A crochet cardigan is the perfect balance of comfort and style. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a cozy evening at home, this crochet cardigan wraps you in warmth and softness. What’s special about this design? This sweater pattern looks just like knitting, but is entirely created with crochet techniques. Plus, it’s quick to make, thanks to the chunky yarn.
Chunky Crochet Cardigan Tutorial
This crochet cardigan pattern is simple yet versatile. With an easy stitch pattern and a relaxed fit, you can customize it to be cropped or long, fitted or oversized. It even includes details like a neat neckline and snug sleeves for an extra polished look. The slip stitch technique and soft yarn give it a beautiful texture, making it perfect for layering over your favorite outfits.
Credit AC Crochets
Step-by-Step Pattern
Materials
To recreate this cardigan, you’ll need the following materials:
- Yarn:
- Chunky yarn, such as Lenina from Volue (100g, 90m per skein).
- Yarn composition: 80% acrylic, 20% wool.
- For this tutorial, 7 skeins were used for size Extra Small/Small. Adjust the amount depending on your desired cardigan size.
- Chunky yarn, such as Lenina from Volue (100g, 90m per skein).
- Hook Size:
- Recommended hook: 7mm, but use a 9mm crochet hook for a loose tension. You may opt for a 10mm hook if working tighter.
- Tape Measure:
- Required for measurements and ensuring proper fit.
- Stitch Markers:
- Optional but helpful for tracking stitches when dividing panels or marking edges of your work.
- Darning Needle:
- For sewing the cardigan pieces together. Alternatively, slip stitches can be used to join parts.
Pattern Instructions
Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Start by creating a foundation chain that runs from the front of the shoulder to the back. This chain forms the initial width of the cardigan.
- Ensure the chain length is 2 inches longer than the desired piece because the slip-stitch pattern shrinks slightly.
- Example: For a cropped cardigan, a 15-inch chain might shrink to 13 inches. Measure once folded over your shoulders and adjust accordingly.
- Make sure the number of chains is odd.
Step 2: Row 1
- Start by skipping the first chain for turning.
- Work slip stitches loosely into every chain across the row. Keep the tension loose throughout.
Step 3: Row 2
- Chain 1 and turn your work.
- Work slip stitches in the back loop only of every stitch across the row.
Repeat Row 2 until the panel’s width measures the desired size for your back and front panels.
- Example: For Extra Small/Small, the panel width is 9 inches. Check the size chart for other measurements.
Step 4: Neckline
The neckline section divides the panel into two halves and leaves space for the neck.
- Count the total stitches in your current panel and place a stitch marker at the center to identify the split between the back and front sections.
- Work slip stitches from the edge to the stitch marker. Stop here without working across the other side.
- Continue slip stitches back and forth on this shortened panel until the panel reaches 2 inches in width (about 6 rows for Extra Small/Small).
- After reaching 2 inches, chain back the stitches you disconnected for the neckline (same count as left out earlier).
- Work slip stitches across the chains and continue row repetitions until the front panel matches the number of rows on the opposite side.
Step 5: Sleeves
- For the sleeve, start with a foundation chain the desired length plus 2 inches for shrinkage.
- Example: A 35-chain foundation (17 inches) may shrink to 14.5 inches. Adjust to fit your arm.
- Begin by working a slip-stitch row across the chain for Row 1. Leave out several stitches at the bottom (for the cuff); in the example, 6 stitches were left out for a 2½-inch cuff.
- Repeat shorter and longer rows as follows:
- Row 2: Work slip stitches back up to the cuff marker.
- Rows 3–6: Alternate rows working up and down until a complete attachment of rows to the cuff is established.
- Continue crocheting the sleeve until it reaches the desired length and width. Stretch the cuff periodically to ensure fit.
- Repeat for the second sleeve, ensuring the same number of rows and stitches for symmetry.
Step 6: Join Sleeves
- Lay the sweater flat with the wrong side facing up. Align the middle of the sleeve panel with the shoulder seam where the front and back sections meet.
- Sew from the center outward on both sides using a darning needle, or join panels using slip stitches.
- Once the sleeve is attached, sew or slip stitch/zip seam the sleeve edges together from the cuff to the shoulder seam. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Step 7: Bottom Trim
To finish the cardigan, work a decorative bottom trim:
- Add a row of slip stitches along the hemline of the cardigan. Insert the hook into spaces between rows rather than individual stitches for a smooth finish.
