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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I love this sweater! I have ordered the kit to make it.
Oh my goodness, I wish I dared to make this beautiful slouchy cari. I love it. Maybe someday I will have the confidence to try it.
Go for it! You may surprise yourself- Jessica’s patterns are so easy to follow, you’ll be so proud of your accomplishment!
At last. these look so easy and fast. they are also stylish,and extra large.
I am 76 years old,but iwill be knitting one or more of some of these lovely styles.
Thank you so much.
Cannot wait to make this! I have enjoyed making the Fall Cuddler and Modern Mountain throws. Thanks for all the excellent patterns
Is there a crochet version to the pattern?
This is a beautiful pattern! How would I increase it to make it a 2x or 3x?
Thanks for sharing your pattern
Hi Jessica! You did it again! This cardigan looks so cozy and trendy. At the same time it’s a classic that can be worn for years to come. Mila
Moonbow…such a lovely name. I’ve never seen a moonbow but I guess the color reminds of this wonderful phenomena?
This is so beautiful but I have to try another yarn since I can’t use wool; thank you.
I am working on your Winter Cuddler for my husband and have been trying to decide what to make next. You have solved that problem for me. The blue version will look great with the levis I always wear. Thanks for another great pattern. Be Well, June
Jessica do you think color made easy could be used for this sweater? I made the cozy cable and love it ( granddaughter loved it too so it’s hers now! Thanks for all the great patterns, Mary
Yes! You can certainly use it!
Could I use color made easy yarn for this cardigan?
Definitely!
I’m going to try even without sleeves. Thanks for the pattern.
This cardi is SUPER CUTE and I LOVE the color, but I don’t knit. 🙁 Since these are flat rectangles, do you think it would work in crochet? I’m an “advanced beginner” level. Thanks for answering.
I’m confused on your sizes. Obviously the measurements listed are for the final product.
I’m usually a Medium. Do you have the scale for your small, medium, large sizes?
Thanks.
Yes! They are finished measurements and have lots of positive ease.
I’m about to complete the back panel & have a question. After reaching the length noted, should the last two knit rows, that make up the garter stitch ridges, be started with the purl side of the panel facing? I assume so, so that a ridge is formed on the front side, with first knit row. Then a “valley” with second knit row & then another ridge when you bind off? Thanks so much!
Hi Jessica. I’m new to your patterns. For the Moonbow SLouch sweater, you give the finished measurements. Do you have a standard size published for chest measurements S,M,L,,XL? I take medium to large and I can’t tell by the finished measurements how it will fit.
Thanks.
Jackie
I’m wearing the smallest size and an 100lbs 5’5″ and 32″ bust. I hope that gives some idea! It has a lot of positive ease.
Just signed up for your link. I adore the laid back sweater patterns, definitely my cup of tea when it comes to needle work projects. Your creativity is inspirational.
Thanks Jean!!
Hi! Thanks for this great pattern. I’m just in the middle of making this cardigan. For the front panels, for the 1×1 rib you have stated row 1 to be K1, P1 and row 2 to be P1, K1. Is this a mistake?? Row 1 and 2 for the back panel were the same. I’m slightly confused! Thanks
Hi! It’s a different stitch count for the front and back panels, so this is the way it works out correctly with the ribbing. Hope that helps!
Love this pattern, thank you for sharing it! I love my slouchy cardy, I’ve made it up in Scheepjes Silvi, colour 3 which has lovely varying red/purple tones. My new favourite handmade item! X
So awesome to hear Paula!
hi jessica, should i use a stretchy bind off , what do you recommend? thanks!
I ordered the materials to make the slouchy Cardigan for my daughter in law as a birthday gift. My challenge with knitting is always the final step of sewing seams.I’ve been looking online for instructional videos.
I think she might need an XS size. Is it possible to adapt this pattern for that size?
Hi Jessica, I love all your patterns! I am a member and so appreciate being able to download and print out the patterns. Old school for me! I just finished the WInterland Three Stitch blanket and it is lovely. The Moonbow is my next project! I’ve decided to make size small, with a generous positive ease I think it will fit, I usually wear a medium. The pattern states it takes approximately 572….is that g or yards? I am using a different chunky yarn as I wanted a teal color. I want to be sure I get enough yarn.
Thank you for reading and hopefully an answer to my question? Can’t wait to get started!
Sorry for the delay, Michele! It’s in grams. 🙂 You can always email me at [email protected] as well if you don’t hear back! Thanks so much for joining the membership and so glad you’re enjoying printing the patterns!