This cozy finger-knitted chunky cardigan is a beginner-friendly project made entirely without needles. The entire piece is crafted using just your hands and arms, making it an accessible and relaxing project even for new knitters. The cardigan is built as one long panel that forms both the back and front, followed by the sleeves, giving it a seamless draped look.
Crochet Chunky Cardigan
You can customize the length, width, and sleeve size, creating anything from a short cardigan to a long duster. If you love quick, satisfying chunky-yarn projects with stylish results, this pattern is a perfect weekend make.
Materials
- Chunky or giant yarn 5 to 7 skeins
- Measuring tape
- No needles required, worked using hands and arms
- Work on a table for best tension control
- Keep tension firm to avoid stretched stitches
Work The Back Panel
- Measure shoulder width and add 3 to 4 inches for drop sleeve fit
- Cast on an even number of stitches to match the measurement
- Knit using only knit stitches back and forth until length is reached
- Short cardigan approx 16 rows, long duster approx 40 rows
Create The Neck Split
- Decide number of stitches to cast off for neck opening
- Find two center stitches and pull one through the other to secure V-point
- Cast off neck stitches outward from center
- Keep odd stitch count on working yarn side and even count on unattached side
Work The Front Panels
First Panel (Working Yarn Side)
- Knit first row and knit last two stitches together to make stitch count even
- Knit rows equal to the back panel length
- Cast off all stitches when complete
Second Panel (Unattached Side)
- Attach new yarn at neckline edge
- Knit rows equal to back panel and first front panel
- Cast off all stitches at the end
Attach And Knit Sleeves
- Fold piece to locate shoulder midpoint and mark
- Pick up stitches along side edge centered at shoulder mark
- Example sleeve pickup around 11 stitches total
- Knit desired sleeve length (example 15 rows)
- Cast off and repeat for second sleeve
Seaming And Finishing
- Lay cardigan flat and seam up the sides
- Start from hem, seam to armpit, then continue under sleeve
- Use horizontal bar of each stitch for clean seam
- Weave in loose ends and trim excess
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