Chunky Knit Cardigan Patterns
Try a chunky knitted cardigan pattern as your first garment!
Free Chunky Knit Cardigan Patterns
If you’re nervous about tackling your first big knitting project then these bulky sweater knitting patterns are for you! Chunky knit cardigans make fantastic first projects. Big chunky yarns make knitting big projects fast and easy.
Any beginner knitter can totally tackle knitting a cardigan once you have the right pattern to get you started. All of these chunky knitted cardigan patterns are picked with beginners in mind.
We’ve curated a collection of chunky knit cardigan patterns that are easy to knit and even easier to wear. All of these patterns are cozy and practical, perfect as knit gifts or wardrobe staples!
Ready to get started? Read on!
What You Need to Knit Chunky Cardigan Patterns!
These bulky sweater knit patterns have a few things in common: all of them need just a few basic knitting materials! So let’s take a look at what these might be:
- Knitting Needles – To complete any knitting project, you will need a pair of sturdy knitting needles. Check your yarn ball and pattern to see what the suggested needle size is before you get started. Pro tip: For beginners, we recommend that you opt for needles that have some “grip” to prevent your yarn from slipping off the edge like wooden knitting needles!
- Yarn – Your chunky knit cardigan pattern should be comfortable to wear, this is where yarn material comes into play! Acrylic yarn can be a good option because it’s washable and affordable. Wool yarns are cozy but might be itchy for people with sensitive skin. Always test out a new yarn by touching it to your neck or the inside of your wrist to see how it feels.
- Scissors – A pair of scissors is another important tool that you will use for all of your knitting projects. You’ll need them to cut yarn tails and hide loose ends.
- Stitch markers – You might need stitch markers to keep track of where you are in a given pattern. We love using markers that can open and close, also called “removable stitch markers” for all knitted projects!
- Yarn/darning needle – You will need a yarn needle or darning needle to sew in the loose yarn ends.
- Chunky Knitted Cardigan pattern – Don’t forget to pick out your absolute favorite pattern on this list!
1. Buttony Sweater
by Katie Marcus
YARN: Debbie Bliss Merino Chunky
SIZES: One Size 36-38″ bust
“Looking for that chunky, cozy go-to sweater that stays with you until it virtually becomes part of you? Sari Nordlund’s Lempi just might be it, a perfect beginner project from chunky Hygge Wool yarn. Seamless design with raglan sleeves, sleeves above wrist height, and a high turtleneck.”
2. CARON X PANTONE CROPPED RAGLAN KNIT CARDIGAN
YARN: Caron X Pantone (Bulky)
SIZES: XS – 5XL
Knit on circular needles from the top-down, this raglan sleeve sweater knits up in a flash with no extra seams to sew. Choose a self-striping yarn for easy color, or a solid color for a timeless wardrobe staple.
3. Wild Mohair Cardigan
by Gralina Frie
YARN: Rowan Kidsilk Haze or Garnstudio DROPS Vienna
SIZES: one size – approx. XS-L
Knitting this mohair cardigan is a really quick and fun project. This is a great chance to finally use up a lot of saved partial skeins that have been lingering in your stash. Plus, this cardigan is knit using the easiest stockinette stitch, perfect for an easy, stress-free project.
4. Left Wheel
YARN: Berroco Lodge™
SIZES: XS – XL
This pattern is a great way to use color-changing yarns for a simple cardigan with a big impact! This pattern features two front panels knit in different directions and lets the yarn do all the heavy lifting.
5. Dee Bulky Sweater Knit Pattern
YARN: Rowan Brushed Fleece
SIZES: 32 – 50″
Classic, cozy, and comfortable, this cardigan is super simple to make and easy to wear. Because this pattern is so simple, it’s a great project for using a bold textured yarn, bright color, or another interesting element. It’s also the perfect time to practice your seaming skills!
6. Colonia Cropped Cardi
YARN: Lion Brand Color Made Easy
SIZES: S – 3X
Easy and relaxed! This pattern is perfect for layering all year round. Use cotton yarns for a summer version or cozy wools for winter.
Garter stitch at the shoulders creates a soft silhouette and simple stockinette for the rest means this is a fast and beginner-friendly project.
7. Cloud Gate II
YARN: Henry’s Attic Toaga or Henry’s Attic Toaga II Mohair or Galler Yarns Toaga II or Sirdar Temptation
SIZES: One Size, 40″
This pattern is one of my favorites. The simple shape and ultra soft and fluffy mohair makes this an absolutely timeless knit cardigan. The big, open gauge makes this one of the fastest knits in this list and also the cardigan that uses the least amount of yarn too!
8. Penelope’s Cardigan
YARN: Universal Yarn Deluxe Bulky Superwash
SIZES: 38″ – 57″
“This A-line cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down. First, the collar extensions are knit outward from the back neck. Next, stitches are picked up along the sides of the collar extensions and raglan shaping begins.”
9. Rainbow Cardigan
YARN: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky
SIZES: S – 2X
This cardigan is easy to make and was designed with advanced beginner knitters in mind!
Using stockinette knit stitches and simple ribbing, all you need to know to make this loose-fitting striped cardigan are simple increases and decreases.
10. Moonbow Slouchy Knit Cardigan
YARN: Lion Brand Hue + Me
SIZES: S – XL
Pockets! This pattern has a generous, oversized fit, cozy pockets, and loose sleeves and is probably the most comfortable chunky knit cardigan pattern on this list!
Try pairing this comfy sweater with a graphic tee and jeans! Minimal shaping means that just about anyone can knit this pattern. Like the rest of these bulky sweater knit patterns made with chunky yarn and big needles, it’s a quick knit too!
About Yarns for Chunky Knitted Cardigan Patterns
Chunky yarns are more commonly labeled as “bulky” in craft stores. Bulky yarns include a whole wide world of fibers and colors to choose from. From soft fuzzy mohair, to smooth machine-washable acrylic, you can find the perfect chunky yarn for any pattern!
As always, make sure you’re able to get the same knitting gauge called for in the pattern if you’re using a yarn not recommended by the pattern. Want to learn about the different yarn weights? Check out our blogpost here!
Want to try out other chunky knitting patterns? Check out our free pattern round-ups on bulky sweater knit patterns, beanies, and more!
