Moonbow Slouchy Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern

Today I have a terrific knitting pattern for you. It’s a slouchy chunky knit cardigan. As usual, you can see the full, free knitting pattern below, or you may purchase the ad-free printable from Etsy or the kit from Lion Brand.

I’m super happy with how this easy-knit sweater turned out because it’s sooo comfy! If you like comfy, oversized, quick-to-make pieces, this could be your new project. 

Is any else as happy as I am that big, oversized, comfy things are still trendy? Some of you have already made three of my personal fave comfies, my Comfiest Knit Cardigan, Big Comfy Ribbed Cardi Pattern, and the Coziest Cable Cardigan. Let’s add another to the list, shall we? Hehe

This sweater is super easy to knit on large needles, and the color possibilities are endless. 

The stitches are simple. All you need is to be comfortable with knit and purl and able to do a little decreasing (knit two together). If you know those stitches, you are all set! 

Don’t know one (or more) of these stitches? You can do a quick YouTube or Google search to learn them. Just in case you’re wanting to learn to knit, you can learn and then you can come back to this pattern when you’ve got some practice! Here’s a video to get you started on how to knit, and scroll down to the bottom for the full sweater pattern if you’re already good to go!

An Easy Chunky Knit Cardigan Design

As is typical with many (or all) of my patterns, the cardigan’s made with basic shapes. I work to keep my designs simple so that anyone can make them. 

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 that 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 thrilled about the drape you can achieve when using a large needle with this beautiful Lion Brand & Two of Wands Hue & Me yarn. The color options are perfect, and you literally can’t go wrong with any of them. 

I really like working with chunky weight yarns for cardigans. Unfortunately, the yarn I used was out of stock for a while and impossible to find. I’m thrilled I was finally able to find it and use it for a project. It will be perfect to use it for a lot of future cold-weather projects! 

So, shall we hop to the pattern?

How To Make This Moonbow Slouchy Chunky Knit Cardigan

You can see the pattern below for free or purchase the ad-free printable version on Etsy. Also, check out the schematic which I made as a reference while you work: 

Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern 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 project 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. 

Materials You’ll Need For This Project

• 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

Gauge

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

Sizing Info

Small, Medium, Large, XL

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

SIZING REFERENCE: I am wearing the sweater in the photos and am 5’5″, 105 lbs, and 32″ bust, and I’m wearing a 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”

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 (US) & Skills

k – knit

p – purl

st – stitch

sts – stitches

k2tog – knit two together decrease

Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern Notes

• This cardigan is knit by making one rectangular panel for the back and two rectangular panels for the front (see schematic at the bottom of this post). The 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. 
• 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.

Moonbow Slouchy Chunky Knit Cardigan Pattern Instructions

To knit this cardi, you will work in sections. That makes it easier so that even beginners can do this project!

Back Panel (make 1)

As you follow this pattern, please note that the 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.
• Finish with 2 final rows of knit stitches (garter stitch).
• Cast off and weave in the ends.

Front Panel (make 2)

*stitch count remains the same throughout the pattern

• Cast on 25 (27, 29, 31).
• 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.
• Finish with two final rows of knit stitches (garter stitch).
• Cast off and weave in the 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.
• 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 the 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 the ends.

How To Assemble Your Cardigan

• 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 the 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 chunky knit cardigan!

FAQs

If you have a question, check below to see if the answer is already there. If it isn’t, feel free to leave your question in the comments section so I can answer it!

How do I clean my chunky knit cardigan?

You can machine wash and dry your cardigan if it’s made with the yarn that I used. Check your yarn label for more detailed information.

How do you knit a cardigan for beginners?

This project is beginner-friendly because you do it sections and piece the sections together. As you become more experienced and confident in knitting, you could make this cardi in one piece to eliminate the seaming process.

That said, I love being able to take a more advanced project and simplifying it so that anyone can make it. That’s why I designed it the way I did!

I hope you guys enjoy this cozy cardigan project! There’s still plenty of cold weather left in the season 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

Schematic:

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