Moonbow Slouchy Knit Cardigan Free Pattern

I’m super happy with how this easy knit sweater turned out because it’s sooo comfy! As usual, you can see the full, free knitting pattern below or you may purchase the ad-free printable from Etsy HERE, or the kit from Lion Brand HERE.

If you like comfy, oversized, quick to make pieces, this could be your new project. This sweater is super easy to knit on large needles and the color possibilities are endless. If you’re comfortable with knit and purl, and can do a little decreasing (knit two together), you are all set!

And who else is happy that big, oversized, comfy things are still trendy? Some of you have already made two of my fave comfies, My Comfiest Knit Cardigan as well as the Coziest Cable Cardigan. Let’s add another to the list, shall we? Hehe

As is common with many (or all) of my patterns, the cardigan’s made with basic shapes. When I first started knitting, I was constantly on the hunt for projects that were knit flat. You’ll find that this sweater is simply made of rectangles which are knit flat. Yay! The only shaping is on the sleeves where you will just work simple decreases. If you’ve never done a decrease where you “knit two together”, it’s so fun and easy! Trust me. 🙂

I was really thrilled about the drape that you can achieve when you use a large needle with this beautiful Lion Brand & Two of Wands Hue & Me yarn. The color options are just perfect, and you literally can’t go wrong with any of them. The yarn was out of stock for a while, so I am really happy I finally got to use it for a project. It will be fun to use it for a lot of future cold weather projects. If you don’t have access to a chunky weight yarn, you can also knit this by holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together to more closely equal the chunky weight.

And do you remember this one from a few months ago? I really like working with chunky weight yarns for cardigans.

So, shall we hop to the pattern?

And just a reminder that you can see the free pattern below, or you can purchase the ad-free printable version from Etsy HERE.

Description:  Featuring a drapey oversized fit, cozy pockets, and generous sleeves, this cardi is right on trend and comfy as can be!  Try pairing it with a graphic tee, jeans or even shorts. It’s a super easy knit with minimal shaping so just about anyone can make it. And because it’s made with chunky yarn and big needles, it’s a quick knit too. Have fun!

Materials:

US Size 15, 10 mm 36” circular knitting needles & straight needles (optional)

5 (6,7,8) Lion Brand Yarn Hue & Me in Ozone 125 g/skein or comparable chunky #5 yarn (Grab the convenient kit from Lion Brand HERE)

  Pattern uses approximately 572 (669, 783, 916)

Scissors

Tapestry Needle

Measuring Tape

Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL

Gauge: Approximately 9 stitches and 12 rows in 4” x 4” of stockinette

Please follow the key throughout the pattern according to the size you are knitting:

S (M, L, XL) FOR REFERENCE: (I am wearing the hoodie in the photos and am 5’5″, 105 lbs and 32″ bust and I’m in the size S) There is a lot of positive ease!

Bust Circumference (approximate): (there is a lot of positive ease)

S – 49”

M –53”

L – 57”

XL –61”

Pattern Notes: This cardigan is knit by making one rectangular panel for the back and two rectangular panels for the front (see schematic). Sleeves and pockets are then knit flat. If you’re experienced, you can certainly modify the pattern to knit the sleeves in the round and avoid seaming. Consider blocking panels and sleeves to shape and size before final assembly.  The pattern calls for circular needles even while it is knit flat.  The circular needles are necessary to comfortably hold all of the stitches. Have fun!

Length (approximate):

S – 22”

M – 24”

L – 26”

XL – 28”

Sleeve Length:

S – 17”

M – 17”

L – 17.5”

XL – 18”

Sleeve Width when seamed (approximate width at widest point):

S – 8”

M – 8.5”

L –  9”

XL – 9.5”

Abbreviations & Skills:

k – knit

p – purl

st – stitch

sts – stitches

k2tog – knit two together decrease

Moonbow Slouchy Knit Sweater Pattern Instructions

Back Panel (make 1)

*stitch count remains the same throughout the pattern

Cast on 58 (62, 66, 70)

1×1 Ribbing Pattern

Row 1 *K1, p1; repeat from * across the row.

Rows 2 – 7 Repeat row 1.

Stockinette Section

Row 8 Knit each st across the row.

Row 9 K3, purl each st across to last 3 sts of the row, k3.

Repeat rows 8 – 9, working stockinette stitch until entire piece measures approximately 21.5”(23.5”, 25.5”, 27.5”) then continue as indicated below.

Next, finish with 2 final rows of knit stitches (garter stitch).

Cast off and weave in ends.

Front Panel (make 2)

Cast on 25 (27, 29, 31)

*stitch count remains the same throughout the pattern

1×1 Ribbing Pattern

Row 1 *K1, p1; repeat from * across the row, ending with a k1.

Row 2 *P1, k1; repeat from * across the row, ending with a p1.

Rows 3 – 7 Repeat rows 1 & 2, ending with row 1.

Stockinette Pattern

Row 1 Knit each st across the row.

Row 2 K5, purl each st across to last 5 sts of the row, k5.

Repeat rows 1 – 2 until piece measures approximately 21.5”(23.5”, 25.5”, 27.5”) and is the same length as the back panel.

Next, finish with two final rows of knit stitches (garter stitch).

Cast off and weave in ends.

Sleeves (make 2)

*each decrease row reduces stitch count by 2

Cast on 38 (40, 42, 44)

Row 1 Knit each st across the row.

Rows 2 – 4 Repeat row 1.

Row 5 Purl each st across the row.

Row 6 Knit each st across the row.

Row 7 Purl each st across the row.

Row 8 K2tog, k across to last 2 sts, k2tog. (decrease row)

Repeat rows 5 – 8 until sleeve measures approximately 5.25” (5.75”, 6.25”, 6.75”) seamed or 10.5” (11.5”, 12.5”, 13.5”) wide before seaming.

Next, continue to knit in stockinette stitch, without any decreasing, until sleeve measures approximately 16” (16”, 16.5”, 17”). 

Once the sleeve has reached this length, repeat row 8 (decrease row) one final time.

Finish by knitting a 1×1 rib pattern for the cuff for approximately 1” long (all sizes).  The sleeve should now measure approximately 17” (17”, 17.5”, 18”) which is a generous length.  Feel free to customize the sleeve length and make them longer or shorter as desired.

Cast off and weave in ends.

Pockets (make 2)

Cast on 17 (18, 19, 20) sts  (you’re knitting from the bottom up)

Row 1 Knit each st across the row.

Row 2 Purl each st across the row.

Repeat rows 1 & 2, working in stockinette stitch until piece measures approximately 5.5” long.

Finish by working four final rows of knit stitches (garter).

Cast off and weave in ends.

Assembly

Place two front panels directly on top of back panel, aligning outer edges and leaving space in the middle.

Place pockets on the lower, center of each front panel. Sew with a whip stitch leaving the top of the pockets open.  The garter stitch should be at the top.

Using a simple whip stitch, sew the shoulders along the top on each side.

You may choose to sew sleeves onto cardigan before or after seaming the sleeves. 

Seam sleeves using the mattress stitch seaming method.

Seam up sides of the cardigan with a simple whip stitch.

Weave in all those ends!

Enjoy your new slouchy cardigan!

Schematic:

I hope you guys enjoy this cozy project! There’s still plenty of cold left here in Colorado (though I’m not sure I’m thrilled about that fact). If you make one, feel free to post a photo in the comments on my Facebook Page or you can tag me on Instagram @mamainastitch so I can see it!

XO,

Jessica

Thank you to Lion Brand Yarn for sponsoring this post! All opinions are 100% my own. 🙂

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