Your New Easy Crochet Sweater – FREE Pattern

Want to make a really easy crochet sweater? Then try the free crochet pattern for The Chunky Balloon Sweater.

Get the free crochet pattern below or purchase the complete printable PDF right here.

Easy crochet sweater


The Chunky Balloon Sweater is the ultimate easy crochet sweater for fall, winter, and spring. It’s such a cozy, warm, and super comfy sweater with a loose fit and gorgeous balloon sleeves! Wear it with whatever you want and make it in the colors you love.

It works up quickly due to the thick yarn and is super easy to make. You crochet it as a raglan in one-pieces, top-down. Therefore you can try it on as you go and get a glimpse of your new crochet sweater.

Scroll down for the easy crochet sweater pattern and make your own Chunky Balloon Sweater.

PIN ME FOR LATER!

easy crochet pullover sweater


The story of the easy crochet sweater: The Chunky Balloon Sweater

It was a very cold winter day in November. She was really cold and the forecast for the weather told a story about a long and cold winter. So she got up and decided to go shopping for a warm woolen sweater.

She went to the stores, but every warm sweater she found was so expensive. Like way too expensive. She went home, still cold, without a sweater.

That’s the story of how I started thinking about making my own crochet sweater. At that time I only knew the basics of crochet, but I decided to try to make my own.

I bought some wool yarn and I simply just started crocheting.

I had no idea about what I was doing

…but I knew how I wanted it to look. And, luckily, somehow it turned out really great🀩

At some point, I posted a few pictures on Instagram and you guys just went crazy. Where did you get that crochet pattern?! you asked again and again. Well, there is no pattern. It’s just something I made up…



You really wanted the crochet pattern for my easy crochet sweater, so I started to write it down. Until this point, I had never made a crochet pattern before. So it took me a while to finish it.

When the crochet pattern for The Chunky Balloon Sweater was released you bought the pattern and in only a few months it had been downloaded hundreds of times. Let me tell you, I was shocked. So let me just say:

THANK YOU!

Thank you for loving this crochet pattern so much.

And to show my gratitude I’ve decided to publish the crochet pattern for The Chunky Balloon Sweater for free on my blog.

Crochet sweater pattern

Purchase the AD-FREE printable PDF right here 🧢☺️



Construction

The Chunky Balloon Sweater is constructed in a very easy way and is a great pattern for those who want to try to make their first crochet sweater. Therefore there are no special stitches or hard-to-understand crochet terms and instructions. 

This easy crochet sweater is made in one piece. That means no sewing anything together 😁 Great right!?

First

You start by crocheting the yoke. That means you crochet from the top down to the form of the body. A great thing about this construction is that you can try on your crochet sweater as you go.

It’s so fun to try on what you’re making to see the progress ☺️

then

When you’re done with the body you crochet the sleeves directly onto your sweater. And when you’re done with the sleeves you continue making the ribbing on the sleeves.



Lastly

You then crochet the ribbing on the neck directly on the neckline. Could it really be any easier?

You can choose to make your sweater in one or two colors. Everything is described in the instructions below.

You can easily adjust the length of the sweater if you like the body of your Chunky Balloon Sweater shorter or longer. The same applies to the sleeves.

top down crochet sweater pattern free


What you need to know to make this easy crochet sweater, The Chunky Balloon Sweater

All you need to know to make The Chunky Balloon Sweater is how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet. If you’re not quite sure what that means, don’t worry about it. Below you’ll find links for two easy-to-follow video tutorials. They will teach you all you need to know:

How to chain and make a single crochet (UK double crochet) – watch this video tutorial on how to chain and single crochet 

How to make a double crochet (UK treble crochet) – watch this video tutorial on how to double crochet 

chunky crochet sweater pattern free


SKILL LEVEL

Beginner +

TOOLS

Hook 7 mm and 8 mm
Darning needle
Scissors 
Stitch markers

YARN

Drops Snow
Yardage: 50 grams = 50 meters
Color codes:
53 (light grey)
02 (black)

The yarn is pure wool. It’s so lovely to work with and it’s so warm and cozy to wear. I love it! I absolutely loved making this easy crochet sweater using Drops Snow.



Materials, one color:
S/M: 700 grams
L/XL: 800 grams

Materials, two colors:
S/M: 250 grams (53) + 450 grams (02)
L/XL: 300 grams (53) + 500 grams (02) 

The model in the picture is wearing a size small/medium.

