The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan is a free and easy crochet pattern that is made to measure, size inclusive and beginner friendly.
It never ceases to amaze how strands of basic yarn can be turned into a beautiful, and functional piece of clothing through this gorgeous craft! Whenever you finish a crocheted garment, take the time to marvel at how you turned a few skeins of yarn into a stunning complex piece that you can now wear out!
The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan pattern is free when you access it online through your desktop or mobile device. We rely on ad revenue to meet the costs of running this website and coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet. Thanks for supporting us and allowing us to keep providing free online patterns.
There aren’t a lot of hobbies that can be picked up and put down when you have 5 minutes to spare. This cardigan should have been called the “Lots of 5 minutes to spare” cardigan, because it was literally crocheted in between doing other daily activities! It was my “wait around” project that I pulled out when I was waiting around! Do you have work in process that gets stored in your bag or your car that you only take out when you are waiting for something or someone?
It’s what makes crochet so incredible! To know that this Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan was made with time you didn’t know you had (or that you may have wasted) – and that makes it extra rewarding!
So lets move on to this cardigan. The stitch we used looks complex but is really easy. It’s a beautiful textured stitch of single crochets and double crochets. Don’t you think the clusters look like like little flower buds? We selected this beautiful pink and white stripe, however we could also picture this in a more neutral stripe and we would love this in a solid beige! Stay tuned.
You can probably tell from our patterns, that we love the oversized – for both sweaters and cardigans! It’s more comfortable and so much more cozy in the colder months. However with a made to measure pattern you are in control of all the customizations and if you want this a little less oversized or shorter on the length – you can do it. We also crocheted this longer in the total length and in the sleeves, but once again feel free to customize it to suit your own style!
For this version we used Wool-Ease by Lionbrand Yarn. It’s a weight 4/medium/worsted but it feels like it is on the thicker side of a weight 4. On top of that we moved the crochet hook size up to a 6, so it crochets up fast. The pattern is written as a made to measure and customizable for any guage
The great thing about crocheted cardigans is that you can still wear all your crochet tops and show them off. The one we have on here is by one of our favourite designers, Wan from Knitcroaddict and you can find out about the New Lacy Tank Top here and where to find the pattern. We also think the Forest Walk Easy Crochet Sweater Top would be a great long sleeve to layer underneath this too.
DESCRIPTION of The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan is a casual cardigan with long sleeves and ribbing on the bottom and at the cuffs. It can be worn all season and features a simple neckline and opening. The cardigan is suitable for beginners, using primarily the single crochet and the double crochet. There are no button holes or buttons used for this pattern.
The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and uses weight 4/medium/ worsted yarn. This pattern accommodates for different gauges.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan pattern instructions 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 sizing for those who wish to use it.
To use this pattern 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 to Underarm: 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.
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 to underarm – 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
Note: Designed as an oversized fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
Using a 6mm crochet hook, approximately 13 single crochets across and approximately 16 rows of single crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
This pattern can accommodate different gauges. If you are new to crochet you may want to select a gauge similar to the one used here.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
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Yarn brand Wool Ease by Lion Brand Yarns. Weight 4/Medium/Worsted. 85g per skein and 197 yards (or 180m).
You can also purchase Wool Ease by Lion Brand Yarns here on Amazon and we always check this for great deals. If you are lucky your colour may be available and delivery may be faster. Note we used worsted Wool Ease (not Wool Ease Thick and Quick).
Approximately 6 skeins or 1182 yards (or 1080m) used for our garment (approximately S) with a finished width of 19.5 inches and a finished length of 23 inches.
Colours used are Antler and Canyon Sunset (approximately 4 skeins of Canyon and 2 skeins of Antler for Kiks + Jack’s version, however the pattern shows you how to customize your stripes so if you would like them more even then you should purchase 3 skeins of each – assuming your measurements are similar. Alternatively if you want to crochet in one colour then purchase all in the one colour).
6 mm crochet hook (US size 10) and 5 mm hook (US size 8). We use many different crochet hooks and some of them can get quite pricey – but if you are a beginner and looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. We love these and recommend them to all our beginner crochet friends.
