The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and designed to be intuitive and beginner friendly. The full instructions are posted below for you to view for free.
We haven’t posted a lot of patterns with chunky bulky weight 5 yarn. We used it for one of our first sweaters, the slouchy Busselton V Neck Sweater – and it is a favourite in our wardrobe – but we have always wanted to design more with chunky yarn. The idea of a sweater or cardigan working up twice as fast because the yarn is that much thicker, really appeals to us so yes … we have tried….however to be honest we haven’t always loved the end result. They just haven’t turned out as “modern” as we would like it to be, look a little too “crafty” and not something we would reach for on an every day basis.
Then finally, we ordered some gorgeous reddish chunky yarn and we knew we were going to give it another go. We are so happy we did as we love the end result. Its modern slouchy, textured, oversized, and we love wearing this over long denim skirts and jeans. It’s going to get a lot of wear over little spring tops and will be well worn from fall to winter.
We are currently a little obsessed with the sedge stitch and all the different versions of it. The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan ended up having a similar feel to the Buttoned Crochet Grandpa Coat Cardigan but the two stitches are different and the The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan feels more like a cardigan than a coat. We left the ribbing off the base and kept the pockets off to give it a more streamlined look. We did add ribbing to the sleeves however due to the bulkiness of the yarn adjusted the stitch to single crochet rows. For this design we kept the collar lower and reduced the buttons positioning them lower than usual.
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You can find all the details on the yarn we used in the section “Crochet Materials” below. It was faster to crochet up than any of our chunky cardigans and is so comfortable to wear because it is designed oversized.
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DESCRIPTION of The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan is a chunky cardigan with long sleeves and ribbing on the sleeves. It features a long simple collar and buttons. The front and back panels are crocheted in one stitch and the stitch pattern changes for the arm panels. We show you how to add buttons and button holes.
The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan is suitable for advanced beginners. It is designed to be long and oversized. It is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and uses weight 5/chunky yarn. This pattern accommodates for different gauges however it is best to stay close to our gauge.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The pattern instructions for The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus graded sized patterns) so that crocheters can get the wonderful benefits of making a garment that fits perfectly. However we do appreciate taking measurements can be inconvenient for some and have also provided standard measurements for those who wish to use it.
To crochet The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished length: Measure from where you would like the cardigan to end up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted our cardigan to hit at our hips.
Arm Length: With arm slightly bent, measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Wrist Circumference: Measure from one point on your wrist all around your wrist.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit. Multiply this by 2 to give you the “Armhole Circumference“.
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
If you would like to use standard sizing for arm length – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 16.5 (17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 42 (43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5, 45.5, 47, 47) centimetres
If you would like to use standard sizing for armhole depth – then use approximately 6-6.5 (6.5-7, 7-7.5, 7.5-8, 8-8.5, 8.5-9, 9-9.5, 9.5-10, 10-10.5) inches or 15.5-16.5 (16.5-17.5, 17.5-19, 19-20.5, 20.5-21.5, 21.5-23, 23-24, 24-25.5, 25.5-26.5) centimetres
Note: The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan is designed as an oversized fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan pattern is a made to measure pattern and therefore can accommodate different gauges however we recommend using a yarn gauge similar to ours.
Using a 6mm crochet hook, approximately 12 double crochets across and approximately 6 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
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Yarn brand Jiffy by Lion Brand Yarns. Weight 5/Bulky/Chunky. 410g per skein and 681 yards (or 623 m).
This yarn is also currently available here on Amazon.
Approximately 1.78 (730g) skeins or 1213 yards (or 1109 metres) used for our garment (approximately S) with a finished width of 21 inches and a finished length of 24 inches. As this is a made to measure pattern and your sizing and gauge is flexible you will need to estimate yardage and this may be of help: How Much Yarn Do I Need?
Large Buttons: We purchased these 1.2 inch (approx) brown buttons from Amazon. They are of great quality, come in a number of natural colours and are budget friendly. We used 3 buttons for our version. Our instructions are based on this button size so you may want to purchase buttons of similar width.
