Big Comfy Sweater

The Big Comfy Sweater is the perfect pattern if you're looking for an easy-going knit wearable. The laid back style is great for layering or for popping on with pants, leggings, or jeans. You'll love the smooth texture against your skin and easy wash ability. Plus, this is an easy knitting pattern, so you won't need to devote hours and hours to this project. The neutral gray color will work well with any item currently in your wardrobe. Plus, this piece can transition between seasons thanks to its flattering length and medium-length sleeves. The interesting details really set this easy knit sweater apart.

Notes1. Sweater is made from two identical pieces: Back and front.
2. Both pieces are worked from the lower edge upwards. At underarm, stitches are cast on each side of piece for sleeves.

Easy

Knitting Needle Size8 or 5 mm

Yarn Weight(3) Light/DK (21-24 stitches to 4 inches)

Gauge17 sts = 4” [10 cm]; 24 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side). CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Finished SizeDirections are for size Small. Changes for sizes Medium, Large, 1X, 2X and 3X are in parentheses. Finished Bust: 44 (48, 52, 56, 59, 63)” [112 (122, 132, 142, 150, 160) cm] Finished Length: 30 (31, 32, 33, 33, 33)” [76 (78.5, 81.5, 84, 84, 84) cm]

Materials List

RED HEART® Fashion Soft™: 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls 9440 Grey Heather
Susan Bates® Knitting Needles: 5 mm [US 8]
Yarn needle

Find even more heavenly knit sweaters by checking out our collection of

Instructions

Pattern Stitches

2x2 Rib (multiple of 4 sts + 2)
Row 1 (right side): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: Knit the knit sts and purl the purl sts to end of row.
Repeat Row 2 for 2x2 Rib.

Ridge Pattern
Row 1 (right side): Knit.
Rows 2 and 3: Purl.
Row 4: Knit.
Repeat Rows 1–4 for Ridge pattern.

Back

Cast on 94 (102, 110, 118, 126, 134) sts. Work in 2x2 Rib until piece measures about 3” [7.5 cm] from beginning.
Work in Stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) until piece measures about 20 (20½, 21, 21½, 21, 21)” [51 (52, 53.5, 54.5, 53.5, 53.5) cm] from beginning (or desired length to underarm), end with a wrong side row.

Cast On for Sleeves
Row 1 (right side): Cast on 34 sts, knit to end of row—128 (136, 144, 152, 160, 168) sts.
Row 2: Cast on 34 sts, purl to end of row— 162 (170, 178, 186, 194, 202) sts.
Work in Ridge pattern until piece measures about 10 (10½, 11, 11½, 12, 12)” [25.5 (26.5, 28, 29, 30.5, 30.5) cm] from cast-on rows.
Bind off.

Front

Make same as back.

Finishing

Leaving side edges of ribbing unsewn for side slits, sew side seams. Sew shoulder/top of sleeve seams, leaving about 7 (7, 7, 8, 8, 8)” [18 (18, 18, 20.5, 20.5, 20.5) cm] open at center for neck; neckline will shape naturally with gravity. Sew underarm/sleeve seams.
Weave in ends.

Click image below to enlarge

Abbreviations

k: knit

p: purl

st(s): stitch(es)

*: repeat whatever follows the * as indicated

Would you wear this sweater? Why or why not?

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beejayh 7318292

Mar 05, 2021

I measure 44 around bust (firm measurement). Dont want sweater to be too tight. Should I knit 48 to be sure of a looser fit? I am an Australian size 14 or a medium and 5 tall.

Lisa

Mar 06, 2021

The 48 should work for you, I would even suggest considering the 52 for you, since the sweater is supposed to be oversize.

Yogi Mickey

Oct 19, 2018

If the measurement around your hips is bigger than your bust should you use that as your finished measurement since there are no decreases in this pattern...asking for a friend ).

paver2

Mar 21, 2019

I would. Although if there's a big difference you might want size it for the bust then make your own gradual increases toward the hips.

jean13

Apr 06, 2018

How many grams of wool is needed in DK to knit this sweater?

Kristina K

Apr 09, 2018

Hi jean13, the grams of wool needed to knit this sweater is dependent on the size you are knitting. If you check the "materials list" in this pattern, the number of skeins of Red Heart Fashion Soft Yarn required for this pattern is listed out by size. The smallest size requires about 423 grams of yarn, and the largest size requires about 705 grams. We hope this helps! -Editors of AllFreeKnitting

lornalittle 992075 6

Jan 23, 2018

I've made this sweater and I love it. I've had several comments on how nice it is. It was super easy to make and it's very comfortable.

skwas2 3614224

Jan 23, 2018

Just a bit confused. Pattern calls for DK yarn but gauge is 17 stitches per 4 inches on size 8 needles. DK gauge is usually 20 to 22 for me and I dont want to go up to size 11 needles because I will not enjoy the pattern then. Anyone else have gauge issues.

Lisa

Mar 03, 2018

One must always use the needles required to achieve the gauge of a pattern, not the gauge of the yarn. The yarn used in this pattern is a #3 but when working with it, it seems more like a #4 worsted rather than the 3 light it is classified as.

Flora

Dec 08, 2017

I would like to make this with no 4 needles and thinner wool. How many stitches would I need please?

Flora

Dec 08, 2017

I mean 4mml needles

Lisa

Mar 03, 2018

It can't be done, you will still need to achieve the gauge of the sweater and that is unlikely with such a small needle. No matter what yarn and needles are used, you must always be able to achieve pattern gauge in order for the project to turn out correctly.