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.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
This 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
fpdc = front post double crochet (Yarn over and insert your hook from the front side to the back side of your work around the double crochet – the post – from the previous row, coming up on the opposite side of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You will now have have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
bpdc = back post double crochet (Yarn over and insert your hook from the back side to the front side of your work around the double crochet – the post – from the previous row, coming up on the opposite side of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You will now have have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
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 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 Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan is made by first crocheting a back panel ribbing and then crocheting the main back panel. We will then crochet two front panels, starting with the ribbing and this will make up the front of the cardigan. This is not a close shut cardigan so we will not be crocheting button holes or attaching buttons. We will then crochet the sleeve panels starting with the cuff and then crochet the sleeve panel until it reaches the required length. Finally will seam the two front panels and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using this pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange. Please do NOT use my photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
Use the larger hook size for all instructions unless specified otherwise.
Crochet the Main Back Panel Ribbing
Use Colour 1 (eg Pink)
The height of our ribbing is approximately 3 inches. Based on our gauge this is approximately 12 chains. However you can adjust the number of chains if you want to change the height of the ribbing or you are using a yarn with a different gauge.
ch 12
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc BLO in each st across, hdc into the entire st on the last st. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is equal to HALF of your “Chest/Bust Measurement” + 3 inches.
Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around. Half of 32 inches = 16 inches. We keep repeating row 2 until the total length of the ribbing reaches 19 inches (16 + 3 = 19 inches)
Count the total number of rows.
Example: We counted a total of 38 rows to achieve a length of 19 inches.
It’s a great time to check if you are completely happy with the width of the cardigan before you crochet any further. It may expand a little more when we start crocheting the back panel. Place the ribbing up at your waist or top of your hips to see if the width (length of ribbing) is right for you. If you would like it to be wider and more oversized, crochet a few more rows. If you would like the ribbing to be tighter and less oversized, then you can frog (unravel) a few rows.
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Back Panel
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing that you just crocheted.
To calculate the number of stitches that 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 ribbing | We crocheted 38 rows in our ribbing (to achieve 19 inches) |
| Multiply this by 1.5 (round up if necessary) | 38 X 1.5 = 57 stitches |
| Adjust this number upwards to ensure it is a multiple of 3. If the number is already a multiple of 3 then keep it as is. | 57 is a multiple of 3 so we keep this number as is |
Row 1: Using the working yarn, ch1, sc into the first st, sc across the ribbing the total number of stitches you calculated above. Turn
In K+J example above we will crochet 57 single crochets across the long side ribbing. You may want to divide your ribbing into 4 quarters using stitch markers and ensure you are crocheting approximately 25% of your total stitches in each quarter. This will help you ensure you are crocheting evenly across your ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2st, [1sc, 2dc] in next st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch1 (counts as a sc), 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2dc, [1sc, 2dc] in next sc, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Tip: Think of each [1sc, 2dc] as a cluster, and you are crocheting clusters between the clusters from the previous row.
Row 4: repeat row 3
At this point we switched our yarn to colour 2 (cream) and crocheted with this colour for 4 rows then switched back to colour 1 (pink) for 6 rows. You can customize the width of the stripes or leave out stripes all together (by crocheting in one colour) – it’s your choice! Write down your stripe pattern and keep it consistent (or maybe you don’t want to either!) throughout your cardigan.
Repeat row 3 (remember to change colours according to your stripe pattern) until the back panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“.
Fasten off.
Example: Our “Finished Length Measurement” is 23 inches. Therefore we crochet row 3 until the total back panel including the ribbing equals 23 inches. We used a stripe pattern of 4 rows of colour 2 (cream) and 6 rows of colour 1 (pink).