ALTERNATIVES: Other Super Bulky / Super Chunky / 14 ply / 6-weight yarn, e.i. Drops Andes or 2 threads of Mayflower Easy Care Classic.

top down crochet sweater free pattern


GAUGE

(This is an expression of how tight your work is)

Body: 4” / 10cm square = 7 stitches wide x 5 rows tall in double crochet using hook size 8 mm

Ribbing: 4” / 10cm square = 12 stitches x 10 rows tall in sc blo using hook size 7 mm

Always make a test before you begin. If the gauge does not match the specified crochet hook, try changing to a larger or smaller one so that you find the hook with which you can achieve the specified gauge.



SIZE GUIDE

Pattern includes 2 sizes (due to the oversized fit):

Size S/M (L/XL)

These are the finished measurements of your garment, not your body measurements. Keep in mind that The Chunky Balloon Sweater is a loosely fitted garment.

Sizes in cm:

Size S/M
Length – measured from neck to sweater bottom:
51 cm
Width – measured just below the sleeves:
48 cm
Sleeve length – measured under armpit towards wrist:
45 cm

Size L/XL
Length – measured from neck to bottom:
57 cm
Width – measured just below the sleeves:
53 cm
Sleeve length – measured under armpit towards wrist:
45 cm



PATTERN NOTES

Stitch counts for the different sizes are written in the order:

S/M (L/XL)

At the end of each row you can see the total number of stitches for each size as follows:

E.g. for the body:
(72)

Note that the ch 3 at the beginning of each row on the body and the sleeves do not count as a dc (tr). 

Always read the pattern thoroughly. You will find an explanation of all abbreviations below, both US and UK terms. The pattern uses US terms.



ABBREVIATIONS

st(s): stitch(es)
ch: chain
sc: single crochet (UK double crochet)
sl st: slip stitch 
dc: double crochet (UK treble crochet)
sp(s): space(s)
V-st: 1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc – in the same st. Always crochet the V-st in the ch 1-sp from previous rnd
rnd(s): round(s)
blo: back loop only

SHARE YOUR PROJECTS

I love to see your finished projects and WIPs! Use #chunkyballoonsweater #yippieyarnyay and tag @yippieyarnyay on Instagram to show off your work and have a chance to be featured.

Let’s move on to the pattern ☺️

How to crochet a sweater


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS FOR
THE CHUNKY BALLOON SWEATER

Size S/M

Body

Use hook 8 mm. Ch 65. Join with sl st to first ch. 

Be aware that the foundation ch for your crochet sweater is not twisted. Also, be aware that foundation ch is not too loose or else the neck opening will be too big. 

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 9 dc, V-st, 13 dc, V-st, 18 dc, V-st, 13 dc, V-st, 7 dc, sl st in 3. ch (72 – including dc and ch in V-st)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 10 dc, V-st (remember to crochet the V-st in the ch 1-sp), 15 dc, V-st, 20 dc, V-st, 15 dc, V-st, 8 dc, sl st i 3. ch (80)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, 11 dc, V-st, 17 dc, V-st, 22 dc, V-st, 17 dc, V-st, 9 dc, sl st in 3. ch (88)



Rnd 4: Ch 3, 12 dc, V-st, 19 dc, V-st, 24 dc, V-st, 19 dc, V-st, 10 dc, sl st in 3. ch (96)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, 13 dc, V-st, 21 dc, V-st, 26 dc, V-st, 21 dc, V-st, 11 dc, sl st in 3. ch (104)

Rnd 6: Ch 3, 14 dc, V-st, 23 dc, V-st, 28 dc, V-st, 23 dc, V-st, 12 dc, sl st in 3. ch (112)



Now you will be dividing the sleeves and body:

Rnd 7: Ch 3, 15 dc, 1 dc in ch 1-sp in first V-st, ch 5 (armhole), 1 dc in next ch 1-sp in V-st, 30 dc, 1 dc in ch 1-sp in next V-st, ch 5 (armhole), 1 dc in ch 1-sp in next V-st, 13 dc, sl st in 3. ch (72)

Continue making the body:

Rnd 8: Ch 3, 1 dc in each st, sl st in 3. ch (72)

Rnd 9-20: Repeat rnd 8 – 12 rnd(s) (72)

If you wish to change color do it after rnd 10.

Do NOT break yarn and continue making the ribbing.

beginner crochet sweater


Ribbing

Use hook 7 mm. Ch 6. 

