Marlo Chunky Cardigan

Wrap yourself in pure comfort with this gorgeous, texture-rich chunky cardigan featuring the stunning Alpine stitch and a relaxed, modern fit.

We have all been there: staring at a gorgeous pile of super bulky yarn, dreaming of a cozy sweater that we can actually finish before the season changes.

It is a beautiful dream.

But too often, bulky garments turn out stiff, heavy, or completely shapeless.

You spend hours crocheting, only to end up with a cardigan that feels more like a heavy suit of armor than a soft, wearable hug.

That is exactly why I designed this cozy layering piece, combining the incredible drape of a clever stitch pattern with a relaxed silhouette that flatters every figure. By using a larger hook and alternating raised stitches, we create a fabric that is wonderfully squishy, light, and full of movement.

Say hello to your new favorite wardrobe staple.

This design uses a simple flat construction for the body, meaning you won't have to worry about complicated shaping or seamless math. If you loved making my Fall Vibes Cardigan, you will find this project just as satisfying and even quicker to complete. Pair it with some cozy Velvet Crochet Slippers for the ultimate weekend lounging uniform.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Zero Complex Shaping: The back and front panels are worked in one continuous piece, keeping the assembly incredibly straightforward.
• Stunning Alpine Texture: Alternating front post stitches creates a rich, diamond-like texture that looks highly professional.
• Lightning Fast Progress: Using super bulky yarn means you can easily finish this entire garment over a single cozy weekend.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Spun Thick and Quick (Size 6 Super Bulky; 100% recycled polyester; 223 yds / 204 m per skein). Sample shown in Olive Branch.
• Hook: Size N/P (10mm) crochet hook, or size needed to match gauge.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and stitch markers.
• Yardage: Approximately 3 (3, 3, 4) (4, 5, 5) skeins depending on the size you choose to make.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 8 stitches = 4.5 inches in the main pattern stitch (alternating 4 dc and 4 fpdc).
• Sizes included: XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2XL, 3XL)
• Finished measurements:
  • Bust: 34 (38, 42, 45) (49, 53, 56) inches
  • Back Panel Width: 17 (19, 21, 22.5) (24.5, 26.5, 28) inches
  • Finished Length: 19 (19, 19, 21.5) (21.5, 24, 24) inches
  • Armhole Depth: 7 (7, 7, 8) (8, 9, 9) inches
  • Sleeve Length: 17.5 (17.5, 17.5, 18) (18, 18.5, 18.5) inches (including cuff)

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet
• dc: Double Crochet
• fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet (Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop, then complete your double crochet as normal).
• sc2tog: Single Crochet Two Together (Insert hook in first stitch, pull up a loop, insert hook in next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through all three loops on hook).
• hhdc: Herringbone Half Double Crochet (Yarn over, insert hook into the next stitch, pull up a loop directly through the stitch and the first loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops).
• sl st: Slip Stitch

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The main body is worked flat as one piece, while the sleeves are worked directly into the armholes in the round.
• Keep your front post double crochets loose and pull them up to the height of the current row to prevent the fabric from bunching up.
• You can easily adjust the length of the cardigan by adding or subtracting rows on the back panel before splitting for the front panels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Swatching for Success

To practice the stitch and check your gauge, chain 23. Work Rows 1 to 5 of the back panel instructions below. You will have 21 stitches on each row. Repeat Rows 2 to 5 until your swatch is 4 inches tall, then measure your stitch width.

The Back Panel

We begin by working the back of the cardigan as a simple flat rectangle.

Row 1: Chain 33 (37, 41, 43) (47, 51, 53). Working directly into the back bumps of your chain, double crochet in the 4th chain from your hook (the skipped chains count as your first double crochet). Double crochet in every remaining chain across to the end, then turn. [31 (35, 39, 41) (45, 49, 51) stitches]

Row 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout), single crochet in the very first stitch and in each stitch across, making sure to work your final single crochet into the top of the turning chain, then turn. [31 (35, 39, 41) (45, 49, 51) stitches]

Row 3: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), *work 1 fpdc around the double crochet directly below the next single crochet, skip the single crochet stitch behind this post stitch, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * across the row, ending with a double crochet in the last stitch, then turn. [31 (35, 39, 41) (45, 49, 51) stitches]

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), double crochet in the next single crochet, *work 1 fpdc around the regular double crochet stitch located between the post stitches from two rows below, skip the single crochet behind it, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * until you reach the last stitch, work 1 double crochet in the final stitch, then turn.

