Long Chunky Ribbed Cardigan Knitting Pattern

 

       Long Chunky Ribbed Cardigan   Knitting Pattern

Skill Level: Intermediate

Language/Terminology: US / Standard Knitting Terms

Sizes: One Size (Oversized / Fits S–XL)

Materials & Tools

 •Yarn: Super Bulky / Chunky Weight Wool or Acrylic Blend Yarn (approx. 1400–1800 yards / 1280–1650 meters).

 •Knitting Needles:

 * US 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles (80 cm or longer for body hem and front edging).

 * US 17 (12.0 mm) circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge for main body and sleeves).

 •Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers, row counter, blocking pins.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

 k: knit

 p: purl

 st(s): stitch(es)

 rep: repeat

 RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side

Gauge & Cast-On / Stitch Count Summary

 •Gauge: Approx. 8 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) using US 17 (12.0 mm) needles in Simple Rib Stitch Pattern. (Be sure to check your gauge before starting!)

 •Stitch Counts & Placement:

 * Back Panel: Cast on 54 sts on US 15 (10.0 mm) needles (width approx. 27 inches / 68 cm).

 * Left & Right Front Panels (Make 1 of each): Cast on 26 sts each on US 15 (10.0 mm) needles (width approx. 13 inches / 33 cm each).

 * Sleeves (Make 2): Cast on 38 sts each on US 17 (12.0 mm) needles (width approx. 19 inches / 48 cm each).

 * Front Edging: Pick up approx. 180–200 sts along the Right Front edge, back neck, and 

Left Front edge on US 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles.

Pattern Overview & Assembly Layout

This floor-length, open-front cardigan is knitted in thick yarn with an oversized fit, wide folded cuffs, drop shoulders, and a clean open front.

1. Back Panel: Worked straight from the bottom hem to the shoulders using the Simple Rib Stitch Pattern (2x2 ribbing variation / texture).

2. Left & Right Front Panels: Worked straight from the hem up to shoulder length without front closures or buttons.

3. Sleeves: Worked straight with extra length to allow for wide, dramatic fold-over cuffs.

4. Neck Collar / Front Edging & Assembly: Panels are joined at the shoulders, sleeves are attached, side seams are sewn, and a subtle ribbed border is picked up along the entire front opening and neck.

Graphical Chart Key (Simple Rib Stitch Pattern)

 * ⁠|⁠ (Vertical line): Knit on RS / Purl on WS

 ⁠* -⁠ (Horizontal line): Purl on RS / Knit on WS

 * Stitch Repeat: Multiple of 4 + 2

 * Reading the Chart:

 * Read odd rows (RS) Right to Left ⁠<---⁠

 * Read even rows (WS) Right to Left ⁠--->⁠

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Back Panel

 • Hem: Using US 15 (10.0 mm) needles, cast on 54 sts (13 pattern repeats of 4 sts + 2 sts for symmetry/selvage). Work 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing for 3–4 inches (8–10 cm).

 • Body: Switch to US 17 (12.0 mm) needles and follow the Simple Rib Stitch Pattern chart (repeating rows 1–20). Continue straight across all 54 sts until the total length from the cast-on edge reaches desired shoulder height (approx. 45–50 inches / 115–125 cm).

 • Shoulders: Bind off all 54 sts loosely in pattern.

2. Left & Right Front Panels (Make 1 of each)

 • Hem: Using US 15 (10.0 mm) needles, cast on 26 sts (6 pattern repeats of 4 sts + 2 sts). Work ribbing for 3–4 inches (8–10 cm).

 • Body: Switch to US 17 (12.0 mm) needles and work in the Simple Rib Stitch Pattern chart across all 26 sts until the panel matches the length of the Back Panel up to the shoulder line.

 • Shoulder: Bind off all 26 sts loosely in pattern.

3. Sleeves (Make 2)

 • Cast On & Main Sleeve: Using US 17 (12.0 mm) needles, cast on 38 sts (9 pattern repeats of 4 sts + 2 sts) to achieve a wide, relaxed fit right from the start. Work in the Simple Rib Stitch Pattern chart until the sleeve measures approx. 22–24 inches (55–60 cm) to accommodate a dramatic fold-over cuff.

 • Cuff: Continue in pattern or switch to standard 2x2 ribbing for the last 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) to form the deep folded cuff.

 • Bind Off: Bind off all 38 sts loosely in pattern.

4. Garment Assembly & Front Edging

 • Shoulder Seams: Lay the front panels over the back panel with Right Sides together. Join the shoulder seams using a tapestry needle for 18–20 sts on each side, leaving the center 14–18 sts open for the back neck.

 • Attach Sleeves: Unfold the body flat. Center the top edge of each sleeve over the shoulder seam and sew along the dropped shoulder line (approx. 19 inches / 48 cm wide per sleeve).

 • Side & Sleeve Seams: Sew side seams down from the armpits to the hem, and sew sleeve seams down to the cuff edge. Fold back the wide cuffs.

 • Front Edging: With RS facing and using US 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles, pick up and knit approx. 180–200 sts evenly along the Right Front edge, up around the back neck, and down the Left Front edge (approx. 3 sts picked up for every 4 rows). Work 1x1 ribbing for 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm). Bind off loosely in pattern.

5. Finishing

 • Weave in Ends: Secure all yarn tails neatly on the WS using a tapestry needle.

 • Blocking: Lightly steam-block or wet-block to even out the thick ribbed stitches and set the full length of the cardigan.