Yes, You Can Knit an Easy Cardigan — And This Is the One to Start With

You’ve made scarves, hats, maybe even a cowl or two. You’ve mastered knit and purl, and now you’re ready for the next big step in your knitting journey: your very first easy cardigan.

If that thought makes you a little nervous — don’t worry. You don’t need decades of knitting experience to make a cardigan you’ll love to wear. You just need the right project: one that’s approachable, quick to knit, and designed for beginners who are ready to take things up a notch.

That’s exactly why we created the Loopy Mango My First Cardigan Kit — to make your first garment project not just possible, but joyful from start to finish. It’s the definition of an easy cardigan: simple stitches, clear instructions, and a gorgeous result. And here’s the best part: you’ll get the pattern and full video tutorial absolutely free with your kit, so you’ll have everything you need to succeed from day one.

My First Cardigan in Merino No. 5

Why an easy cardigan makes the perfect first garment

Sweaters are great, but an easy cardigan offers a little more flexibility — both in style and in knitting. It’s open in the front, so you don’t have to worry about pulling it over your head or getting the fit just right across your shoulders. You can wear it over a tee, a dress, or even pajamas on a lazy Sunday morning.

Cardigans are also wonderfully forgiving for new garment knitters. The simple, boxy shape of My First Cardigan means you don’t have to fuss with complicated shaping. And because it’s knit with our extra-chunky Merino No. 5 yarn, you’ll see your project grow before your eyes. That instant progress is a huge confidence boost — one of the best things about making an easy cardigan.

Merino No. 5

From “Can I really do this?” to “Look what I made!”

Many knitters stall out at the idea of making their first garment because they think it’s going to be slow, complicated, and frustrating. But here’s the secret: when you combine a straightforward pattern with big, plush stitches and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll actually enjoy every step.

The My First Cardigan Kit includes:

• Super chunky Merino No. 5 yarn — Soft, bouncy, and perfect for beginners

• Clear, beginner-friendly pattern — Included free with your kit

• Optional knitting needles — Add them to your kit if you don’t have the right size

• Step-by-step video tutorial — Free with your kit, guiding you from cast-on to final seam

You’ll never be left wondering if you’re “doing it right” — and you’ll never have to rip back hours of work because you misread something. This kit takes the guesswork out and leaves you with pure knitting joy — the kind you get when an easy cardigan starts to come together in your hands.

Why this easy cardigan works for beginners

The beauty of My First Cardigan is that it gives you a garment you’ll actually wear, while keeping the knitting process relaxed and approachable. You’ll work mostly in simple stitches you already know — knit and purl — so you can focus on building confidence instead of learning complicated techniques.

The chunky yarn makes counting stitches a breeze, and because you’re knitting flat pieces that get sewn together, you can work in manageable sections. This also means it’s easy to toss in your bag and take to knit night or a weekend getaway. It’s everything you want in an easy cardigan knitting project: portable, forgiving, and fun.

The joy of making something you can wear every day

There’s something magical about knitting a cardigan. Scarves and hats are fun, but an easy cardigan is a full-on wardrobe piece — something you can throw on for work, lounging, or dinner out. Every time you wear it, you’ll remember the hours you spent making it, the feel of the yarn in your hands, and that moment when it first came together.

And let’s be honest: people will notice. They’ll say “I love your sweater” and you’ll get to reply, “Thanks — I made it.” That little thrill never goes away — especially when the project was approachable enough to actually finish.

My First Cardigan in Merino No. 5

Your knitting milestone

Knitting your first cardigan isn’t just about the finished garment — it’s about proving to yourself that you can tackle bigger projects and win. Once you’ve made this easy cardigan, you’ll feel ready for sweaters, dresses, or any other garment your heart desires.

Many knitters tell us that finishing their My First Cardigan was the moment they truly felt like “a real knitter.” And because it’s a quick project thanks to the chunky yarn, you’ll get that rush of accomplishment sooner than you think.

My First Cardigan in Merino No. 5

Built-in motivation to finish

A lot of knitters start garments with the best of intentions… and then they end up in the UFO (Unfinished Object) pile. My First Cardigan is different. The instant gratification of big stitches, the simple construction, and the fact that you can see real progress in every knitting session all work together to keep you motivated.

Plus, the cardigan shape means you can try on the pieces as you go — nothing inspires you to keep knitting like seeing your easy cardigan come to life in your hands.

My First Cardigan in Merino No. 5

Tips for success

Want to set yourself up for a stress-free knitting experience? Here are our top tips:

1. Pick a color you love — You’ll be spending hours with this yarn, so choose a shade that makes you smile every time you see it.

2. Watch the video first — Even if you’re confident, a quick watch-through will give you a sense of the whole project.

3. Check your gauge — A few minutes now can save hours later.

4. Celebrate small wins — Each finished piece is an accomplishment in itself.

5. Join the Loopy Mango community — Share your progress on Instagram and connect with other knitters who are making their first easy cardigan too.

What’s in the kit

When you order the My First Cardigan Kit, you’ll get:

• Luxurious 100% Merino No. 5 yarn in your choice of color

• Printed pattern — free with your kit

• Optional knitting needles

• Unlimited access to our full video tutorial — free with your kit

It’s everything you need to start — and finish — your first easy cardigan, all in one beautifully packaged kit.

You’re ready.
Shop the My First Cardigan Kit →

And when you’ve finished? Wear it everywhere. Snap a photo, share it with your friends, and tag us at @loopymango. Your project might inspire someone else to take the leap and knit their own easy cardigan. And that’s what we love most — seeing creativity ripple through our knitting community.

My First Cardigan in Merino No. 5

FREE My First Cardigan PATTERN- Merino No. 5

$0.00

This listing is for the pattern only. After checkout, you will receive a digital copy of the pattern by email.  The body of this cardigan is knit flat in one piece from the bottom up. The back panel is worked… Read More

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