Repeat Rows 2 to 5 until you have completed a total of 15 (15, 15, 19) (19, 23, 23) raised post-stitch rows. Your final row must be a repeat of Row 3. Do not cut your yarn. Your piece should measure roughly 17.5 (17.5, 17.5, 19) (19, 21.5, 21.5) inches long.

First Front Panel

Now we will build the first front panel directly onto the back panel.

Row 1: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch and in the next 12 (14, 16, 17) (19, 21, 22) stitches, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), double crochet in the next single crochet, *work 1 fpdc around the regular double crochet stitch from two rows below, skip the single crochet behind it, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * until you reach the last stitch, work 1 double crochet in the final stitch, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 3: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch and in each stitch across, finishing with a single crochet in the top of the turning chain, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), *work 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet, skip the single crochet behind it, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * across, ending with a double crochet in the last stitch, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Repeat Rows 1 to 4 of this panel until you have completed 15 (15, 15, 19) (19, 23, 23) raised post-stitch rows on this side. (If counting from the very bottom of the back panel, you will have 30 (30, 30, 38) (38, 46, 46) post-stitch rows in total). Fasten off.

Second Front Panel

We will leave a gap for the back of the neck and attach yarn for the second front panel.

Row 1: Skip 5 stitches along the top edge of the back panel from where the first front panel ended. Slip stitch into the next stitch, chain 1, work a single crochet in that same stitch, then work a single crochet in the next 12 (14, 16, 17) (19, 21, 22) stitches, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), double crochet in the next single crochet, *work 1 fpdc around the regular double crochet stitch from two rows below, skip the single crochet behind it, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * until you reach the last stitch, work 1 double crochet in the final stitch, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 3: Chain 1, single crochet in the first stitch and in each stitch across, finishing with a single crochet in the top of the turning chain, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), *work 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet, skip the single crochet behind it, then work 1 double crochet in the next single crochet. Repeat from * across, ending with a double crochet in the last stitch, then turn. [13 (15, 17, 18) (20, 22, 23) stitches]

Repeat Rows 1 to 4 of this panel until you have completed 15 (15, 15, 19) (19, 23, 23) raised post-stitch rows. Fasten off.

Seaming the Sides

Lay your cardigan flat with the textured side facing upwards. Fold the two front panels down over the back panel. Align the bottom hems carefully. Leaving an armhole opening of 7 (7, 7, 8) (8, 9, 9) inches at the top fold, use a tapestry needle and a whip stitch to seam the sides together from the bottom hem up to the armhole.

Adding the Sleeves

We work the sleeves directly into the armholes on the right side of the fabric. Turn your cardigan right side out.

Round 1: Slip stitch to the very bottom of the armhole opening. Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), evenly distribute 26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) double crochets around the armhole edge, slip stitch to the first double crochet to join, then turn. [26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) stitches]

Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in each stitch around, slip stitch to the first single crochet to join, then turn. [26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) stitches]

Round 3: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), work 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet, *work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet. Repeat from * around, slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3 to join, then turn. [26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) stitches]

Round 4: Repeat Round 2.

Round 5: Chain 1, work 1 fpdc around the beginning chain-3 from two rows below, work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, *work 1 fpdc around the double crochet stitch located between the post stitches from two rows below, work 1 double crochet in the next stitch. Repeat from * around, slip stitch to the first fpdc to join, then turn. [26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) stitches]

Round 6: Repeat Round 2.

Round 7: Chain 3 (counts as a double crochet), work 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet, *work 1 double crochet in the next stitch, 1 fpdc around the double crochet below the next single crochet. Repeat from * around, slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain-3 to join, then turn. [26 (26, 26, 30) (30, 34, 34) stitches]

Round 8: Repeat Round 2.

