These 4 cardigan patterns are too good not to share!
Last week, we explored chunky sweaters, and now it’s time to focus on cardigans - those cozy, versatile layers that feel like a warm hug every time you wear them.
Chunky cardigans are such a wonderful choice for beginner knitters: they’re forgiving when things don’t go perfectly, easy to style with any outfit, and endlessly practical for adding warmth to your wardrobe.
Back in 2015, when chunky yarn was all the rage, I knitted my first super chunky cardigans and sweaters. I remember how much I learned during that time - not just about knitting techniques but also about being patient with myself.
Knitting has this beautiful way of teaching us to embrace our mistakes and enjoy the process (And a little fun fact: it was one of the few times I had bangs! Here are some archive photos from that time 🤗)
Today, I’ve chosen 4 lovely cardigan patterns to share with you. Each one is unique, with little design details that will help you grow as a knitter while still being a joy to make. Whether you’re looking for something simple or ready to stretch your skills, I think you’ll find inspiration here. Let’s take a look!
📕 1. Seawall Cardigan by Winter's Weather Knits.
The Seawall Cardigan is the kind of project that feels like an old friend - comfortable, reliable, and a joy to knit. Its open-front design and relaxed fit (approx. 35 cm/ 13 inches of positive ease) make it a breeze to layer over anything, from casual jeans to cozy dresses.
What makes this pattern especially beginner-friendly is its straightforward construction. It’s worked top-down, seamlessly, with extra-wide sleeves and a clean, minimalist raglan design. There’s no button band included in the pattern, but I couldn’t help noticing how creative knitters got in their projects, turning it into a truly customizable project.
This cardigan is originally knitted with soft DROPS Wish yarn, which is sadly no longer available. However, there are some excellent alternatives! DROPS Melody, a luxurious mix of merino wool and brushed alpaca, would be a great substitute. It creates a fabric that’s lightweight yet warm, offering a softer, airier texture than traditional chunky yarns - perfect for this relaxed and cozy design.
📕 2. Match Cardigan by Caidree
Caidree has a wonderful way of creating designs that are perfect for beginners or anyone who enjoys quick, effortless knits. The Match Cardigan is a great example - a classic deep V-neck cardigan with wide 2x2 rib edging and practical, simple pockets. If you’ve been hesitant about adding pockets to your knits, this is the perfect project to start with - they bring so much character to the design without being tricky.
The cardigan is worked top-down, with the body knitted flat and the sleeves worked in the round. This construction lets you practice different techniques while creating a cozy, stylish piece. Thanks to its relaxed fit and chunky yarn, you’ll see progress quickly, making it as enjoyable to knit as it is to wear.
The pattern uses CaMaRose Snefnug yarn held together with a strand of mohair for a soft, luxurious finish. If you’re looking for substitutions, DROPS Melody paired with a thin strand of mohair works beautifully, or you can mix and match similar yarns for the perfect look.
Give it a try - I’m sure you’ll love how it turns out!
📕 3. Dark Hollow Cardigan by Laura Aylor.
One of my favorite things about this design is how beginner-friendly the construction is. The shawl collar is integrated as you knit, so there’s no need to pick up stitches later - a huge relief if you’re just starting out! It’s worked top-down with seamless raglan sleeves, which means you can avoid the hassle of sewing pieces together at the end.
And let’s not forget the pockets—they’re add just the right amount of functionality while keeping the look clean and modern.
If you’re looking for a cozy, approachable project that will build your confidence and skills, this cardigan is a fantastic choice. I think you’ll absolutely love knitting (and wearing!) it!
📕 4. Linescapes Cardigan by Veronika Lindberg
The Linescapes Cardigan is a cozy, vintage-inspired design with a subtle striped texture created by purl rows. It has just the right amount of detail to make it interesting without feeling overwhelming.
And here’s the thing - it’s not your “first-ever cardigan” kind of pattern, but it’s perfect for knitters ready to take on a bit of a challenge. Think of it as an opportunity to level up your skills while working with chunky yarn, which is forgiving and easy to unravel if you need a do-over. After all, if you don’t push yourself with slightly more complex patterns or new techniques, how will you grow as a knitter?
The cardigan is worked top-down and flat, with the front edge button bands knitted simultaneously with the body. That means no picking up stitches later - a win for those who find finishing work tricky! This construction keeps things enjoyable while helping you gain confidence in garment knitting.
So, if you’re ready to embrace a project that stretches your skills and creates a beautiful, wearable piece, the Linescapes Cardigan is calling your name. It’s not just about the finished cardigan - it’s about becoming the knitter you aspire to be!
❤️ I hope this newsletter has inspired you to try something new. Knitting is such a beautiful journey - whether you’re trying something simple or challenging yourself with a new technique, every stitch is a step toward something wonderful.
Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or questions, I’m always here to cheer you on. Wishing you lots of joy and relaxation in your knitting this week. See you next Tuesday!
Warm regards,
Julia Piro
Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator
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