Morehouse17

Oct 31, 2017

I love easy. I hope that this is a true easy pattern. On the model this sweater falls so nicely. It has been a long while since I have made knit clothing but I think these is a good one to put my feet back in the water

ladyraestewart 519 6724

Apr 26, 2018

I havent knitted in more than 30 years and should finish one side this evening. I am making mine longer but have been working on it just over a week. Super easy

Delphine Bryant

Sep 30, 2017

Because I am a crocheter, I was really hoping this pattern was for crochet but as I went read the materials list and how to make, I was devastated that this item is for knitting. I really have to go back and shore up my knitting skills. I am missing out on a lot of patterns.

harmonykieding 513 3456

Mar 27, 2018

Hi, Delphine! I am also a crocheter, and have "translated" this sweater into crochet terms.

Menalegach 6178264

Jul 26, 2017

Wonderful! Easy and quick to knit and really confortable

pollyfitz

Jul 25, 2017

Easy to knit and will be super cosy for the autumn and will go easily over a polo neck or shirt for extra warmth.

sorrowsangelcries 0403333

May 03, 2017

I'm new to knitting and I plan to use this pattern for my first attempt at making a sweater! However, I do wonder if this couldn't be done all in one piece? Sort of like a cross shape with a hole in the middle for the collar. Then you'd only have to sew up the sides and the sleeves. Thoughts?

3cats2love

May 04, 2017

Hi sorrowsangelcries 0403333, yes, you can knit a sweater in a cross shape with a neck opening in the center, and there are many patterns like that. Being new to knitting, you would do best to find a pattern like that rather than trying to modify this one. It can be done but it would be for a more experienced knitter to do.

Lisa

Apr 08, 2023

Actually it could easily be modified and done in one piece. To do so, follow the directions for the back, when it says to bind off the piece-don't, figure out how many stitches are needed to create the head opening, it's 7" or 8" depending on the size you make, cast those stitches off and work the second side separately with another ball of yarn. On the flip side work to the bound off stitches and cast on as many as you cast off continue working the pattern in reverse. When you get to the section to cast on for sleeves, is where you will bind off, since you already have the sleeves and carry on to finish sweater and bind off. Hope this helps, happy knitting.

scotbelle

Apr 26, 2017

YES, I would wear this. It looks both comfortable and ....FLATTERING, for both slim and heavier figures. )

Daughter of Light

Jun 01, 2017

I totally agree scotbelle and I'm so thankful that allfreeknitting has thought to include patterns like this for larger busted women like myself! This sweater will be perfect for me because of the length--no riding up-- and the three quarter length sleeves will mean that I won't get too hot wearing it!!! Even the color is perfect for me! I can't wait to get started on this one!

Sue What

Apr 21, 2017

This pullover would look great with jeans, wouldn't it? It can be hard to find easy sweater patterns that are still stylish like this one. I would definitely recommend this pattern to someone looking for a pattern to make their first sweater, especially a younger stitched who wanted something trendier than a basic cardigan.

KathrynAllison

Apr 21, 2017

Hello Sue What, thank you for your comment! We're happy to hear you like this pattern. We agree - it's a trendy piece that will look great with a pair of jeans. -Editors of AllFreeKnitting

schiebet

Mar 27, 2017

This would be perfect paired with a pair of leggings. The pattern looks pretty basic and would be an impressive project to show off you beginner knit skills to your friends!

Gracie

Mar 07, 2017

I would wear this sweater, but I wish the sleeves were not quite so big and that they were full length. I love the length of the sweater itself. It is so cozy and comfortable-looking. I might try knitting the sleeves separately in a stockinette stitch and then adding them on.

Mar 01, 2017

I would wear this but I'll have to figure a way to lengthen the sleeves. I don't like the 3/4 length. Maybe I'll pick up around the edges and knit down to the wrist in plain stockinette, gradually decreasing as I go, or maybe leaving it as a wide sleeve. Or, I may knit separate sleeves and attach them just under the edges for a layered look.

nanaerm

Dec 29, 2016

I would wear it especially in a color that looks good with denim. I think one will need to be mindful of sizing as it looks like it could easily get too sloppy looking.

Alysanne

Dec 13, 2016

I to would like it a bit shorter which in this case is very easy to do. This looks so comfortable and warm. Love the 3/4 sleeves also. The pattern is one that will look great but is easy to knit watching TV or riding in the car and not having to look at the pattern every row.

debdobalina 511985 4

Dec 12, 2016

I love this too, but I'd like it a bit shorter. I would assume I can simply not do as many Stockinette rows as it calls for. Can anyone tell me if this sounds right?

Lisa

Dec 13, 2016

Yes, the directions actually say to work in stocking stitch 20" or desired desired length to underarm, so that is exactly where you can shorten it.

Sue What

Dec 12, 2016

Not only is this a great looking sweater, but it has several other good points as well. It's an easy,doable pattern. It's oversize and looks very comfortable and warm . And it comes in plus sizes! Plus size knitting patterns are hard to find, especially ones that are easy and look good.

The Designing Peng uin

Aug 25, 2016

Awesome looking - and just changed my Christmas list this sweater has such appeal that I shall have to give it to the girls and one for me too of course... wonder if I could knit it in some of the yarn I have bought for the sweaters I was going to knit LOL