Free Knit Swing Cardigan Pattern – Opening Night Cardigan by Marly Bird
Looking for a flattering, drapey knit cardigan pattern you’ll wear on repeat?
The Opening Night Cardigan is your new favorite cast-on.
This swing-style knit cardigan is free to follow right here on the blog. Designed for confident beginners and beyond, this open front cardigan flows beautifully around the body, has a dramatic oversized collar, and includes a full range of sizes from XS to 4X.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more please visit my privacy policy here💖
Whether you’re layering it for fall photos, cozying up at the movies, or just want to feel a little fabulous on a Tuesday, this piece has the comfort of a favorite hoodie with the elegance of a handmade heirloom. 💃
Meet the Opening Night Cardigan
The Opening Night Knit Swing Cardigan is one of those “throw it on and instantly feel put-together” pieces. It has a swingy, A-line shape that moves with you, a generous collar that frames your face, and a length that works with jeans, dresses, leggings, and everything in between.
This design has been a long-time favorite in the Marly Bird world because it looks good on so many body types, and it’s fun and relaxing to knit.
Why You’ll Love This Free Knit Swing Cardigan Pattern
- Open front, swing silhouette – elegant drape that flatters lots of figures
- Oversized collar – adds dramatic flair and cozy warmth
- Knit in pieces and seamed – easier to manage on your needles than one huge sweater
- Beginner-friendly techniques – no complicated charts or fussy stitch patterns
- Ad-free PDF upgrade available – perfect for printing, highlighting, and tossing in your project bag
- Course-style support – you can also work this project inside the Marly Bird House with detailed video lessons
Is This Knit Cardigan Pattern Right for You?
I’d rate the Opening Night Cardigan as Confident Beginner.
If you’re comfortable with:
- Casting on and binding off
- Knitting and purling
- Basic decreases like k2tog and ssk
- Reading simple shaping instructions
- Seaming knit pieces together
…then you are absolutely ready for this pattern.
You don’t need to be an expert garment knitter. This is a fantastic “first real sweater” project or a nice, low-stress knit for more experienced makers who want something relaxing and wearable.
Pattern Details at a Glance
These details are also written inside the pattern, but here’s a quick overview so you can plan:
- Skill Level: Confident Beginner
- Construction: Knit flat in pieces (back, fronts, sleeves), then seamed
- Stitches Used: Knit, purl, k2tog, ssk, seaming
- Gauge: 15 sts and 20 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch
- Sizes: Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X)
- Finished Chest: Approx. 32.75–57″
- Back Length (excluding trim): Approx. 12.5–16.25″
Cardigan shown in Size M.
Choosing Your Size and Fit
This cardigan is designed with:
- An open front, so you’re not buttoning it closed across the fullest part of your bust
- A swing shape through the body for gorgeous movement
- A draped collar that adds visual interest and softness around the neckline
To choose a size:
- Take your upper bust or high bust measurement (around your chest just under your armpits).
- Compare that measurement to the Finished Chest in the pattern.
- Aim for about 2–4″ (5–10 cm) of positive ease at the upper bust/shoulder area for most bodies.
If you’re between sizes:
- Choose the smaller size if you like a slightly closer-to-the-body fit in the shoulders and upper bust.
- Choose the larger size if you want even more drape through the front and back.
Remember, because this cardigan hangs open, the fit is very forgiving. The most important area to fit is your shoulders/upper bust so the cardigan hangs smoothly and doesn’t slide back.
Yarn Choices and Smart Substitutions
Originally, the Opening Night Cardigan was knit in Classic Elite Montera, a beautiful 50% wool / 50% llama yarn. That line has been discontinued, but the good news is: this pattern works wonderfully in many worsted to aran weight yarns.
Yarn Weight and Yardage
The pattern is written for a worsted/aran weight yarn with a soft hand and good drape.