6 mm crochet hook (US size 10) and 5 mm hook (US size 8). We use many different crochet hooks and if you are looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and the shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. We also love the slightly more pricey crochet hooks from Clover Crochet Hooks and the beautiful Furls Crochet Hooks (these are so stunning, we just love looking at them!)
Yarn Winder!!! (Our new LOVE). We have held off on a yarn winder for a long time. We love the idea of crochet being simple with just a hook and some yarn. However we decided to get this yarn winder, because it was affordable and we weren’t sure about investing in a super fancy one yet. We love it because it breathes life back into scrappy yarn lying around that looks messy. It’s simple to use and is holding up really well for us.
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon.
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors.
Sharp Needle and Matching Thread. To sew your buttons on to your crocheted coat.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan pattern uses US terminology.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
hdc = half double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops)
dc = double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
BLO = back loop only
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise, in this pattern The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan, turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY of CONSTRUCTION for The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan is made by first crocheting the main back panel followed by crocheting two front panels. We will then crochet the sleeve panels starting with the cuff and then crochet the sleeve panel until it reaches the required length. We will seam the two front panels and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
We show you how to crochet a long collar around the neckline. We will also show you how to crochet edging for your buttons and button holes.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet as your own including this pattern The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan. Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner, Kiks + Jack Crochet.
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You may crochet items to sell using The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
Use the larger hook size unless specified otherwise.
Crochet the Main Back Panel
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 4-5 inches for positive ease and to achieve an oversized look. Depending on your gauge it may increase in width (we will check it again) | 16 + 5 = 21 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it. Keep it loose.
Make sure the total number of chains are equal to a multiple of 3. If they do not finish on a multiple of 3, then increase the number of chains so the total number is equal to a multiple of 3.
Add one more chain.
Kiks + Jack’s example: We chained a length that was equal to 21 inches and 53 chains. We increase this to 54 chains so that it is a multiple of 3. We then add one more chain so the total chains equals 55.
Row 1: ch2 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Row 2: ch1 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st , rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Row 3 -4: repeat row 2
This is a good time to double check if you are completely happy with the width of the cardigan before you crochet any further. You may want to hold it up against you after 4 rows of crochet to check. Remember it is designed to be oversized. If the width is perfect keep going. However if you would like to make changes to the width, it is best to start again increasing or decreasing the number of chains that you originally used making sure you follow the stitch multiple. Sometimes our yarn stretches differently to what we thought..and sometimes we just change our minds!
Repeat row 2, until the back panel is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“.
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel (Make 2)
You will now crochet 2 panels that will make up the front of your cardigan. The length of each front panel is calculated as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| How many stitches in your initial foundation chain for the back panel? Divide this by 2 | We crocheted a total of 55 chains in our initial foundation chain for the back panel. 55/2 = 27.5 |
| Multiply by 0.9 and round to nearest whole number | 27.5 chains x 0.9 = 25 chains (rounded) |
| Is this number a multiple of 3? If not round down so that it is. If yes then leave as is. Add one more chain. | Round down 25 chains to nearest multiple of 3 = 24 chains Add one more chain = 25 chains |
Chain the number of chains calculated (we would chain 25 chains) and try to keep your tension similar to your back panel.
Row 1: ch2 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Row 2: ch1 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Repeat row 2, until the front panel is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” and the same length as your back panel.
Make an identical second front panel.
Crochet the Sleeve Panel Ribbing (Make 2)
ch 10
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch1, sc BLO in each st across, sc into the entire st on the last st. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is equal to your “Wrist Circumference Measurement” + 3 inches.
Count the number of rows (we crocheted 30 rows).
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Sleeve Panel (Make 2)
Note that the stitch pattern changes for the sleeve panel. Note sleeves are designed long and oversized.
