If you're looking to create a cozy and stylish addition to your wardrobe, knitting a chunky cardigan is the perfect project. Chunky cardigans are warm and comfortable and are timeless fashion pieces that can elevate any outfit. This blog will guide you through the essentials of knitting a chunky cardigan, from choosing the right materials to finishing touches, all while keeping it beginner-friendly!
Materials Needed to Create a Chunky Cardigan
- Himalaya Velvet Yarn in the desired color,
- US size 13 (9 mm) or 15 (10 mm) knitting needles,
- 4-6 stitch markers to mark sections and sleeves,
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing seams,
- Measuring tape to check gauge and measurements,
- Buttons, if you plan to add closures,
- Scissors for cutting yarn.
Knitting Abbreviations
- CO: Cast On
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- K2tog: Knit Two Together
- P2tog: Purl Two Together
- YO: Yarn Over
- BO: Bind Off
Selecting the Right Yarn and Needles to Knit a Chunky Cardigan
The first step in creating your chunky cardigan is selecting the perfect yarn. Super bulky or chunky yarn works best, giving the cardigan its signature thick and warm texture. Opt for a wool blend for warmth or a cotton blend for something lighter. When it comes to needles, choose US size 13 (9 mm) or 15 (10 mm) circular needles to accommodate the bulkiness of the yarn and the number of stitches.
The Basic Chunky Cardigan Knitting Pattern
For a beginner-friendly chunky cardigan, you’ll start by casting on stitches for the back panel. The body is usually knit flat in one piece from the bottom up. After completing the body, you'll move on to the sleeves, which can be knit separately and sewn on later or picked up and knit directly from the armholes. The simple design of this cardigan means minimal shaping and seaming, making it accessible even if you’re new to knitting.
Here's a simplified pattern outline:
- Back Panel:
- CO desired number of stitches based on gauge and measurements.
- Work in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) until the piece measures the desired length.
- BO loosely.
- Front Panels:
- CO half the number of stitches used for the back panel plus 2 stitches for seaming.
- Work in stockinette stitch until the panels are the same length as the back.
- BO loosely.
- Sleeves:
- CO stitches based on arm circumference.
- Work in stockinette stitch, increasing every few rows for a slight flare.
- BO and seam sleeves to the body.
- Finishing:
- Seam shoulders and sides.
- Pick up stitches along the front edges to create a ribbed collar.
- Add buttons or leave them open for a relaxed look.
- Weave in all ends.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve knit and assembled your chunky cardigan, you can add personal touches such as buttons, pockets, or decorative stitching. Blocking your cardigan before wearing it will help to even out the stitches and give it a professional finish.