Approximate yardage (from the original yarn):
- Around 9 (10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23) skeins depending on size
- Roughly 1143–2921 yards total
Always check the specific yardage listed inside the pattern for your chosen size, and then compare that to whichever yarn you’re using.
What to Look For in a Substitute Yarn
When choosing an alternative yarn, look for:
- Fiber content: wool, wool blends, or wool/llama/alpaca blends are ideal
- Structure: plied yarns that show stitch definition and drape well
- Gauge: you want to be able to hit 15 sts = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch
Bulky yarns may be tempting, but they’ll drastically change the fabric and weight of the cardigan. Stick close to pattern gauge for the intended look and movement.
Recommended Substitutes:
Color Tips
Solid or heathered yarns really let the swing shape and collar shine. If you’re drawn to variegated or striping yarns, choose colorways with soft, subtle shifts rather than super-high-contrast stripes.
Need help thinking through color? Read my post:
How to Choose Colors for a Colorwork Project (Prism Make-Along) – even though it’s written for colorwork, the same ideas apply when picking the perfect solid or tonal:
https://marlybird.com/blog/how-to-choose-colors-for-a-colorwork-project-prism-make-along/
Needles, Notions, and Gauge
The exact needle sizes and notions are listed in the pattern, but here’s the gist:
- A pair (or circulars) that lets you achieve 15 sts and 20 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
- Blocking tools (mats, pins, or wires)
Take the time to swatch. I know, I know — “Marly, don’t come for my needles like that!” 😂 But for a sweater, swatching is truly your friend.
- Knit a Stockinette Stitch swatch larger than 4″ x 4″.
- Wash and block the swatch the way you plan to treat the finished cardigan.
- Measure your gauge after it’s completely dry.
If your stitch count is off:
- Too many stitches per 4″ (your gauge is too tight) → go up a needle size.
- Too few stitches per 4″ (your gauge is too loose) → go down a needle size.
Basic Knitting Techniques Used
If you’re still building confidence, here are the key techniques you’ll use in this pattern:
- Knit (K)
- Purl (P)
- Knit two together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease
- Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease
- Seaming – mattress stitch or your favorite seaming method
If any of those sound new or a little rusty, that’s okay — I’ve got you covered with video help.
Video Tutorials to Support You
Here are some helpful Marly Bird videos you can watch while you work on your Opening Night Cardigan:
- Knit – https://youtu.be/nkzVGuaKsR8
- Purl – https://youtu.be/TsPqLvRmOow
- SSK – https://youtu.be/sjT0hKT55D8?t=1074
- K2tog – https://youtu.be/JrHqDYb2ss8?t=346
- Add a Lifeline – https://youtu.be/FiqYUE_oHAw
- UnKnit / Tink – https://youtu.be/c7Gud7k4Y8k
- Seaming – https://youtube.com/live/tjBzj-j_SJ4
You can absolutely knit this sweater at your own pace, but if you like to have someone “sit with you” and walk through the techniques, put these on while you stitch.
Blocking Tips for the Perfect Drape
This cardigan really comes to life after blocking. The fabric relaxes, the drape improves, and the swing silhouette looks chef’s kiss.
A few blocking tips:
- Swatch before and after blocking. Your pre-block and post-block gauge may be different, and that’s important for sizing.
- For most wool and wool-blend yarns, wet blocking will give you the nicest drape.
- Gently squeeze out excess water, lay your pieces flat, and shape to match the dimensions in the pattern.
- Let everything dry completely before seaming or wearing.
For a deeper dive, read:
Steam Blocking vs Wet Blocking for Superwash Yarn (Prism Make-Along Part 10)
https://marlybird.com/blog/steam-blocking-vs-wet-blocking-superwash-yarn-prism-make-along-part-10/
Styling Your Opening Night Cardigan
Let’s talk outfits, because you’re not knitting this just to let it live on a hanger.