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing. To determine the number of stitches you will crochet down the long side of the ribbing, calculate as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| Count the number of rows in your sleeve panel ribbing | We have 30 rows in our ribbing |
| Round up to the closest multiple of 3 (if necessary) then add 1 | 30 is a multiple of 3 so we leave as is and + 1 = 31 stitches |
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch1, sc into the first st, sc across the ribbing the number of stitches you calculated above in total (we would crochet 31 stitches down the long side of the ribbing based on our calculation). Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc into 2nd st, dc across the row, dc in last st. Turn
Row 3 (expanding): ch3, dc into 1st st, dc across the row, 2dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 4: ch3, dc into 2nd st, dc across the row, dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 5 (expanding): repeat row 3
Row 6: repeat row 4
Row 7 (expanding): repeat row 3
Row 8: ch2 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Row 9: ch1 (counts as a st), [1hdc, 1dc] in 1st st, sk 2st, *[1sc, 1hdc, 1dc] in next st, sk 2st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in last st. Turn
Row 10 – 11: repeat rows 8-9
Row 12: ch3, dc into 2nd st, dc across the row, dc in top of tch. Turn.
At this point, stop and measure the width of your sleeve panel. The width needs to be equal to at least your “Armhole Circumference Measurement + 1 inch“.
If your sleeve panel is wide enough to meet your armhole circumference then crochet Row 4 for another 5 more rows (ie. a total of 6 rows of non expanding double crochets), followed by Rows 8-12 (lets call this the “non expanding row set”)
However if your sleeve panel is not wide enough to meet your armhole circumference, and you need to widen your sleeve panel more, then repeat rows 3 – 12 above (lets call this the “expanding row set”). Thereafter measure the sleeve width, and if you need to expand the sleeve again, crochet another “expanding row set”.
When your sleeve panel is wide enough, start crocheting a non expanding row set and keep crocheting these rows until the length of your sleeve is equal to your desired “Finished Arm Length Measurement”.
For reference Kiks + Jack Crochet crocheted an arm length of 21 inches (excludes cuff) and we crocheted one expanding row set, achieved our desired width, then crocheted 2.5 non expanding row sets. This is specific to our gauge, our arm dimensions and “love for oversized sleeves”.
We will show you how to check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” below so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Make sure you crochet TWO identical sleeve panels with ribbing.
Assembling The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembly. Blocking your panels will set your panels to the shape and size you want and give it a polished look.
Kiks + Jack Crochet block our panels by pinning all the pieces on to an old yoga mat and manipulating the shape and edges so the front and back panels are similar and the two sleeve panels are similar. We then spray it with water focusing on the edges and ensuring it is well saturated. Do not remove the pins until the panels are completely dry.
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panels at the shoulder.
Place one front panel and back panels together lined up at the side and shoulder with the right sides facing together. With a yarn needle, seam the panel together across the shoulders starting from the edge and up to the end of the front panel. Fasten off. Do the same with the second front panel on the other side of the back panel. See the diagram below (for illustrative purposes only and not to scale).
Step 2: Line up your sleeves at the midway point to the shoulder and seam. Open up the two panels (now seamed at the shoulders) so that the right side is facing the floor and the wrong side is facing upwards. Take one of your crocheted sleeves and fold it in half lengthways. Place a stitch marker at the top of your sleeve at the centre point. With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: It is a good time to double check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” the sleeve panel with a few locking stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on.
If you would like the sleeve to be longer (eg. we like the length to be almost at the knuckles vs the wrist), you can add a few more rows on to your sleeve. You do this by unknotting your final knot where you fastened off at the end of the sleeve panel, attach matching yarn and crochet a few more rows. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter. You do this by unknotting your final knot where you fastened off and pulling out (frogging) the rows. Make sure you do the same on the second sleeve.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up). See the diagram below (for illustrative purposes only and not to scale).
Step 3: Seam the sides of the sweater and the bottom of the sleeve together. Fold the panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your cardigan is facing wrong side out. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sides of the two panels together up to the armpit and along the bottom of the sleeve.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Neckline and Collar
Use the smaller hook size. Turn your cardigan right side out.
