About This Pattern
This cardigan starts as one long strip of foundation double crochet. I crochet front, back, and the other front together. Sleeves join later, worked in the round. A hemline border finishes the edge in a contrast color. It is a weekend project, not a quick evening one. I need a free afternoon and a comfortable chair. The yarn is soft and the hook is large, so stitches move fast.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- puff
- puff stitch
Chunky crochet cardigan you can finish in one weekend
Main Pattern
- Round 1Double crochet.
- Rounds 2–4Double crochet with extended single crochet at the waistband.
- Rounds 5–6Cross stitch double crochets + extended single crochet waistband.
- Rounds 7–9Double crochet rows.
- Round 10Puff stitch row + extended single crochet waistband. Repeat this 9-row pattern as needed for the front panel.Null Row: Creating the Armhole Use extended half double crochet stitches across the row.Chain 19 stitches at the armhole position to split front panel from the back panel.Back Panel Resume the nine-row repeat pattern .Continue for 29 rows (or until the desired length is reached).
Second Front Panel Mirror the same process as the first front panel.
Use the same stitch count and repeat rows identically.
Joining Panels Sew both front panels to the back panel at the shoulder seams using a darning needle.
Sleeves (Worked in the Round)
Begin by working 34 double crochet stitches around the armhole.
Repeat the nine-row pattern used in the body.
Work a total of 26 rounds for each sleeve.
End sleeves with 4 rounds of front post and back post double crochet to create the cuff.
Optional Border
Bottom Hemline
- Round 1Add 1 row of double crochet in teal. Side Edges & Neckline: Add 2 rows of double crochet in a contrasting "spice" color.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check the full yarn amount before casting on.
- Place a stitch marker at the first front panel's edge.
- Swatch the foundation double crochet to confirm your tension.
Minutes per piece
- Main Pattern about 3-4 hours because it runs five rounds of the nine-row repeat, with stitch changes each section.
- Bottom Hemline about 30 minutes because it is just one round in two colors.
Other yarns that work
- Wool blend, bulky weight Adds more drape but softens stitch definition slightly.
- Cotton blend, worsted weight Needs a smaller hook and more stitches to match the gauge.
Where it ends up
- Wear it over a plain t-shirt for a quick layer.
- Pair it with jeans for an easy weekend look.
- Keep it by the door for cool evening walks.
Small notes
- The 6.5 mm hook keeps stitches loose and fast to work.
- Keep tension even across all 68 foundation stitches for straight edges.
Little questions
Can I make this cardigan in one sitting?
Not easily. It is sized as a weekend project. Plan for a few sessions across two days.
Why does the pattern use foundation double crochet?
It skips a separate chain row. The stitches start with built-in height, saving time.
Do I need the contrast spice color?
No, it is optional. The hemline border just reads cleaner in two colors.
Is this pattern good for a first garment?
It suits an intermediate crocheter. The repeat is steady, but shaping sleeves in the round takes practice.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/chunky-crochet-cardigan-pattern-you-can-make-in-a-weekend/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
