Are you looking for a cozy, stylish, and beginner-friendly crochet project? This ribbed chunky crochet cardigan tutorial is the perfect place to start! This versatile cardigan boasts a classic ribbed texture and an oversized fit, making it a wardrobe staple for cooler weather. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, this pattern is designed to be accessible and enjoyable.
Crochet Cardigan Essentials: What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the essentials you’ll need for this project:
- Yarn: Choose a chunky or bulky weight yarn in a fiber you love. Acrylic or wool blends are excellent options for warmth and ease of care.
- Crochet Hooks: You’ll need a 6.5mm hook for the main body and a 4.5mm hook for the ribbing.
- Stitch Markers: To help you keep your place in the pattern.
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends.
- Buttons: (Optional, but recommended!) Select buttons that complement your cardigan’s style.
Mastering the Crochet Cardigan Ribbing Technique
One of this cardigan’s standout features is its beautiful ribbed texture. Here’s a quick breakdown of the basic stitches used:
- Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joins, moving between stitches, and creating a tight edge.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): A versatile mid-height stitch.
- Half Double Crochet Slip Stitch (hdc sl st): Adds texture and a tighter fabric.
- Single Crochet (sc): A basic and foundational stitch.
- Single Crochet Back Loop Only (sc blo): The key to the ribbing!
Crochet Cardigan Construction: Step by Step Guide
Let’s break down the construction of this cardigan step by step. Remember, this pattern is highly customizable and this guide provides a foundational structure to get you started. You can find more detailed instructions in the video by Chenda DIY on YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3fGAfi8ssI]
Gauge:
- Gauge swatch is not crucial for this project, but recommended to determine yarn usage.
Notes:
- This pattern is a general guide and can be adjusted for size and style preferences.
- Watch the video tutorial by Chenda DIY for more detailed visual instructions.
Pattern:
Front Panel (make 2):
- Starting Chain: With the 6.5mm hook, chain a number of stitches to desired length for the front panel (plus a few extra chains for turning). This will be the length from shoulder to hem.
- Ribbed Body:
- Row 1 (Right Side): sc blo in second chain from hook, sc blo in each chain across, turn. (This creates the first row of ribbing)
- Row 2 (Wrong Side): ch 1, sc in each sc blo across, turn.
- Repeat rows 1 and 2 for desired length of body (minus neckline shaping).
- Neckline Shaping (work on both panels):[Watch video tutorial for visual guidance]
- Begin decreasing rows at desired neckline height.
- On the right side row, sc blo in the first stitch, hdc sl st in the next 2 stitches, sc blo to end. Turn.
- On the wrong side row, ch 1, sc in each stitch across. Turn.
- Repeat decrease and regular rows until desired neckline depth is reached.
- Finishing the Top:[Watch video tutorial for visual guidance]
- Work one row of sc blo around the top edge of the neckline shaping (both sides). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Back Panel:
- Starting Chain: With the 6.5mm hook, chain a number of stitches to create a width slightly wider than the combined width of the two front panels. This will be the back panel width.
- Ribbed Body: Follow rows 1 and 2 from the Front Panel instructions for desired length of back panel.
- Finishing the Top:[Watch video tutorial for visual guidance]
- Work one row of sc blo around the top edge of the back panel. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Sleeves (make 2):
- Starting Chain: With the 6.5mm hook, chain a number of stitches to create a desired sleeve width (ensure it’s wide enough to fit comfortably at the shoulder seam).
- Ribbed Body: Follow rows 1 and 2 from the Front Panel instructions for desired sleeve length.
- Shaping the Sleeve Cap (optional for a tapered look):[Watch video tutorial for visual guidance]
- You can gradually decrease stitches at the end of each row to create a tapered sleeve cap.
- Finishing the Top:[Watch video tutorial for visual guidance]
- Work one row of sc blo around the top edge of the sleeve. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly:
- Sewing: With a tapestry needle and sewing thread, lay the front and back panels flat, right sides together. Sew the shoulder seams together, leaving an opening for the sleeves.
- Set in Sleeves: Pin then sew the sleeve caps to the armholes of the bodice, matching the ribbing seams. Sew the underarm seams closed.
- Finishing Touches:
- With the 4.5mm hook, work a few rows of sc blo around the bottom hem, the front edges, and the neckline for a clean finish.
- Create buttonholes (optional) on one front panel using the video tutorial for reference.
- Sew buttons onto the other front panel to match the buttonholes.
Congratulations! You’ve completed your cozy ribbed chunky crochet cardigan!
Customizing Your Crochet Cardigan: Size & Style Tips
This pattern offers plenty of room for personalization!
- Sizing: Adjust the number of chains and rows to achieve your desired size.
- Yarn Choice: Experiment with different colors and fiber types.
- Add Pockets: Incorporate pockets for extra functionality.
Finishing Touches: Adding Buttons to Your Crochet Cardigan
Sew buttons onto your cardigan, aligning them with the buttonholes. This final touch completes the look!
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this pattern, check out these fun crochet projects:
I hope this tutorial has empowered you to create your very own beautiful ribbed chunky crochet cardigan. Share your finished projects on Instagram and TikTok (@tubacrochet_). And don’t forget to leave a comment – I would love to hear from you!
Happy Crocheting!
