An easy beginner chunky cardigan knitting pattern – the Daybreak Cardigan – is now a beginner cardigan knitting pattern in my Etsy & Ravelry shops. Read all about the very beginner construction, fun fluffy yarn and my inspiration for this new mohair cardigan knitting pattern.
No time right now? Pin this chunky cardigan knit pattern for later!
*This post contains affiliate links (only for products I love, use and spend my own money on obviously). This means I earn some yarn money if you make a purchase through one of these links (of course at no extra cost for you!), which I promise to use to create more awesome patterns like this one. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.
This chunky cardigan pattern is the perfect cozy project for beginner knitters. It’s simple, straightforward, and designed to make your knitting journey smooth and stress-free. With no complicated shaping to worry about and worked entirely flat, you’ll master the basic stitches with ease. Plus, thanks to the chunky weight yarn, it knits up quickly, so you’ll have a snuggly cardigan in no time!
Available in sizes from XS to 5XL, this pattern is for everyone. The relaxing, repetitive nature makes it a great confidence-builder, and by the end, you’ll have a stylish cardigan to wear proudly—proof that you’ve leveled up your knitting skills in record time.
The Yarn
Despite being labeled as super bulky weight yarn, Hobbii Diablo Multi feels more like a chunky weight yarn, which means it works up quickly but isn’t heavy and cumbersome. You’ll be able to see progress on your project after just a few rows.
Thanks to the mohair blend in the yarn, the finished piece remains light and airy even though you’re working with a bulky yarn. The mohair fibers create a soft halo effect that adds to the cozy, luxurious feel of the garment. It’s ideal for creating classic, comfy pieces that are warm without feeling heavy or overly dense.
The Hobbii Diablo Multi yarn used for this project is a unique blend of 40% acrylic, 30% mohair, and 30% polyamide. The yarn is made from five strands of different colors of mohair twisted together, resulting in a beautiful marbled effect that adds visual interest to the garment.
The Daybreak Cardigan Knitting Pattern Construction
The body of the cardigan knitting pattern is worked from the bottom up in one piece. When reaching the armholes, the panel is divided in 3 sections worked separately to form the 2 front panels and the back. The tops of the sections are then sewn together to form the shoulder seams.
The sleeves are worked separately. They’re made as simple rectangles. The stitches for the cuff are then picked up on one side and worked in ribbing (flat). This helps keep the cuff tighter and give the sleeve it’s puffed sleeve effect.
The sleeves are then sewed to the body. Finally, you’ll pick up stitches along the front panels and neck area to form the ribbed edge.
All pieces are worked flat.
Downloadable Daybreak Daybreak Chunky Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Grab the printable PDF of the Meadow Mist Knit Cardigan Pattern now in my shop, Etsy shop or on Ravelry.
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More Cardigan Knitting Patterns You'll Love
Before you Start
Materials
Note: I used my circular needles out of habit and convenience but this sweater is entirely worked flat and can be knit on straight needles. The front collar are a lot of stitches to squeeze on a regular needle but it’s worked flat.
- Hobbii Diablo Multi (Super bulky weight 6*, 40% acrylic, 30% mohair, 30% polyamide, 90m/98yd, 50/1.75oz) in powdery blues: 7 (8, 8, 9, 10) (10, 11, 11, 12) skeins.
* Although officially classified as a super bulky weight yarn, it feels more like a chunky weight 5 yarn to me.
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends
Size
The cardigan knitting pattern is available in the following sizes: XS to 5XL. Sizes are noted throughout the pattern in the following way: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL). The pictures illustrate the L size.
Final garment measurements are:
- Cardigan bust measurement: 80 (89, 101.5, 111, 123) (132, 142, 151, 163) cm / 31.5 (35, 40, 43.5, 48.5) (52, 55.75, 59.5, 64)”.
- Armhole depth: 17 (18, 19, 21, 22) (23, 24.5, 26, 27) cm / 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8.25, 8.75) (9, 9.5, 10.25, 10.5)”.
- Cardigan length: 67 (68, 69, 71, 72) (73, 75, 76, 77) cm / 26.25 (26.5, 27.25, 28, 28.5) (28.75, 29.25, 30, 30.25)”.
The cardigan is designed with a normal to loose fit 5 – 15 cm / 2” – 6” ease at the bust.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern, in stockinette stitch, is 13 st by 18 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).
Abbreviations & Instructions
- st = stitch
- k = knit
- p = purl
Repeat instructions between [] the indicated number of times or until the end of the round/row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the round/row between < >.
Special Stitches and Techniques
- Stockinette stitch: knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side of your project.
- Pick up stitches: For the sweater cuffs and front panels ribbing you’ll need to pick up stitches. This video tutorial is very helpful if you’re not familiar with this technique.
Cardigan Construction
The body of the cardigan knitting pattern is worked from the bottom up in one piece. When reaching the armholes, the panel is divided in 3 sections worked separately to form the 2 front panels and the back. The tops of the sections are then sewn together to form the shoulder seams.
The sleeves are worked separately. They’re made as simple rectangles. The stitches for the cuff are then picked up on one side and worked in ribbing. This helps keep the cuff tighter and give the sleeve it’s puffed sleeve effect.
The sleeves are then sewed to the body. Finally, you’ll pick up stitches along the front panels and neck area to form the ribbed edge.
All pieces are worked flat.
The Actual Daybreak Cardigan Knitting Pattern
You can buy the complete add-free PDF pattern from my Etsy & Ravelry shops.
No time right now? Pin this open front knit cardigan pattern for later!