Here are a few fun ways to style your Opening Night Cardigan:
- Casual everyday look
Throw it over a fitted tee or tank, your favorite jeans, and ankle boots. The swing shape keeps it comfy, and the collar makes it look intentional and polished. - Office or Zoom chic
Layer it over a simple blouse or mock-neck top with slim trousers or a pencil skirt. The cardigan gives you “I’m cozy” vibes while still looking professional on camera or in person. - Dress it up
Pair it with a knit or jersey dress and tall boots. Choose a neutral cardigan color over a bold dress… or flip it: bold cardigan, simple black dress. Either way, you’ll look effortlessly put-together. - Weekend cozy
Leggings, long tunic, Opening Night Cardigan, and big mug of coffee. Enough said.
Because this cardigan has such a clean shape, you can knit it in a neutral (gray, navy, black, camel) for maximum versatility, or choose a gorgeous jewel tone if you want the cardigan itself to be the statement piece.
Ad-Free PDF Pattern Upgrade
If you prefer to knit without ads and without your phone or tablet timing out on you, there’s also an ad-free, printable PDF version of the Opening Night Cardigan pattern available.
The PDF is great if you:
- Like to print, highlight, and scribble notes
- Want a clean layout with clear section breaks
- Prefer to knit from a hard copy or use a tablet with a markup app
Skip the scrolling and knit distraction-free with the ad-free, printable PDF version — perfect for your project bag.
You can find the Opening Night Cardigan PDF in the Marly Bird Store (and it may also be available on Etsy and Ravelry, depending on when you’re reading this).
Opening Night Knit Swing Cardigan – Free Pattern
Yarn
Classic Elite “Montera” (50% wool, 50% llama, 127 yds / 100 g per ball) in color #3827,
9 (10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 22, 23) skeins.
Alternative Yarns
- Swish Bulky
- City Tweed Aran
- Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky
Needles
Size US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle, 24″ in length or longer, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions
Stitch holder, tapestry needle.
To Fit Sizes
Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X)
Instructions are given for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.
When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
Shown in size M.
Finished Measurements
Chest:
29 (32¾, 36¾, 41, 44½, 48½, 52¾, 57)”
[73.5 (83, 93.5, 104, 113, 123, 134, 145) cm]
Back length, not including trims:
12½ (13, 14, 14½, 15, 16, 16¼, 16½)”
[32 (33, 35.5, 37, 38, 40.5, 41.5, 42) cm]
Gauge
15 sts and 20 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch
Take time to save time, check your gauge.
ABBREVIATIONS
DEC – decrease
K – knit
K2TOG – knit 2 together
P – purl
PATT – pattern
PM – place marker
REM – remain(ing)
RS – right side
SL – slip
SSK – slip, slip, knit
ST(S) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side
STITCH PATTERNS
Garter Rib
(Worked over an odd number of sts)
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for Garter Rib.
Stockinette Stitch
Knit on RS, purl on WS.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
Knit – https://youtu.be/nkzVGuaKsR8
Purl – https://youtu.be/TsPqLvRmOow
SSK – https://youtu.be/sjT0hKT55D8?t=1074
K2tog – https://youtu.be/JrHqDYb2ss8?t=346
Add a Lifeline – https://youtu.be/FiqYUE_oHAw
UnKnit / Tink –https://youtu.be/c7Gud7k4Y8k
Seaming – https://youtube.com/live/tjBzj-j_SJ4
NOTES
- Need help choosing the correct size for you to make?
➡ Read this blog post Marly wrote for a similar pattern. - Regarding Gauge:
• The Opening Night Cardigan will be somewhat heavy for all the sizes so please be sure to take pre‑block, post‑block and hanging gauge swatch measurements. All three will be important for you to do all you can to make sure your piece will be finished the way you want.
• Often asked if stitch or row gauge is more important on this garment and I believe stitch gauge is more important to get the right fitting garment.
• You will do a gauge swatch for BOTH pattern stitches used in the garment. - Cardigan is made in pieces and seamed together after blocking!
