Oversized Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see an oversized chunky knit sweater pattern.
This thick sweater is a great project for beginner knitters who are ready to move on to their first garment.
Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab the printer-friendly ad-free PDF here.
A Cozy Chunky Turtleneck Sweater
This light grey-colored sweater has a textured design that can be worn again and again during the autumn/winter.
Pair it with skinny jeans, your favorite pair of boots, and a hat while going for a coffee with friends or a walk around town.
Oversized and comfy, this sweater will feel extra cozy when there is a chill in the air.
The Yarn I Used
I made the sweater using The Wool (from We Are Knitters) in the color spotted grey.
This yarn is very warm to wear as it is 100% Peruvian wool.
The yarn weight is jumbo yarn/18-20 ply.
Skill Level
This sweater is for you if you are looking for an easy knitting project with minimal shaping.
The needle sizes you need are large (12mm/US 17 and 15/US 19) making this a fairly fast chunky women’s sweater to make.
So if you are an advanced beginner who is looking to make your first garment, this is a pretty quick knit beginner-friendly pattern.
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This pattern is great for beginner knitters who are looking to move on to making their first garment.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- How to knit two stitches together (K2tog)
Oversized Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern
Grab your inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Notes
This sweater knitting pattern will work up into the perfect slouchy warm knit you need to stay cozy!
The sweater is knit in Irish moss stitch and stocking stitch for the main body with ribbed cuffs and a ribbed collar.
You will see plenty of stitch definitions with this yarn and enjoy an oversized fit.
If you like this pattern, you may also enjoy this chunky turtleneck sweater knitting pattern.
And…if you prefer a cardigan, you may like this chunky cardigan knitting pattern.
Copyright Info
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Grab The Ad-Free Printable PDF Pattern Here
Skill Level – Easy
Size Information/Measurements
Adult/Woman – S (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Bust Circumference
To fit bust size as follows:
- S – 32 inches/81.28 cm
- M – 36 inches/ 91.44 cm
- L – 40 inches/ 101.6 cm
- XL – 44 inches/111.76 cm
- 2XL – 48 inches/ 121.92 cm
- 3XL – 52 inches/ 132.08 cm
Waist/Bust (Around)
- S – 46 inches/ 116.84 cm
- M – 50 inches/ 127 cm
- L – 54 inches/ 137.16 cm
- XL – 58 inches/ 147.32 cm
- 2XL – 62 inches/ 157.48 cm
- 3XL – 66 inches/ 167.64 cm
Length (Straight – Shoulder to hem)
- S – 27 inches/ 68.58 cm
- M – 27.5 inches/ 69.85 cm
- L – 28 inches/ 71.12 cm
- XL – 28.5 inches/ 72.39 cm
- 2XL – 29 inches/ 73.66 cm
- 3XL – 29.5 inches/ 74.93 cm
Sleeve Length (Underarm to cuff)
- S – 15.5 inches/ 39.37 cm
- M – 16 inches/ 40.64 cm
- L – 16.5 inches/ 41.91 cm
- XL – 17 inches/ 43.18 cm
- 2XL – 17.5 inches/ 44.45 cm
- 3XL – 18 inches/ 45.72 cm
Cuff (Around)
- S – 10 inches/ 25.4 cm
- M – 11 inches/ 27.94 cm
- L – 11 inches/ 27.94 cm
- XL – 12 inches/ 30.48 cm
- 2XL – 12 inches/ 30.48 cm
- 3XL – 12.5 inches/ 31.75 cm
Notes on sizing
In the photographs, the model is wearing a small size (S – 32 inches/80 cm).
The sweater is very oversized so the small size will also fit a medium-sized person and so on.
There is no need to make a size up if you think your size might be a snug fit.
The pattern is written for all sizes starting with the small size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.
To follow the pattern more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.
Gauge – 6 sts x 8 rows = 4×4 inches /10×10 cm In stocking stitch – with the 15mm (US 19) needles.
Pattern Notes
- The sweater is worked in 4 pieces: Back, Front, and 2 Sleeves.
- Each piece is worked in two stitch patterns (Irish moss stitch and stocking stitch) from the lower edge upwards, beginning with a ribbed lower band.
