Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan: Free Crochet Granny Stitch Pattern

Introducing our Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan crochet pattern, a quick and cozy design incorporating the classic granny stitch.

This versatile pattern accommodates sizes XS through 5X, with a detailed video tutorial available for the M size on our YouTube channel.

Choose between a waist-length cardigan or a longer version with a hood and pockets, allowing you to mix and match elements to suit your style preferences.

The modern and trendy design is suitable for all ages and body types, made using the colorful Marvelous chunky yarn from Mary Maxim for a fun and vibrant look.

Join us in creating a chic and comfortable cardigan that will become a go-to piece in your wardrobe, blending traditional crochet techniques with contemporary flair.

Below, you will find everything you need to make this Chunky Granny Sitch Cardigan, including the yarn, hook, materials, free written pattern for blog subscribers, pictures and a video tutorial. If you love this free crochet cardigan pattern, please share!

Looking for a Quick and Easy Crochet Cardigan Pattern?

This chunky granny stitch cardigan is the complete package. Made with bulky weight yarn, it’s a super quick project with customizable features like pockets, a hood, or length options. This design is a chunky twist on my popular Granny Pop Cardigan, that is typically in DK-weight yarn. I often get asked about switching yarn weights in patterns, so I’ve simplified things for you in this one. Here’s a fun fact: designing this in a women’s medium size had very similar counts to the 6-12 month-old in the regular granny stitch style. It’s amazing how much yarn weight can make a difference.

Consider purchasing the kit from Mary Maxim if you prefer having the yarn and pattern together. The kit includes the crop length style and a pattern that covers both the long and crop variations. It’s a convenient option for getting everything in one package.

Sizes included for the Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan

XS/S, (M, L/XL, 2X, 3X/4X, 5X)

Size Chart

Curious about how sizing is determined? Check out the Craft Yarn Council site for helpful information on garment size.

Skill Level

Intermediate, written in standard American terms.

Substituting Yarn

Yarn substitution is a valuable skill for crocheters, especially when the original yarn listed in a pattern is unavailable. The same goes for the Chunky Granny Cardigan pattern.

To achieve the perfect fit for the recommended sweater sizes, it’s crucial to maintain the same size. If necessary, adjusting your crochet hook size can help you achieve the correct measurements. It’s worth noting that Natural Alpaca worsted yarn is slightly thicker than some bulky-weight yarns, so keep that in mind if you’re having difficulty matching gauge with a different brand.

Selecting a yarn with a similar weight to the one specified in the pattern is recommended when substituting yarn. Starting with a yarn of similar weight will give you a solid foundation.

Also, creating a gauge swatch before starting your project is highly recommended. This will help ensure that your tension and stitch count align with the pattern’s specifications.

Suitable Yarn Substitutes

Lion Brand Hue + Me – 137 yds/100g

Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky – 149 yds/100g

Premier Puzzle Yarn – 328 yds/200g

Swish Bulky – 137 yds/100g

Construction

The Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan pattern is worked from the top down in rows until you reach your desired size. Once you’ve achieved the desired size, you’ll begin separating the sleeves and body as per our detailed instructions. Continuing with the body, you’ll work in rows, creating a beautiful, polished finish with a single crochet band. You’ll then join back onto the foundation row to create a hood worked in rows. Finish the fronts and hood by working a row of edging for a button-up collar. Then, join back onto the sleeves and work them in the round. We’ll show you how to finish off the sleeves with a beautiful cuff, providing you with a seamless and professional look.

Gauge

Body: 10 sts and 4.5 rows equal to 4″ in cluster pattern with 10mm hook (ch-1 sps count as 1 st)

Ribbing: 5 sts and 5 rows equal to 2″ in sc with 6.5mm hook

New to gauge? Check out this helpful resource by my friend Briana K HERE. Obtaining the correct gauge is fundamental to having correct garment sizing. You may need to adjust your hook size to meet the pattern gauge.

Abbreviations

Ch – Chain

Dc – Double Crochet

Rep – Repeat

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sk – Skip

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Sp(s) – Space(s)

St(s) – Stitch(es)

V St – dc, ch 1, dc in the same st

WS – Wrong Side

( ) – Work step in parentheses in indicated stitch

[ ] – Work step in brackets the number of times indicated

Special Stitches

How to Decrease Granny Cluster Stitch Over 2 ch-1 Spaces: Dc in first ch-1 sp, YO (yarn over), insert hook in the same ch-1 sp and pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, insert hook through next ch-1 sp, pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops, YO, pull through all 3 loops on the hook, dc in second ch-1 sp. This is the same as working 1 dc in first ch-sp, dc2tog over first and second ch-sp, working another dc in second ch-sp.

