I recently wrote a blog post about the 10 Best Cardigan Knitting Patterns for Fall. It features many top-down cardigans because they are a big trend.

However, I received so many requests for simple bottom-up sweaters; I decided to round up 10 projects that are great for beginners or those who like to sew sweaters in pieces (instead of in-the-round) and then seam them together.

With simple bottom-up sweaters, most often, you are knitting back and forth on straight needles and basically making rectangles then sewing the pieces together to create a garment. It s called flat panel construction and is similar to a sewing pattern.

Rather than cutting the pieces out of fabric and piecing them together, you will knit the pieces just the right size and then sew them together.

This method of sweater construction is ideal for understanding the foundation of garments, shaping, and overall fit.

What I love most is that all of the sweaters in this blog post are FREE patterns!

Before we get into the patterns, I want to share a few related blog posts. I hope you them find helpful when choosing yarns, needles for your project, as well as some knitting help.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for more information.

Easy Sweater Free Knitting Patterns

Simple Knit Sweater Free Knitting Pattern

#1. Simple Sweater Free Knitting Pattern

Designed by Ashleigh Kiser aka Sewrella, this Simple Knit Sweater the project for a first time pullover. It’s knitted in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed together. The body is worked in garter stitch (knit every row) on chunky yarn so you can make a sweater in a weekend.

Sandbar Pullover Sweater Free Knitting Pattern

#2. Sandbar Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

Designed by Rae Blacklege, Sandbar is a relaxed fit pullover. It looks like you grabbed your boyfriend’s big comfy pullover and threw it on for weekend wear. This crew-neck sweater is knitted in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed. Sandbar features a tuck-stitch pattern and uses worsted-aran weight yarn.

#3. Callie Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

Callie is a simple pullover pattern knit from the bottom up. Topped with a deep, cozy funnel neck, this sweater has short sleeves and a simple silhouette. It uses Berroco Brielle worsted weight yarn for lots of depth and texture.

Tweedy Stripy Simple Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

#4. Tweedy Stripey Pullover Free Pattern to Knit

I think this is my favorite sweater from the collection shown in this blog post. Tweedy Stripey was designed by Leslie Weber and it’s a free pattern. It’s a very simple, boxy pullover with no shaping and wide neckline.

It uses a tweed yarn which is on trend for the season.

#5. Basic V-Neck Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

Sometimes, a simple pullover is all you need. Great for beginners, this pullover is knit in the round from the bottom up until the neckline in simple stockinette through out the body. Hemmed cuffs and a v-neck collar completes this classic sweater.

#6. 80-20 Time Out Cardigan Free Knitting Pattern

Knit a longer length cardigan with long sleeves and a shawl collar. This free pattern is compliments of Drops Design.

Weir V-Neck Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

#7. Weir Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

This classic V-neck sweater is knit from the bottom up in pieces with a hi-lo hem and bracelet-length sleeves. It features Berroco Arno DK weight yarn.

#8. Mimic Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

This easy pullover can be worn vest-like (as shown in the pics) or as a shorter sleeved drop shoulder sweater without an undershirt. There are no short rows! The sweater gauge, drape and unique construction is built to create the beautiful curved longer back hem line naturally. Mimi uses a DK weight yarn.

#9. Gillian Pullover Free Knitting Pattern

Knit yourself a simple sweater that you’ll wear all the time! Gillian is a mock-neck pullover using Lion Brand Touch of Mohair yarn for softness. The sweater is knitted in pieces from the bottom up and then seamed.