Chunky sweater and cardigan patterns
| Pattern | Yarn | Sizes | Needles | Yarn needed | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOFT DIVISION (free) | FACES | XS–S / M–L / XL–XXL | US 15 and 19 | 4 / 5 / 6 skeins | Advanced |
| CANYON RIDGE, cardigan (free) | FACES | one size, oversized | US 17 and 19 | 6 skeins | Intermediate |
| WAVES OF QUIET (free) | FACES, 3 colors | one size, oversized | US 17 and 19 | 4 + 1 + 1 skeins | Advanced |
| FLOWER POP (free) | BeMe | one size, oversized | US 10½ and 11 | 9 skeins + 2 for the flowers | Intermediate |
| MODERN MUSE (free) | NOVA | one size, oversized | US 17 | 5 skeins | Intermediate |
| MOSS THEORY (PDF + video) | BeMe | XS–S / M–L / L–XL | US 10 and 11 | 6 / 7 / 8 skeins | Advanced |
SOFT DIVISION, FLOWER POP and MOSS THEORY also have full videos: Soft Division, Flower Pop and Moss Theory.
How much yarn you need for a sweater
| Weight | Example | Yarn for an adult sweater | Sweater weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super bulky (6) | FACES | 436–654 yd (4–6 skeins) | 1.8–2.6 lb |
| Bulky (5) | BeMe | 787–1,180 yd (6–9 skeins) | 1.3–2 lb |
These figures come from our patterns. Always buy one extra skein from the same dye lot. For hats, cowls and blankets, see the yardage table in our super bulky yarn guide.
Which needles to use
- Body: US 19 (15 mm) with FACES, US 11 (8 mm) with BeMe. Smaller needles give a stiff fabric and an even heavier sweater.
- Ribbing: smaller needles than the body (US 15–17 with FACES, US 10–10½ with BeMe) so cuffs and hem hug.
- 24–32 in circulars for the body; they work for flat knitting too.
More in needles for chunky and super bulky yarn. Free US shipping on orders over $99, duties and taxes included.
Which construction to choose
- Top-down raglan (SOFT DIVISION): no seams, and you try it on as you go. The best choice if you want control over the length.
- Bottom-up yoke (WAVES OF QUIET): ideal for colorwork around the neck.
- In the round to the armholes, then front and back separately (MODERN MUSE, FLOWER POP): sleeves are picked up around the armhole; a simple construction for a first sweater.
Before you start
- Knit a swatch of 6 × 6 in and wash it. More stitches per 4 in than the pattern? Go up a needle size; fewer, go down. We explain it in how to knit and measure a gauge swatch.
- Choose the size by finished width, not your clothing size: for oversized fits, compare with a sweater you like.
- Don't make it longer than you need. In super bulky yarn every row is heavy: a long sweater stretches over time.
FAQ
How many skeins of chunky yarn for a sweater?
With FACES, 4–6 skeins depending on size; with BeMe, 6–9.
How long does it take to knit a chunky sweater?
About 12–16 hours with FACES on US 19 needles. FLOWER POP, in BeMe, takes 16–18 hours.
Is a super bulky sweater heavy?
Between 1.8 and 2.6 lb. Highland wool is lofty and very warm, but it's best not to lengthen the body.
Can a sweater be my first project?
Better start with a hat or scarf: see easy chunky knitting projects for beginners. After that, MODERN MUSE or CANYON RIDGE make good first sweaters.