V st in V st: Work (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch-1 sp of V st in the previous row.

Cluster: Work 3 dc in indicated space.

Reverse Sl St: Go through the stitch back to front; keep working yarn to the front, YU (Yarn Under) pulling through the stitch and loop on the hook.

Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan

FAQ & Terms

Collar

Row 1(RS):

With RS facing and smaller hook, put a slip knot on the hook, and join yarn to the bottom corner of the right front panel. Sc in each st across the band, 2 sc per each row across the right front, 1 sc in each st across the neck (or continue across the hood 2 sts per row), 2 sc in each row across the left front, 1 sc in each st across the band, turn.

Row 2:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across, turn.

Mark Buttonholes

With RS facing at front right side, count 2 sts from the bottom edge, pm in 3rd st, *count 9 sts, pm in 10th st; rep from *making as many buttonholes as desired.

Row 3:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across, at marked sts ch 1, sk 1 st (35mm button), turn. * For a 40mm button ch 2, sk 2 sts.

Row 4:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across, at buttonhole work 1 sc in ch-1 sp (or 2 sc in ch-2 sp), turn.

Row 5:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st across. Fasten off and weave in tails.

Sew the buttons to the left side collar opposite buttonholes. Knot and trim tails.

Sleeves (Left & Right)

Round 1 (RS):

Put a slip knot on the larger hook (leave a long tail); at the underarm, work a sl st in the first V st (to the right), sl st in next V st (to the left), sl st in next ch-1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(cluster, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, sl st in ch-3 to join, TURN—9 (11, 13, 15, 17, 19) clusters. Use the starting tail to stitch closed the hole under the arm.

Round 2 (dec):

Ch 3, 2 dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(cluster, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around to last 2 ch-1 sps, cluster dec across last 2 ch-1 sps, sl st in ch-3 to join, turn—8 (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) clusters.

Rounds 3-4:

Ch 3, 2 dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(cluster, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, sl st in ch-3 to join, turn—8 (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) clusters.

Round 5 (dec):

Rep Round 2—7 (9, 11, 13, 15, 17) clusters.

Rounds 6-7:

Rep Rounds 3-4.

Round 8 (dec):

Rep Round 2—6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 16) clusters.

Rounds 9-17:

Ch 3, 2 dc in first ch-1 sp, ch 1, *(cluster, ch 1) in next ch-1 sp; rep from * around, sl st in ch-3 to join, turn—6 (8, 10, 12, 14, 16) clusters. Crochet the sleeves to the desired length. The band will add an additional 2″ to the sleeve length. Change to smaller hook.

Cuff

Round 1 (RS):

With smaller hook, ch 1, 1 sc in 2nd dc of 3-dc cluster, work 1 sc in each ch-1 sp and 2nd dc of each 3-dc cluster around, rev sl st in first sc to join—12 (16, 20, 24, 28, 32) sts.

Round 2-5:

Ch 1, work 1 sc in each st around, rev sl st to join—12 (16, 20, 24, 28, 32) sts. Fasten off and weave in tails.

Finishing

• Stitch the hole under the arm with the starting sleeve tail.
• Using a yarn needle, sew the pockets 2 clusters away from the collar edge and bottom band using the long tail. For a visual guide, refer to the video tutorial for a demonstration.
• For a professional finish and to prevent the ribbing from curling, I recommend lightly steaming the cardigan and ribbing. Gently use a steamer to release any wrinkles and flatten the ribbing. Be cautious not to hold the steamer too close to the garment to avoid any damage.

You might also love these crochet patterns:

• Granny Stitch Crochet Cardigan
• Hooded Crochet Cardigan Pattern
• Childrens Crochet Cardigan
• Cascade Mountain Crochet Cardigan
• Easy Crochet Granny Stitch Sweater

This pattern is designed by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Inc, based in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada. Your go-to source for modern, easy crochet patterns. Published on March 7th, 2024.

Thank you for visiting MJ’s Off The Hook Designs. I hope you enjoyed this pattern and feel inspired to pick up your hook and start creating.

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