- Circular needles are used to accommodate the number of stitches.
- Work back and forth on the circular needle as if working on straight needles.
The Supplies You Need…
Yarn
- We Are Knitters The Wool (200g/87 yds/80m) in Spotted Grey x 6, (7, 8, 8, 9, 10) balls.
- Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
- This is a Jumbo weight yarn/18-20 ply yarn.
- *Please note you could substitute this yarn with Super Bulky/Super Chunky/14 Ply Yarn but it is slightly thinner than the yarn used.
- Remember to match any yarn substitute to the main needle size – 15 mm (US 19) knitting needles.
- Learn how to substitute yarn here. – How To Substitute Yarn In A Knitting Pattern
Needles
- 12mm (US 17) knitting needles.
- 15mm (US 19) knitting needles.
- I used my set of interchangeable circular needles and a set of 15mm (US 19) circulars also, as there were many stitches to cast on and it was easier to use the cables.
- I also used spare cables with end caps to hold spare stitches when needed.
Notions
- Tape measure
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Stitch holders x 3 or spare cables with end caps.
Abbreviations
- Beg = Beginning
- CO = Cast on
- Cont = Continue(ing)
- Dec = Decrease (Cast off)
- Foll = Following
- K = Knit
- K2tog = Knit the next 2 stitches together
- KFB = Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase)
- P = Purl
- P2tog = Purl the next 2 stitches together
- Rem = Remaining
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right side
- St(s) = Stitch(es)
- St, St = Stocking Stitch (K 1 row, P 1 row)
- WS = Wrong side
Stitch Pattern Notes
1 x 1 ribbing = K1, P1 (It is obtained by alternating knit and purl stitches in one row and “knitting by pattern” in every next row.
This means that we make a knit stitch when the previous row stitch looks like V and make a purl stitch when the previous looks like a bump.)
Cast On: even number of stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.
Repeat these two rows.
Sweater Pattern
Back
With 12mm (US 17) knitting needles CO 36 (38, 40, 44, 46, 48) sts.
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge, ending on a WS row.
Change to 15mm (US 19) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
Cont to work in the Irish moss stitch pattern, repeating rows 1-4 until the piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
Still working in the Irish moss st patt and making new patts when sts are decreased.
- Row 1 (RS): Cast off 2 (2, 2, 4, 4, 4) sts at beg of the row, work in patt to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): Cast off 2 (2, 2, 4, 4, 4) sts at beg of the row, work in part to the end of the row. 32 (34, 36, 36, 38, 40)sts.
Then dec 1 st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 28 (30, 32, 32, 34, 36) sts.
*You are changing the stitch pattern now to stocking stitch (RS row knit, WS row purl)
Now work in st st and cont to dec 1 st each end of every foll 3rd row until 20 (22, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts remain.
End on a WS row, so that the next section starts on an RS row.
Leave these sts on a spare needle/stitch holder or cable with end caps.
Front
With 12mm (US 17) knitting needles CO 36 (38, 40, 44, 46, 48) sts.
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge, ending on a WS row.
Change to 15mm (US 19) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
Cont to work in the Irish moss stitch pattern, repeating rows 1-4 until the piece measures 15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5) inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Raglan
Still working in the Irish moss st patt and making new patts when sts are decreased.
- Row 1 (RS): Cast off 2 (2, 2, 4, 4, 4) sts at beg of the row, work in patt to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): Cast off 2 (2, 2, 4, 4, 4) sts at beg of the row, work in patt to the end of the row. 32 (34, 36, 36, 38, 40)sts.
Then dec 1 st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 28 (30, 32, 32, 34, 36) sts
*You are changing the stitch pattern now to stocking stitch (RS row knit, WS row purl)
Now work in st st and cont to dec 1 st at each end of every foll 3rd row until 20 (22, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts remain.
End on a WS row, so that the next section starts on an RS row.
- On the next RS row, K 6 sts, then place the central 8, (10, 10, 12, 14, 14) sts for the neck onto a stitch holder, then place the remaining 6 sts onto another stitch holder.
- There will be 6 sts on either side of the neck.