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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
SCHEMATICS
PATTERN
Back
Cast On 57 (65, 72, 79, 87, 94, 102, 109) sts, and work in Stockinette st for
4½ (4½, 5, 5, 5, 5½, 5½, 5½)” [11.5 (11.5, 12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14, 14, 14) cm],
ending after a WS row.
Shape armholes
Bind Off 2 (4, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10) sts at beginning of next 2 rows –
53 (57, 64, 67, 75, 78, 86, 89) sts rem.
Next row (dec row, RS): K2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Repeat this dec every RS row 1 (1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7) more times –
49 (53, 56, 59, 63, 66, 70, 73) sts rem.
Work evenly until armhole measures
7 (7½, 8, 8½, 9, 9½, 9¾, 10)”
[18 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 25, 25.5) cm],
ending after a WS row.
Shape shoulders and neck
Next row (RS): K15 (17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25) and place these sts on a holder for right shoulder, attach a 2nd ball of yarn, Bind Off center 19 (19, 20, 21, 21, 22, 22, 23) sts, knit to end.
Left Shoulder and Neck
Next 5 rows:
Row 1 (WS): Bind Off 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at shoulder edge, purl to end.
Row 2: Bind Off 3 sts at neck edge, knit to end.
Row 3: Bind Off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) sts at shoulder edge, purl to end.
Row 4: Bind Off 2 sts at neck edge, knit to end.
Row 5: Bind Off rem 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) sts.
Right Shoulder and Neck
Place right shoulder sts back on needle.
Row 1 (WS): Bind Off 3 sts at neck edge, purl to end.
Row 2: Bind Off 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) sts at shoulder edge, knit to end.
Row 3: Bind Off 3 sts at neck edge, purl to end.
Row 4: Bind Off 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) sts at shoulder edge, knit to end.
Row 5: Purl.
Row 6: Bind Off rem 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) sts.
LEFT FRONT
Cast On 29 (32, 36, 40, 43, 47, 51, 55) sts and work same as back to armhole shaping, then shape armhole same as back.
Work evenly until armhole measures
4½ (4½, 5, 5, 5, 5½, 5½, 5½)”
[11.5 (11.5, 12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14, 14, 14) cm], ending after a WS row.
Neck Shaping
Next row (dec row, RS): Knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Repeat this dec every RS row 14 (13, 14, 15, 14, 15, 15, 16) more times – 10 (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20) sts remain.
Work evenly until armhole measures same as back armhole, then shape shoulder same as back.
RIGHT FRONT
Cast On 29 (32, 36, 40, 43, 47, 51, 55) sts and work same as Back to armhole shaping, then shape armhole same as Back.
Work evenly until armhole measures
4½ (4½, 5, 5, 5, 5½, 5½, 5½)”
[11.5 (11.5, 12.5, 12.5, 12.5, 14, 14, 14) cm],
ending after a WS row.
Neck Shaping
Next row (dec row, RS): K2, ssk, knit to end of row.
Repeat this decrease every RS row 14 (13, 14, 15, 14, 15, 15, 16) more times — 10 (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20) sts remain.
Work evenly until armhole measures same as Back armhole, then shape shoulder same as Back.
SLEEVE (make 2)
Cast On 35 (36, 37, 37, 37, 38, 38, 39) sts, and work in Stockinette st for 2″ [5 cm], ending after a WS row.
Next row (inc row, RS): K2, m1, knit to last 2 sts, m1, k2.
Repeat this inc every 12 (10, 8, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4) rows
5 (6, 8, 3, 7, 3, 16, 14) more times,
then every n/a (n/a, n/a, 6, 4, 4, 2, 2) rows
0 (0, 0, 7, 6, 12, 2, 7) more times –
47 (50, 54, 59, 65, 70, 76, 83) sts.
Work in St st until sleeve measures 17½” [44.5 cm] from beg, ending after a WS row.
