I’ve made countless pairs of socks, baby blankets & a couple of shawls. However, I’ve never gotten up the courage to try a sweater. Can anyone recommend a cardigan that would be good for a beginner? Something basic? A pattern that would be a good starting place for someone like me?
Sandy
Cardigan is a pretty broad category. So many different types and styles. I loved knitting long Sands https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/long-sands-cardigan
There is a lighter weight version as well.
Remembering back to my first attempt at sweaters/cardigans, my local shop recommended the Knitting Pure & Simple patterns. I started the raglan “Summer Open Cardigan”, found it very readable, doable, and easy. I still wear that sweater now, 10 years later.
Good morning. Great time to start something new. I have been a teacher of knitting for a while, and two great first cardigans are:
If you need help, am I allowed to give you my knitting email since I’ve worked with these patterns?
For my first sweater I chose Ramona by Elizabeth Smith, and I think it’s a great choice for a first cardigan. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ramona-cardigan. It’s a simple once piece, top down, and easy to fit and adjust the length as you go. It uses chunky yarn so knits up quickly, yet doesn’t feel bulky at all.
I recommend the February Bang Out choice of Main Squeeze. Another bulky yarn cardigan that was fun and easy to knit. It was my second ever sweater and I just got yarn in the mail to make another.
I was wondering about that one myself! People really seemed happy with it.
I really like that one! It’s such a nice, basic sweater. Thank you for the recommendation!
Great recommendations! Thank you for taking the time to make the suggestions!
I second the Main Squeeze. Super fast knit and perfect for a beginner!
Thank you so much!
I recommend Harvest by Tin Can Knits. Loads of video, tips and help on their site and Ravelry.
I’m about to start my first cardigan too! I choose Hannah Fettig’s boothbay from Home and Away for a few reasons: I can do it in pieces (ie, seamed), so if I mess up I can just take out a section as opposed to frogging the whole thing; there are no buttons!, and Hannah gives instructions for picking up BO stitches in the back, which is the only thing I haven’t done yet.( I’ve also done a lot of shawls and two blankets, no socks, though! )
I’ve not yet knit a cardigan, but if I were to do so, I think I would start with one for a baby or a child - I imagine the steps would be much the same, but smaller. Anyone agree, disagree?
That makes sense. I think the reason I’m starting with one for me is because it takes the pressure off. While I want it to be good, if I have to frog or make mistakes, it’s for me, so that lifts pressure. When I make things for other people, I want it to be perfect. 
I do have a new godbaby on the way, so I probably will make a cardigan for that baby at some point, even though said baby lives in Texas!
The idea of a baby cardigan is a good one. But if you want an adult size garment, there’s a beautiful new design by Biscotte Yarns, the Jane Cardigan.
I realize I’m extremely late to the party, but I made a wonderfully simple cardi for a birthday gift and was very surprised at a) how easy it was and b) how not-easy it looked! It’s the Cobblestone Cardi from Brooklyn Tweed, which I made in Shelter. What makes it so great for a beginner is that it is all done in one piece, even the button band. You learn a lot of techniques painlessly, like wrap-and-turn short rows without having to worry about picking up the wraps. All in garter and stockinette. And the pattern is very clearly written for a big range of sizes (unisex too).
Thank you SO much! I just retired and this will be a good challenge and sounds like an excellent way to break into sweater knitting! I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to give me the review.
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
I love knitting sweaters. I prefer a boxy style that isn’t too fitted. I am really enjoying knitting the Castille Cardigan by Meghan Jones. (Ravelry: Castile Cardigan pattern by Meghan Jones). It’s very simple, but pretty and fast moving, and I am enjoying all the knitting stitches along the way. I’m using Berroco’s Ultra Alpaca, color Mahogany Mix. I, too, am retired, and am fortunate to be able to knit every day. I hope you enjoy whichever pattern you try.