- Each side of the neck will now be worked separately.
Shape Neck
Keeping the raglan shaping correct, work the following:
- Row 1: P to the end of the row.
- Row 2: K to last 4 sts, K2tog twice.
- Row 3: P to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 4 sts.
With RS of work facing you – place the 6 sts from the st holder onto the needles and rejoin the yarn for the other side of the neck.
Reverse the shaping as follows:
- Row 1: P to the end of the row.
- Row 2: K2tog twice, K to the end of the row.
- Row 3: P to the end of the row.
- Cast off the rem 4 sts.
Left Sleeve
With 12mm (US 17) knitting needles CO 14 (16, 16, 16, 18, 18) sts.
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing until the piece measures 2 inches from the CO edge, ending on a WS row.
Change to 15mm (US 19) knitting needles.
- Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
- Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – Rep from * to the end of the row.
Cont to knit in the Irish moss stitch pattern, repeating rows 1-4 until the piece measures 4 inches from the CO edge, ending with a WS row.
Shape Sleeves
Please note – (Cont to work in Irish Moss St) As you make increases you will be forming new stitch patterns.
Row 1 (RS): KFB into the first and last stitch of the row. (2 sts increased)
Rep row 1 (increasing 2 sts) on every foll 8th (6th, 6th, 4th, 4th, 4th) row, 3 (3, 3, 4, 5, 5) more times. 22 (24, 24, 26, 30, 30) sts.
Cont to work in patt until sleeve measures 15.5 (16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18) inches from the CO edge.
*At this point check that you are happy with the length of the sleeves – they should start just below the underarm. If you need to make them longer, work more rows, but if you prefer a shorter sleeve you may need to pull out (frog) a few rows.
Shape Raglan
Please note – Cont in Irish Moss St
- Row 1(RS): Cast off 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 4) sts at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.
- Row 2: Cast off 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 4) sts at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.
- Row 3: Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Row 4: Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Row 5: Dec row (RS): Cast off 1 st, work in patt to last 2 sts, cast off 1 st. (2 sts decreased)
- Row 6: (WS): Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Rep rows 3-6 until you have 14 sts
*You are changing the stitch pattern now to stocking stitch (RS row knit, WS row purl)
- Now work in st st – rows 5-6 only until you have 6 sts.
- Cast off 3 sts – work in patt to the end of the row.
- Work in patt to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 3 sts.
Right Sleeve
Work as for the left sleeve until you have 6 sts left on the needle.
Shape Raglan
- K 3 sts, cast off the rem 3 sts, break yarn, and secure.
- Rejoin the yarn to the first stitch and P to the end of the row.
- Cast off rem 3 sts.
Making Up
Tutorial
You can find a mattress stitch tutorial here. – Mattress Stitch – How To Seam Knitting
Tip
It’s best to work on a large surface (like a dining table or desk) so you can lie the pieces out flat and see where you will be seaming.
Step 1
Seam the back right raglan sleeve seam using the mattress stitch. Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 2
Join the right sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 3
Join the left raglan sleeve seam to the front raglan seam using the mattress stitch.
Make sure the right sides are facing you.
Step 4
Leave the left-back raglan seam open for now.
With the RS of work facing you, use the 12mm (US 17) knitting needles and do the following:
- Pick up and knit 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16) sts from the side front neck edge and top of the sleeve.
- Then K across the 8 (10, 10, 12, 14, 14) sts from the stitch holder at the center front.
- Then pick up and knit 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16) sts from the side front neck edge and top of the sleeve.
- Finally K across the 20 (22, 22, 24, 26, 26) sts from the spare stitch holder at the back.
Please note the neck is now worked back and forth – not joined in the round.
Work in 1 x 1 ribbing (K1, P1) for 6 inches (or your desired length), ending with a WS row.
Cast off the rem sts in rib.
Step 5
Join rem back raglan seam and cont up the neck ribbing.
Step 6
Join side and sleeve seams using the mattress stitch.
Then you can weave in any leftover loose ends.
I also like to use a lint roller to clean the garment afterward in case of any fluff, pet hair, etc!
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects.
If you enjoyed making the sweater, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook page and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
Happy Knitting!
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