life. It adds texture without being complicated, so you get that detailed look without needing advanced techniques. And if you’ve been hesitant to try sweater knitting, this is a great place to start.
The pockets are added as you go and finished neatly into the front panels, giving the cardigan a practical touch that kids genuinely love.
Looking for More Free Sweater Knitting Patterns for Kids?
If you enjoy this pattern, there are plenty of other free sweater knitting patterns for kids to explore:
• Youth Damask Cardigan
• Youth Mary Cardigan
• Youth September Cardigan
• Youth Rosemary Cardigan
• Youth Wheat Cardigan
Each of these has its own style, from textured knits to simple everyday layers, so you can keep building a handmade wardrobe your kids will actually wear.
The Child Anna Cardigan fits right alongside these as a go-to layering piece. It’s simple enough to knit more than once and versatile enough to work with just about anything in your child’s closet.
Child Anna Cardigan Pattern
Size: (0-3m, 3-6m) 6-12m, 12m (18m, 24m), 3/4y, 5/6y (7/8y, 9/10y) 11/12y, 13y/14y
Materials: Approximately (2, 2) 2, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 4) 4, 4 (5, 5) 6, 6 (6, 6) skeins of Premier Yarns Elle By Me Charlotte yarn (196yds/150g), (4, 4) 5, 5 (6, 6) 6, 6 (7, 7) 8, 8 (8, 9) 9, 9 (10, 10) 5/8in buttons, yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 9(US) 5.5mm circular needles, 10(US) 6mm circular
Gauge (tension): 18sts & 26 rows to make 10cm square, using size 10(US) 6mm needles working in stockinette stitch
Chest Measurement: (41, 44) 47, 50 (52, 54) 57, 61 (66, 72) 78, 84 cms or (16, 17.25)18.5, 19.5 (20.5, 21) 22.5,24, (26, 28.25) 30.75, 33 ins
METHOD
This pattern is for a drop sleeve style that is worked flat from the bottom up with 10cm of ease. Model is wearing an 9/10y size Anna Cardigan. If you are a left-handed knitter there are notations to help you throughout.
ANNA STITCH PATTERN
Row 1 – [k2, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1] across to last 5 sts, k2, p1, k2
Row 2 – [p2, k1, p3, k1, p1, k1] across to last 5 sts, p2, k1, p2
Row 3 – [k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1, k2] across to last 5 sts, k1, p1, k1, p1,k1
Row 4 – [p1, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1, p2] across to last 5 sts, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1
Row 5 – [p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1, k2] across to last 5sts, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1
Row 6 – [, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,p2, k1, p2] across to last 5sts, , k1, p1, k1, p1, k1
Row 7 – [k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p1, k2] across to last 5 sts, k1, p1, k1, p1,k1
Row 8 – [p1, k1, p1, k1, p3, k1, p2] across to last 5 sts, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1
Row 9 – [k2, p1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1] across to last 5 sts, k2, p1, k2
Row 10 – [p2, k1, p3, k1, p1, k1] across to last 5 sts, p2, k1, p2
Row 11 – [k2, p1, k2, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1] across to last 5sts, k2, p1, k2
Row 12 – [p2, k1, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1] across to last 5 sts, p2, k1, p2
BACK
Cast on (49, 51) 55, 57 (59, 61) 63, 67 (71, 77) 83, 87 sts using the smaller needles.
Work (2, 2) 2, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 cms or (.75, .75) .75, 1 (1, 1) 1, 1.25, (1.25, 1.25) 1.25, 1.25 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size needles.
Work as follows: k[(12, 13) 15, 16 (17, 18) 19, 21 (23, 26) 29, 31] pm, work 25 sts in Leah Stitch Pattern, k[(12, 13) 15, 16 (17, 18) 19, 21 (23, 26) 29, 31] until your work measures (19, 20) 22.5, 24.5 (28.5, 30) 31.5, 37 (40, 44.5) 47.5, 52.5 cm or (7.5, 8 ) 9, 9.5 (11.25, 11.5) 12.5, 14.5 (15.75, 17.5) 18.75, 20.75 ins measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures (28, 30) 33, 36 (39, 41) 44, 50.5 (54.5, 61) 64.5, 71.5 cms or (11, 12) 12.5, 14.25 (15.5, 16.25) 17.5, 20 (21.5, 24) 25.5, 28.25 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
SHOULDERS
18m thru 13/14y sizes only
Bind off (x, x) x, x (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
All sizes
Bind off (0, 0) 0, 0 (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7sts at the beginning of the next row then work until (15, 15) 17, 17 (8, 8) 9, 10 (9, 11) 11, 12 sts are on the right needle (if you knit left-handed this is your left needle) put remaining sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn.