Crochet the Main Front Panel Ribbing (Make 2)
Use Colour 1 (eg Pink)
You will now crochet 2 panels that will make up the front of your cardigan. The length of each front panel ribbing is calculated as follows:
| Calculation | Kiks+Jack Crochet Example |
| Calculate the number of rows you crocheted in your back panel ribbing | We crocheted a total of 38 rows in our back panel ribbing |
| Multiply by 0.8 and round up to a whole number | 38 rows x 0.8 = 31 rows (rounded up) |
| Divide by 2 and round up to a whole number | 31 rows divided by 2 = 16 rows (rounded up) |
ch 12
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc BLO in each st across, hdc into the entire st on the last st. Turn
Repeat row 2 until the total number of rows in your ribbing is equal to the number of rows you calculated above.
K+J example: Based on our measurement, we keep repeating row 2 until the total length of the ribbing is 16 rows
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel (Make 2)
You will now crochet down the long side of the ribbing.
To calculate 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 front panel ribbing | We have 16 rows in our ribbing |
| Multiply this by 1.5 | 16 X 1.5 = 24 |
| Adjust this number upwards to ensure it is a multiple of 3. If the number is already a multiple of 3 then keep it as is. | 24 is a multiple of 3 so we keep this number as is |
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. Turn
In K+J example above we will crochet 24 single crochets across the long side of the ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2st, [1sc, 2dc] in next st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch1 (counts as a sc), 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2dc, [1sc, 2dc] in next sc, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 4: repeat row 3
(At this point we did a yarn change to Colour 2 to match our back panel. Remember to match your stripe pattern)
Repeat row 3 (remember to change colours according to your stripe pattern) until the front panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” which should be the exact same length as your back panel.
Fasten off.
Example: Our “Finished Length Measurement” is 23 inches. Therefore we crochet row 3 until the total front panel including the ribbing equals 23 inches matching our stripe pattern and is matching the length of our back panel.
Make sure you crochet TWO identical front panels with ribbing.
Crochet the Sleeve Panel Ribbing (Make 2)
Use Colour 1 (eg Pink)
ch 12
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across until end. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc BLO in each st across, hdc 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” + 2 inches. This is just a guide and it is more important that it fits comfortably and is not too tight.
Count the number of rows (we crocheted 16 rows).
Do not fasten off.
Crochet the Main Sleeve Panel (Make 2)
To calculate 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 16 rows in our ribbing |
| Multiply this by 2 | 16 x 2 = 32 stitches |
| Adjust this number upwards to ensure it is a multiple of 3. If the number is already a multiple of 3 then keep it as is. | We adjust this number to 33 stitches to ensure it is a multiple of 3 |
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. Turn
In K+J example above we will crochet 33 single crochets across the long side of the ribbing. Once again, you may want to divide your ribbing into 4 quarters using stitch markers and ensure you are crocheting approximately 25% of your total stitches in each quarter. This will help you ensure you are crocheting evenly across your ribbing.
Row 2: ch2, 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2st, [1sc, 2dc] in next st, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch1 (counts as a sc), 2dc in 1st st, *sk next 2dc, [1sc, 2dc] in next sc, rep from * towards the end of row with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 4: repeat row 3
(At this point we did a yarn change to Colour 2 to match our back panel. Remember to match your stripe pattern)
Repeat row 3 (remember to change colours according to your stripe pattern) until the length of the sleeve panel (including ribbing) is equal to your “Arm Length to Underarm Measurement“.
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 Victoria Easy Chunky 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.
We 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).
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.
Customization Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” the sleeve panel with a few stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on.
If you would like the sleeve to be longer (eg. some 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 exact 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).
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 around the Neckline
Switch to the smaller hook size.
Attach a matching yarn at the bottom of your front panel. Start with the side that works best for you depending on whether you are right handed or left handed.
Row 1: 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 around the neckline. This is more important than the exact number of stitches around. Turn
Row 2: ch3, dc back around – all the way until you reach the end where you started.
Row 3: ch3, *fpdc, bpdc, rep from * until all the way around. You may need to go up to the section Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations for instructions on how to crochet Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc).
Row 4: repeat row 3. Make sure your fpdc line up with the fpdc from the previous row and your bpdc line up with the bpdc from the previous row.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate the Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Victoria Easy Chunky Crochet Cardigan and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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