Shape Sleeve Cap
Bind Off 2 (4, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8, 10) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Next row (dec row, RS): K2, ssk, knit to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2.
Repeat this dec every RS row 11 (11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14) more times, then work the following WS row evenly.
Bind Off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Bind Off 3 sts at beginning of next 0 (0, 0, 0, 2, 2, 4, 4) rows.
Bind Off rem 15 (14, 16, 17, 15, 16, 14, 17) sts.
TRIM LOWER BODY
Cast On 45 sts and work in Garter Rib until piece measures
53 (56¾, 60½, 63¼, 68½, 72½, 76¾, 81)”
[134.5 (144, 154.5, 165, 174, 184, 195, 205.5) cm].
Bind Off all sts.
TRIM UPPER BODY
Cast On 45 sts and work in Garter Rib until piece measures
59¾ (60¾, 63, 64¼, 65¼, 67½, 68, 68¾)”
[152 (154.5, 160, 163, 165.5, 171.5, 172.5, 174.5) cm].
Bind Off all sts.
FINISHING
Block all pieces to measurements.
Sew shoulder seams. Sew sleeve caps into place, then sew side and sleeve seams.
Pin bottom center Back to center of Lower Body trim, and sew long edge of trim around bottom of sweater. This will leave 12″ [30.5 cm] of trim length unsewn on either side of front.
Pin center Back neck to center of Upper Body trim, and sew long edge of trim around neckline, down front edges, and onto the rem unsewn 12″ [30.5 cm] of Lower Body trim (see trim diagram).
Weave in all loose ends.
Related Knit Sweater and Cardigan Patterns
If you love this style of comfy-but-fabulous garment knitting, you might also enjoy:
- Lipstick Cardigan – https://shop.marlybird.com/products/lipstick-drape-front-cardigan
FAQs: Free Knit Swing Cardigan Pattern
Can I substitute yarn?
Yes! Any worsted or aran weight yarn that meets gauge and has good drape will work. Wool and wool blends are ideal. Always swatch and block to make sure you like the fabric before committing to the full sweater.
Is this pattern okay for beginners?
It’s great for confident beginners. If you know how to knit, purl, work simple decreases, and do some basic seaming, you’re ready. The fabric is simple Stockinette, so you can focus on the shaping and construction.
Can I knit this in one piece instead of seaming?
The pattern is written to be knit in pieces and seamed. You could adapt it to be more seamless, but the seaming adds nice structure and helps the cardigan hang well. If this is one of your first sweaters, I recommend following the original construction.
How much positive ease should I choose?
Because this is an open-front cardigan with a swing shape, it’s naturally forgiving. Aim for about 2–4″ of positive ease at the upper bust/shoulder area. If you like an extra roomy, cozy feel, you can size up.
What if my row gauge doesn’t match exactly?
Stitch gauge is the most important. If your row gauge is slightly off, you may need to adjust length by knitting more or fewer rows before shaping. Check the “Length” measurements in the pattern and use your measuring tape as you go.
Do I have to block the cardigan?
Technically, you can skip blocking — but I don’t recommend it! Blocking smooths the fabric, relaxes the fibers, and really brings out the swing and drape. Think of blocking as the magic moment when your cardigan goes from “handmade” to “handmade and polished.”
Is there video help if I get stuck?
Yes! Check the video list above for technique tutorials, and if you’re inside the Marly Bird House course, you’ll have additional step-by-step guidance and support.
💬 Final Thoughts
The Opening Night Cardigan is the kind of piece you’ll want to knit again in different colors. It’s elegant without being fussy, cozy without looking too casual — and totally gift-worthy if you’re feeling generous 🧶💖
So grab your yarn, swatch wisely, and treat yourself to this swingy, sassy knit that wears like a dream.
📸 Don’t forget to tag me @themarlybird and use #mmmdi and #marlybird when you share!
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Free Patterns, Knitting, Marly Bird Premium Patterns, Our Free Patterns, Pattern, Uncategorized