Row 1: Start in 2. ch from hook, 5 sc, 2 sc along the edge, turn

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 5 sc blo, 1 sc along the edge, turn

Row 4: Skip 1 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 5: 5 sc blo, 2 sc along the edge , turn

Row 6: Skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn



Repeat row 3 to 6 all the way around the edge. You end with making row 6.

Continue like this:

5 sc towards the edge of the body, sl st into 2. sc from last rnd along the edge, ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 5 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends.



Ribbing at neckline 

Use hook 7 mm. Add the yarn on the back at rnd 1. Ch 6. 

Row 1: Start in 2. ch from hook, 5 sc, 2 sc along the neckline (make sure that the 2 sc are right above the rnd 1 on the body), ch 1, turn

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 5 sc blo, 2 sc along neckline, ch 1, turn



Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around until 1 ch is left. You end with making row 2.

Continue like this:

4 sc, 2 sc together (crochet the 5. sc and the last ch in the neckline together), ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 5 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends. 

crochet pattern


Sleeves

Use hook 8 mm. Add the yarn in 3. ch under the arm.

Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc, 2 dc together (crochet the first unfinished dc at the edge of rnd 7 on the body, make the next in the dc), 23 dc, 2 dc together (as above, only opposite), 2 dc, sl st in 3. ch (29)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 29 dc, sl st in 3. ch (29)

Rnd 3-10: Repeat rnd 2 (29)

Rnd 11: Ch 3, 14 dc, 2 dc in next, 13 dc, 2 dc in next, sl st in 3. ch (31)

Rnd 12: Ch 3, 31 dc, sl st in 3. ch (31)

Rnd 13-17: Repeat rnd 12 (31)

Rnd 18: Ch 3, 2 dc together 15 times, 1 dc, sl st in 3. ch (16)

If you wish to change color do it after rnd 4. Do NOT break yarn. 



Ribbing at wrist

Use hook 7 mm. Ch 9. 

Row 1: Start in 2. ch from hook, 8 sc, 2 sc along the wrist, turn

Row 2: Skip 2 sc, 8 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 8 sc blo, 2 fm along the wrist, ch 1, turn

Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around the sleeve. You end with making row 2.

Continue like this: 

8 sc in blo towards the wrist. Sl st in 2. sc from the previous row along the wrist, ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 8 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends.



Size L/XL

Body

Use hook 8 mm. Ch 65. Join with sl st to first ch. 

Be aware that the foundation ch for your crochet sweater is not twisted. Also, be aware that the foundation ch is not too loose or else the neck opening will be too big. 

Rnd 1: ch 3, 9 dc, V-st, 13 dc, V-st, 18 dc, V-st, 13 dc, V-st, 7 dc, sl st in 3. ch (72 – including dc and ch in V-st)

Rnd 2: ch 3, 10 dc, V-st (remember to crochet the V-st in the ch 1-sp), 15 dc, V-st, 20 dc, V-st, 15 dc, V-st, 8 dc, sl st in 3. ch (80)

Rnd 3: ch 3, 11 dc, V-st, 17 dc, V-st, 22 dc, V-st, 17 dc, V-st, 9 dc, sl st in 3. ch (88)

Rnd 4: ch 3, 12 dc, V-st, 19 dc, V-st, 24 dc, V-st, 19 dc, V-st, 10 dc, sl st in 3. ch (96)

Rnd 5: ch 3, 13 dc, V-st, 21 dc, V-st, 26 dc, V-st, 21 dc, V-st, 11 dc, sl st in 3. ch (104)



Rnd 6: ch 3, 14 dc, V-st, 23 dc, V-st, 28 dc, V-st, 23 dc, V-st, 12 dc, sl st in 3. ch (112)

Rnd 7: ch 3, 15 dc, V-st, 25 dc, V-st, 30 dc, V-st, 25 dc, V-st, 13 dc, sl st in 3. ch (120)

Rnd 8: ch 3, 16 dc, V-st, 27 dc, V-st, 32 dc, V-st, 27 dc, V-st, 14 dc, sl st in 3. ch (128)

Now you will be dividing the sleeves and body:

Rnd 9: ch 3, 17 dc, 1 dc in ch 1-sp in first V-st, ch 5 (armhole), 1 dc in next ch 1-sp in V-st, 34 dc, 1 dc in ch 1-sp in next V-st, ch 5 (armhole), 1 dc in ch 1-sp in next V-st, 15 dc, sl st in 3. ch (80)



Continue making the body:

Rnd 10: ch 3, 1 dc in each st, sl st in 3. ch (80)

Rnd 11-23: repeat 10. rnd – 13 rnd (80)

If you wish to change color do it after rnd 10. 