Turn and bind off 3 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining (12, 12) 14, 14 (5, 5) 6, 7 (6, 8) 8, 9 sts
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to the sts on the stitch holder/spare yarn, bind off (19, 21) 21, 23 (23, 25) 25, 27 (29, 31) 33, 35 sts, work remaining (15, 15) 17, 17 (13, 13) 14, 15 (15, 17) 18, 19 sts.
Bind off (0, 0) 0, 0 (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off 3 sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining (12, 12) 14, 14 (5, 5) 6, 7 (6, 8) 8, 9 sts
LEFT FRONT (if you knit left-handed this is your right front)
Cast on (23, 24) 26, 27 (28, 29) 30, 32 (34, 37) 40, 42 sts using smaller needle
Work (2, 2) 2, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 cms or (.75, .75) .75, 1 (1, 1) 1, 1.25 (1.25, 1.25) 1.25, 1.25 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Work as follows: k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 7, 8 (9, 11) 12, 13] pm, work 15sts in Leah Stitch Pattern, k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 8, 9 (10, 11) 13, 14] until your work measures: (10, 10) 11, 11.5 (12.5, 12.5) 14.5, 15 (17, 17) 17, 19 cms or (4, 4) 4.25, 4.5 (5, 5) 5.75, 6 (6.75, 6.75) 6.75, 7.5ins
k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10] pm, work (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21 sts in k1p1 ribbing, k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11]
Work the above for (1.5, 1.5) 1.5, 1.5 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or (.5, .5) .5, 5 (.75, .75) .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1, 1 ins ending after completing a wrong side row.
k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10] pm, bind of (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21) sts in pattern, k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11]
Set this part aside.
INNER POCKET
Cast on (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21 sts
Work in stockinette st for (8, 8) 9, 9 (10, 10) 12, 12 (14, 14) 14, 16 cms or (3.25, 3.25) 3.5, 3.5 (4, 4) 4.75, 4.75 (5.5, 5.5) 5.5, 6.5 ins ending after completing a right side row.
Now you will combine the pocket to the front piece as follows:
P[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11] from front piece, p[(15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17) 19 (19, 19) 21, 21] sts from inner pocket, p[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10] remaining sts from front piece.
FRONT BODY
Now work as follows: k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 7, 8 (9, 11) 12, 13] pm,
work 15sts in Leah Stitch Pattern, k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 8, 9 (10, 11) 13, 14] until your work measures: (19, 20) 22.5, 24.5 (28.5, 30) 31.5, 37 (40, 44.5) 47.5, 52.5cm or (7.5, 8 ) 9, 9.5 (11.25, 11.5) 12.5, 14.5 (15.75, 17.5) 18.75, 20.75 ins
measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures (20, 21.5) 24, 26.5 (31, 33) 35.5, 41 (44.5, 50.5) 53.5, 59.5 cms or (8, 8.5) 9.5, 10.5 (12.25, 13) 14, 16.25 (17.5, 20) 21.25, 23.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
NECK
Decrease 1 sts on neck edge of next (5, 5) 5, 5 (9, 11) 9, 9 (11, 11) 11, 11 rows
Then on following right side rows only (6, 7) 7, 8 (4, 3) 5, 6 (5, 6) 7, 8 times
[(12, 12) 14, 14 (15, 15) 16, 17 (18, 20) 22, 23 sts remaining] ending after completing a wrong side row
SHOULDERS
Sizes 18m thru 13/14y only
Bind off (x, x) x, x (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off (x, x) x, x (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
All sizes
Bind off remaining (12, 12) 14, 14 (5, 5) 6, 7 (6, 8) 8, 9 sts
RIGHT FRONT (if you knit left-handed this is your left front)
Cast on (23, 24) 26, 27 (28, 29) 30, 32 (34, 37) 40, 42 sts using smaller needle
Work (2, 2) 2, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 cms or (.75, .75) .75, 1 (1, 1) 1, 1.25 (1.25, 1.25) 1.25, 1.25 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Work as follows: k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 8, 9 (10, 11) 13, 14] pm, work 15sts in Leah Stitch Pattern, k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 7, 8 (9, 11) 12, 13] until your work measures: (10, 10) 11, 11.5 (12.5, 12.5) 14.5, 15 (17, 17) 17, 19 cms or (4, 4) 4.25, 4.5 (5, 5) 5.75, 6 (6.75, 6.75) 6.75, 7.5ins
k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11] pm, work (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21 sts in k1p1 ribbing, k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10]
Work the above for (1.5, 1.5) 1.5, 1.5 (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 cms or (.5, .5) .5, 5 (.75, .75) .75, .75 (.75, 1) 1, 1 ins ending after completing a wrong side row.
k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11] pm, bind of (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21 sts in pattern, k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10]
Set this part aside.
INNER POCKET
Cast on (15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21 sts
Work in stockinette st for (8, 8) 9, 9 (10, 10) 12, 12 (14, 14) 14, 16 cms or (3.25, 3.25) 3.5, 3.5 (4, 4) 4.75, 4.75 (5.5, 5.5) 5.5, 6.5 ins ending after completing a right side row.
Now you will combine the pocket to the front piece as follows:
P[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 6, 7 (7, 9) 9, 10] from front piece, p[(15, 15) 15, 15 (15, 15) 17, 17 (19, 19) 21, 21] sts from inner pocket, p[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 7, 8 (8, 9) 10, 11] remaining sts from front piece.
FRONT BODY
Now work as follows: k[(4, 5) 6, 6 (7, 7) 8, 9 (10, 11) 13, 14] pm, work 15sts in Leah Stitch Pattern, k[(4, 4) 5, 6 (6, 7) 7, 8 (9, 11) 12, 13] until your work measures: (19, 20) 22.5, 24.5 (28.5, 30) 31.5, 37 (40, 44.5) 47.5, 52.5cm or (7.5, 8 ) 9, 9.5 (11.25, 11.5) 12.5, 14.5 (15.75, 17.5) 18.75, 20.75 ins
measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures (20, 21.5) 24, 26.5 (31, 33) 35.5, 41 (44.5, 50.5) 53.5, 59.5 cms or (8, 8.5) 9.5, 10.5 (12.25, 13) 14, 16.25 (17.5, 20) 21.25, 23.5 ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
NECK
Decrease 1 sts on neck edge of next (5, 5) 5, 5 (9, 11) 9, 9 (11, 11) 11, 11 rows
Then on following right side rows only (6, 7) 7, 8 (4, 3) 5, 6 (5, 6) 7, 8 times
[(12, 12) 14, 14 (15, 15) 16, 17 (18, 20) 22, 23 sts remaining] ending after completing a right-side row.
SHOULDERS
Sizes 18m thru 13/14y only
Bind off (x, x) x, x (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off (x, x) x, x (5, 5) 5, 5 (6, 6) 7, 7 sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
All sizes
Bind off remaining (12, 12) 14, 14 (5, 5) 6, 7 (6, 8) 8, 9 sts
SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
Cast on now (24, 24) 26, 26 (28, 28) 34, 36 (36, 38) 38, 40 sts on smaller needles and join in the round and place beginning of round marker.
Work (2, 2) 2, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 cms or (.75, .75) .75, 1 (1 1) 1, 1.25 (1.25, 1.25) 1.25, 1.25 ins of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles
Work (2, 2) 2, 2 (2, 2) 2, 2 (4, 4) 4, 4 rows in stocknette st
Next row:
inc 1 sts on each side every right side row (2, 4) 2, 4 (2, 2) 0, 0 (0, 0) 0, 0 times,
Then inc 1 sts on each side every 4th row (3, 3) 5, 5 (7, 8) 5, 4 (11, 10) 16, 16 times,
Then inc 1 sts on each side every 6th row (0, 0) 0, 0 (0, 0) 4, 6 (2, 4) 1, 2 times,
[(34, 38) 40, 44 (46, 48) 52, 56 (62, 66) 72, 76 sts]
Continue working in damask stitch pattern until work measures (11.5, 13.5) 15.5, 17.5 (19, 20.5) 26.5, 29 (29.5, 33) 38, 40.5 cms or (4.5, 5.25) 6, 7 (7.5, 8) 10.5, 11.5 (11.75, 13) 15, 16 ins from cast on edge. Bind of all stitches leaving a long enough tail to sew the sleeve on.
FRONT RIB EDGE
With right side facing, pick up 2sts for each 3 rows across front up to the back neck, then pick up 1st for each st on the back, then pick up 2sts for each 3 rows across front down to the bottom.
Work 3 rows in k1p1 ribbing.
Now mark your button placement: on the right side place a marker at 2cms from the bottom then place (3, 3) 4, 4 (5, 5) 5, 6 (7, 8) 8, 9 more buttonhole markers every (6, 6.5) 5.5, 6 (5.5, 6) 6.5, 6.5 (6, 6) 6.5, 6.5 cms or (2.5, 2.75) 2.25, 2.5 (2.25, 2.5) 2.75, 2.75 (2.5, 2.5) 2.75, 2.75 ins
Work this buttonhole row as follows:
[Work in k1p1 ribbing to marker, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across until all buttonholes have been worked, work in k1p1ribbing until end of row.
Work 3 more rows in k1p1 ribbing.
Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Sew the sleeves on, side seams and sleeve seams. I prefer to use the mattress stitch because it almost appears seamless. Weave in all ends. Sew the buttons on along the left front edge across from the buttonholes
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
PM – place marker
SM – slip marker
K2tog -knit 2 stitches together
YO – yarn over
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
M1R – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from back to front, then knit this strand
M1L – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from front to back, then knit this strand through the back loop
Have you knit a sweater for a child before, or is this your first one? Tell me in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re working on or planning next!
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