Repeat Rounds 5 to 8 until your sleeve measures approximately 15.5 (15.5, 15.5, 16) (16, 16.5, 16.5) inches long. Do not fasten off.

Decrease Round: Chain 1, *sc2tog across the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around, then turn if you are on the right side of the sleeve (do not turn if you are on the wrong side). [13 (13, 13, 15) (15, 17, 17) stitches]

Cuff Round 1: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), work 1 hhdc in each stitch around, slip stitch to the first hhdc to join, do not turn. [13 (13, 13, 15) (15, 17, 17) stitches]

Cuff Round 2: Chain 1, work 1 hhdc in each stitch around, slip stitch to the first hhdc to join, do not turn. [13 (13, 13, 15) (15, 17, 17) stitches]

Repeat Cuff Round 2 once more, then fasten off. Repeat this entire process for the second sleeve.

Finishing the Hem and Collar

We will now add a clean, professional border to the bottom hem and the front opening.

Hem Row 1: With the wrong side (inside) of the cardigan facing you, slip stitch to the bottom right corner of the hem. Chain 1, work 1 single crochet in each stitch across the entire bottom edge, then turn. [57 (61, 65, 71) (75, 83, 85) stitches]

Hem Row 2: Chain 1, work 1 hhdc in each stitch across, then turn. [57 (61, 65, 71) (75, 83, 85) stitches]

Hem Rows 3-4: Repeat Hem Row 2. Do not fasten off after Row 4.

Collar Row 1: Chain 1 at the corner, then distribute single crochet stitches evenly up the right front opening, around the back of the neck, and down the left front opening, then turn.

Collar Row 2: Chain 1, work 1 hhdc in each stitch across, then turn.

Collar Row 3: Repeat Collar Row 2. Fasten off. Weave in any remaining tails on the inside of the cardigan.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Elegant Bell Sleeves: If you prefer a dramatic, flowing sleeve, skip the decrease round at the wrist and continue working the herringbone half double crochet rounds with the full stitch count. This creates a gorgeous shape similar to my Sloane Bell Sleeve Cardigan.
• Cozy Pocket Additions: Crochet two simple textured squares using the Alpine stitch pattern and sew them onto the front panels for a handy place to warm your hands.
• Stripe Play: Use two alternating colors, swapping every two rows to create a striking, modern striped look.
• Duster Length: Keep repeating the back panel rows to create a dramatic, floor-skipping duster cardigan.
• Button Closure: Add simple wooden buttons along the collar edge; the gaps between your herringbone stitches can easily double as buttonholes!
• Colour ideas: Earthy tones like sage green, mustard yellow, or a classic cream look absolutely stunning with this stitch.
• Yarn substitutions: Any super bulky weight yarn (category 6) with good drape will work beautifully. If you want a lighter blanket to match your cozy aesthetic, check out my Knit Look Chunky Blanket.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My cardigan fabric feels incredibly stiff and heavy.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight, or your hook is too small. Try going up a hook size (to an 11mm or 12mm) to give the stitches more breathing room.
• Problem: The front post stitches are pulling the fabric down and making the rows uneven.
  Fix: Make sure you pull up the first loop of your front post double crochet to the exact height of the current row before completing the stitch.
• Problem: My stitch count is decreasing on the single crochet rows.
  Fix: It is easy to miss the very last stitch of the row, which is often worked into the top of the turning chain. Use stitch markers in your first and last stitches to stay on track.
• Problem: The sleeves feel too tight around my upper arms.
  Fix: When distributing your double crochets around the armhole in Round 1, add 2 to 4 extra stitches, making sure your final count remains an even number.

Care Instructions

To keep your beautiful handmade cardigan looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a gentle wool wash. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric. Instead, gently press the water out with a clean towel and lay it flat to dry. Never hang your wet cardigan, as the weight of the water will stretch out the stitches.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of wearing a garment you made with your own two hands. This cozy cardigan is bound to become your absolute favorite layering piece for chilly mornings and relaxed evenings. Happy crocheting, my friends!