Nothing beats a chunky knit sweater on a cold morning. Thick yarn and big needles make a warm, squishy fabric, and they also make the knitting fast. Many of these sweaters can be finished in a week or two of evenings.
This list is for knitters who want quick, cozy results. You’ll find easy rectangle pullovers, seamless top-down turtlenecks and a few slouchy cardigans, all in bulky, super bulky or jumbo yarn. Every pattern is free to read or download.
Chunky Knit Sweater Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Large circular needles, 10 mm to 15 mm (US 15 to US 19)
- Bulky or super bulky yarn
- Big-eye tapestry needle for thick yarn
- Large locking stitch markers
- Stitch holders or waste yarn
- Soft measuring tape
1. Chunky Hug Sweater
This turtleneck sweater really does feel like a hug. It’s a top-down raglan worked in the round in super bulky yarn, so the yoke flies by. You knit the body first, then the sleeves from held stitches, and pick up the collar at the end. The designer calls it beginner-friendly, and it comes in nine sizes from XS to 5XL.
- Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 12 mm (US 17)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Simple Knit Sweater
Photo: Sewrella
If you’re brand new, start here. This pullover is made from five simple pieces in garter stitch, sewn together, with ribbing picked up at the neck. Super bulky yarn on 12 mm needles means only 8 stitches per 4 inches, so each piece grows quickly. Sizes run XS to 3XL.
- Designer: Sewrella
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (see pattern)
- Needle size: 12 mm (US 17)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Oversized Chunky Knit Sweater
Photo: Handy Little Me
This is the chunkiest sweater on the list. It’s knit in jumbo yarn on 15 mm needles, with a mix of Irish moss and stockinette for texture and a raglan shoulder. The four pieces are worked bottom-up and joined with mattress stitch. It’s meant to be oversized and slouchy, the perfect weekend sweater.
- Designer: Handy Little Me
- Skill level: Easy (advanced beginner)
- Yarn: Jumbo (#7)
- Needle size: 15 mm (US 19) and 12 mm (US 17)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Boxy Striped Pullover
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
This boxy turtleneck has easy stripes and a relaxed, modern shape. It’s rated easy and knit in bulky yarn, and the boxy fit means there’s very little shaping to worry about. Try two neutrals for a calm look, or a bright color with cream for something more playful.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: see pattern
- Price: Free (Lion Brand account needed to download)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Moonbow Slouchy Chunky Knit Cardigan
Photo: Mama In A Stitch
Not every chunky sweater has to be a pullover. This slouchy cardigan is knit flat in sections: one back panel, two fronts, two sleeves and pockets, then sewn together. You only need knit, purl and k2tog. If you can’t find chunky yarn you like, the designer says two strands of worsted held together will also work.
- Designer: Mama In A Stitch
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Chunky (#5)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Oxford Boyfriend Cardigan
Photo: Two of Wands
This boxy boyfriend cardigan has a straight shape and simple color blocks. The back and fronts are worked bottom-up, the sleeves are knit top-down and seamed on, and the collar is picked up along the front edges. It’s a quick knit on 10 mm needles, and it makes an easy, throw-on layer.
- Designer: Two of Wands
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid ad-free PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Cozy Cloud Cardigan
Photo: Life Is Cozy
Soft, puffy and light, this cardigan lives up to its name. It’s a seamless top-down raglan in super bulky yarn, with the side edging knit along with the body so there’s no band to add later. The body and sleeve lengths are easy to adjust. Sizes run S to XL.
- Designer: Life Is Cozy
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15) and 8 mm (US 11)
- Price: Free (full pattern on the page)
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Lempi Sweater
Photo: Sari Nordlund for Novita
Lempi is a Finnish-style turtleneck with raglan sleeves and a tall, cozy collar. It’s knit in one piece in the round from the bottom up, with just short seams under the arms. Super bulky wool makes it very warm, so this is a real winter sweater. Sizes run XS to XXL.
- Designer: Sari Nordlund for Novita
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (#6)
- Needle size: 10 mm (US 15) and 8 mm (US 11)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Metropolis
Photo: Tanis Lavallee
Metropolis is a clean, simple turtleneck in bulky yarn. It’s top-down, seamless and worked in one piece with raglan sleeves. The stockinette body is knit on 8 mm needles, while smaller needles keep the turtleneck and ribbing neat. It’s a great pick for a soft merino-alpaca blend.
- Designer: Tanis Lavallee
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Bulky (#5)
- Needle size: 8 mm (US 11), 7 mm (US 10.75) and 6 mm (US 10)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. 1413-15 Raglan Pullover
Photo: Sandnes Design
This Scandinavian raglan gets its fluffy, airy look from two yarns held together: a soft wool blend and a silk mohair. The result is super bulky but surprisingly light. It’s knit on 12 mm needles, so it’s a fast project, and it comes in sizes S to XL.
- Designer: Sandnes Design
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Super bulky (two yarns held together)
- Needle size: 12 mm (US 17) and 10 mm (US 15)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Patons Sharp Chevron Pullover
Ready for a challenge? This bulky pullover is worked in the round from the neck down, with a bold two-color chevron pattern. Pick two solid colors with strong contrast so the zigzags really stand out. It’s rated intermediate and comes in a wide range of sizes.
- Designer: Patons / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Bulky (#5), Patons Inspired
- Needle size: 5.5 mm (US 9) and 6 mm (US 10)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First chunky sweater? Start with #2, the Simple Knit Sweater. It’s all garter stitch rectangles.
- Want it done this weekend? #3 uses jumbo yarn on 15 mm needles.
- Love a turtleneck? Try #1, #8 or #9.
- Prefer a cardigan? #5, #6 and #7 are cozy chunky layers.
- Want something light and fluffy? #10 holds mohair with wool for a soft halo.
FAQ
What yarn weight is best for a chunky knit sweater?
Bulky (#5) and super bulky (#6) are the most common. Bulky gives a warm sweater that still drapes. Super bulky and jumbo (#7) knit up fastest but make a thicker, heavier fabric. If you want a lighter chunky sweater, look for airy yarns or hold a mohair strand with wool.
How long does it take to knit a chunky sweater?
Many chunky sweaters take about 10 to 20 hours of knitting, depending on size and yarn. Super bulky and jumbo patterns are often finished in a weekend. Bulky patterns with turtlenecks or colorwork take a bit longer but are still much faster than worsted sweaters.
Will a chunky knit sweater be too heavy?
It can be if the yarn is dense. To keep it lighter, choose a yarn with air in it, such as a chainette, brushed or blown yarn, or hold mohair with wool. Avoid knitting too tightly. A slightly looser gauge also helps the sweater drape and keeps it from feeling stiff.
Grab some big needles and squishy yarn, and you’ll be wearing your new chunky sweater before you know it.
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