Attach a matching yarn at the bottom of your front panel. Start with the side that works best for you.
ch1, sc around the entire front opening from one end at the bottom all around the neckline to the other end. Try to crochet evenly, approximately one stitch length around the neckline.
We will now crochet the long collar around the neckline. This pattern is designed so that the collar is long and the buttons start lower down.
Step 1: Put the cardigan on and take a look at how the front opening falls. Work out where you would like the buttons to start and where you would like the collar to fall. This cardigan is designed with a longer collar and buttons relatively low. For reference, our length is 24 inches and our collar falls 11 inches down (just less than half way down) from the top of the cardigan.
You can use a locking stitch marker as your “top button” and see what feels comfortable for you upon closure and general fit. For reference our top buttons started 11 inches from the bottom and we used 3 buttons.
Step 2: Measure your desired collar length from the shoulder join, down the left side front panel and place a locking stitch marker at the neckline. Do the same on the right side front panel. In our example this would be 11 inches.
Step 3: Attach a yarn to one side where one of your stitch markers are placed.
Row 1: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc in each st around the neckline to the second SM on the other side. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc in each st around the neckline to the first SM on the other side. Turn
Repeat rows 1 – 2 until you reach the desired width of collar. For reference we crocheted 4 rows and our collar width is approximately 3 inches.
Fasten off.
Step 4: We suggest you wet block the collar (at some stage) to give it the shape and to keep it folded back.
Crochet the Button Holes
Use the smaller hook size.
We will crochet the button holes and the edge where you will sew the buttons. Note that this pattern is based on large sized buttons approximately 1.2 inches wide.
Step 1: Work out which side you want buttons and which side you want button holes. Kiks + Jack Crochet wants buttons on the left side and button holes on the right side when the cardigan is worn.
Let’s start with crocheting the buttons side. Attach a yarn to the bottom of the side that you want buttons (we would attach it on the left side).
Row 1: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc up to just below the collar. Turn
Row 2: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc down to the end of the row. Turn
Row 3 – 4: repeat row 1 – 2 in that order.
After row 4, our button edging is approximately 1.5 inches. This was a sufficient width to fit our large brown buttons and give us closure after we crochet a similar width on the other side. You may need to crochet more or less rows to suit the width of your buttons and closure.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Identify the number of buttons you would like to use. Kiks + Jack Crochet used 3 buttons. Place one button at the top and one button at the bottom. Using a measuring tape, place your remaining button/s evenly between the two. Using locking stitch markers, mark the spots for each button so when you remove the buttons you now have stitch markers indicating where the buttons should be.
Step 3: Crochet the other side – the button hole side. Attach a yarn to the bottom of the other side (we would attach on the right side).
Row 1: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc up to just below the collar (make sure it is the same distance as the button edging on the other side). Turn
Using a measuring tape and stitch markers, mark out where the button holes should be. They should directly match the stitch markers on the other side that are marking the buttons.
Row 2 (the button hole row): ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc into every st except where you need to make a button hole. When you need to make a button hole you ch2, sk2, then continue to sc in every stitch until you reach the next button hole where once again you ch2, sk2. Turn
Tip: Based on Kiks + Jack Crochet’s gauge and the size of our buttons, a chain 2 (then skip 2) was the appropriate button hole size so that the button wasn’t too tight or too loose going through the hole. After you have created one button hole, test it out. For example, you may find a chain 1 (then skip 1) is a better fit for your type of button.
Row 3: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc into every st. When you get to a button hole space, you are crocheting into the space. Turn
In Kiks + Jack Crochet’s version we crochet 2sc into every button hole space.
Row 4: ch2, sc into 2nd st, sc into every st until the end. Turn
Fasten off.
Using a sewing needle and matching sewing thread, sew your buttons on the button side where you have placed stitch markers.
Finish & Celebrate The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The London Chunky Cozy Crochet Cardigan and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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