Do NOT break yarn and continue making the ribbing.

chunky crochet sweater


Ribbing

Use hook 7 mm. Ch 6. 

Row 1: start in 2. ch from hook, 5 sc, 2 sc along the edge, turn

Row 2: skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 5 sc blo, 1 sc along edge, turn

Row 4: skip 1 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn



Row 5: 5 sc blo, 2 sc along the edge , turn

Row 6: skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Repeat row 3 to 6 all the way around the sleeve. You end with making row 6.

Continue like this:

5 sc towards the edge of the body, sl st into 2. sc from last rnd along the edge, ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 5 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Ribbing at neckline 

Add the yarn on the back at 1. rnd. Use hook 7 mm. Ch 6. 

Row 1: start in 2. ch from hook, 5 sc, 2 sc along the neckline (make sure that the 2 sc are right above the rnd 1 on the body), ch 1, turn

Row 2: skip 2 sc, 5 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 5 sc blo, 2 sc along neckline, ch 1, turn

Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around until 1 ch is left. You end with making row 2.



Continue like this:

4 sc, 2 sc together (crochet the 5. sc and the last ch in the neckline together), ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 5 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

crochet a sweater for beginners


Sleeves

Add the yarn in 3. ch under the arm. Use hook 8 mm.

Rnd 1: ch 3, 2 dc, 2 dc together (crochet the first unfinished dc at the edge of rnd 9 on the body, make the next in the dc), 27 dc, 2 dc together (as above, only opposite), 2 dc, sl st in 3. ch (33)

Rnd 2: ch 3, 33 dc, sl st in 3. ch (33)

Rnd 3-10: repeat rnd 2 (33)

Rnd 11: ch 3, 16 dc, 2 dc in next, 15 dc, 2 dc in next, sl st in 3. ch (35)

Rnd 12: ch 3, 35 dc, sl st in 3. ch (35)

Rnd 13-17: repeat rnd 12 (35)

Rnd 18: ch 3, 2 dc together 17 times, 1 dc, sl st in 3. ch (18)

If you wish to change color do it after rnd 4. Do NOT break yarn.



Ribbing at wrist

Use hook 7 mm. Ch 9. 

Row 1: start in 2. ch from hook, 8 sc, 2 sc along the wrist, turn

Row 2: skip 2 sc, 8 sc blo, ch 1, turn

Row 3: 8 sc blo, 2 fm along the wrist, ch 1, turn 

Repeat row 2 and 3 all the way around the sleeve. You end with making row 2. 



Continue like this: 

8 sc in blo towards the wrist. Sl st in 2. sc from the previous row along the wrist, ch 1, turn. 

Crochet ribbing together with 8 sc in both loops.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

crochet sweater top down


So now you are now done with your very own Chunky Balloon Sweater! Well done!

Did you enjoy making this easy crochet sweater? Leave a comment and let me know how it went, what color you chose and so on 😊

xx Sharlene

READY FOR YOUR NEXT CROCHET PROJECT?

Then you must try these easy and fun crochet patterns 😊

1. The Monday Sweater // 2. The Super Easy Crochet Beanie for beginners // 3. The Everyday Easy Crochet Cardigan


Follow me:


Sharing is caring:

5 Comments

  1. This sweater is really easy to make, even for a beginner like me! The guide is easy to follow and understand, but if you have any questions, Sharlene is very helpfull, and will do her best to help you through any bumps on your crochet journey. Big recommendation!

    1. Also, I actually went and bought the pattern because it’s way easier to have in a PDF format on your computer πŸ˜€

      1. Hi Alberte
        Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so so happy you like the pattern and you found it beginner-friendly. That was my goal ☺️ And thank you for supporting my work πŸ˜€ I’m truly grateful!
        xx Sharlene

  2. Hi Sharlene, love this pattern but I have a question. Is the joining point at the center back supposed to be a straight line from top to bottom? Mine is going in an angle towards the left. This is after multiple tries. It will not go straight.
    Thank you, Pat

    1. Hi Pat,

      Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it πŸ™‚ Since you’re working in the round the angle will go to the left just as you see on your sweater. But if you joining point is very visible you need to make your chains tighter and it will become less visible.

      xx Sharlene

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *