This is a free crochet pattern for a chunky, multi-coloured cardigan. You can either use this free version with ads, or the pattern is also available here with no ads.
The main feature of this crochet cardigan pattern is the bobble stitch. This is a fun stitch that will be a breeze to make as once you’ve done the first row, you crochet into the spaces, not the stitches! Here’s how to do the bobble stitch:
Bobble stitch-
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook, Yarn over and pull through, Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Leave remaining 2 loops on hook.
Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Leave remaining 3 loops on hook.
Step 3: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4 remaining loops on hook.
When worked flat: each end of the row will have an individual, double crochet stitch. Ch3 at the end of every row, yarn over and work into the chain spaces in the next row.
Starburst Cardigan: a chunky crochet cardigan pattern.
Named after the much loved 90s fruit chews, this cardigan promises a burst of colour and a quick turnaround. The funnel sleeves give it a retro feel and the bobbles scream retro charm.
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Wear it as an oversized addition to your wardrobe all year round!
Materials needed:
Stylecraft special Chunky. 100% Acrylic; 144 metres / 157 yards per 100g / 3.5oz 1 (1,1*,2,2) balls of each colour. *Size M needs 2 balls of Denim in total for the border, but 1 of every other colour. They also do a value pack if you wanted to simply do it in one colour.
- Raspberry (1023)
- Meadow (1065)
- Lavender (1188)
- Fondant (1241)
- Lipstick (1246)
- Denim (1302)
- Camel (1420)
- Aspen (1422)
- 6mm / USJ/10 crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
- 4 removable stitch markers.
- Darning needle for weaving in ends.
Instructions to make this simple crochet cardigan pattern:
Gauge:
3 bobble stitches and 3 ch spaces/ 4 rows to 10cm/4” using a 6mm / USJ/10 crochet hook and Stylecraft Special Chunky.
Bobble stitch-
Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook, Yarn over and pull through, Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Leave remaining 2 loops on hook.
Step 2: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Leave remaining 3 loops on hook.
Step 3: Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4 remaining loops on hook.
Things to be aware of before you make the Starburst crochet cardigan.
When worked flat: each end of the row will have an individual, double crochet stitch. Ch3 at the end of every row, yarn over and work into the chain spaces in the next row.
US terms are used throughout. Please ensure that you are using the correct terms as this will significantly alter the finished result.
If you need a quick reminder of the US/UK terms, there’s a handy blog post here.
When working in the round, you will need to sl st to join the round at the end. Start your next round by slipping across the top of the first cluster, rejoining your yarn when you get to the chain space.
When you are starting in the round, make 2 chains into the first ch sp. This counts as the first leg of the bobble. Complete step 2-4 to finish the bobble.
Information about sizing and yarn requirement.
Sample shown is M.
The colours on the pattern sample M are worked from the bottom up in the following order:
- Fondant
- Raspberry
- Lipstick
- Lavender
- Denim
- Aspen
- Meadow
- Camel
Note: At the end of every other row there will be an individual double crochet stitch. This makes the edging process easier. Check out the blog for more tips and videos on the Starburst cardigan.
Body measurement chart:
| Size | Chest | Sleeves | Back |
| XS | 26-30” (66-76cm ) | 18” (46cm) | 28” (71cm) |
| S | 32-36” (81-91cm) | 20” (51cm) | 28” (71cm) |
| M | 40-44” (102-107cm) | 20” (51cm) | 30” (76cm) |
| L | 46-48” (117-122cm | 22” (56cm) | 32” (81cm) |
| XL | 50-52” (127-132cm) | 22” (56cm) | 32” (81cm) |
Glossary:
| Bobble | See description on page 2 |
| Ch / Ch sp | Chain(s)/ Chain space |
| Dc | Double crochet (US terms) |
| Sk | Skip stitches |
| Sl | Slip stitch |
Bobble table
See example of separating in this Youtube link here
| Size | Chains | Bobbles | Front | Sleeve | Back |
| XS | 69 ch | 22 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| S | 78 ch | 25 | 3 | 4 | 11 |
| M | 102 ch | 33 | 5 | 5 | 11 |
| L | 114 ch | 36 | 5 | 6 | 14 |
| XL | 144 | 46 | 7 | 8 | 16 |
Instructions for the cardigan:
Row 1: Chain 69 (78/102/114/144)
(3 ch count as 1st dc) sk 2 ch, bobble in next ch, *ch 2, sk 2, bobble* repeat from * to last ch OR bobble* Make a dc in last ch. 22 (25/33/36/46) bobbles. Ch 3 and turn.
Row 2 and every following row:
*bobble in next ch sp, ch 2* repeat * to final dc. Make 1 dc, ch 3 and turn.
Changing colours every row, repeat row 2 for 20 (22/22/24/24) more rows
Separate for sleeves
Isolate sections of the cardigan. Using the bobble chart, mark the beginning and end of the back stitches and mark the armholes. There should be 4 markers in total.
Front left/Front right
Work only 3 (3/5/5/7) bobble stitches for the next row.
Work 5 (5/6/6/7) more rows. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn and repeat on other side for front right
Back
Working with the bobble stitches on either side of the 2nd sleeve marker, work 5 (5/6/6/7) rows. Fasten off.
Join shoulder seams using sl st or seam with a darning needle.
Sleeves (work 2):
Joining new yarn, work 18 (20/22/22/24) bobble stitches evenly across armhole. Where there are bobble stitches under the armhole, you can work one bobble st into each ch sp as normal. Where you are working with the sides of stitches, work into the side of the posts/clusters.
To join each round, sl st into the top of the first bobble and sl across to next ch sp. Change colours here and start the next round with 2 ch and 2 more dcs in the bobble.
Work 20 (20/22/24/24) rounds in total. Fasten off.
Edges (including collar and front edges)
Row 1: Starting at bottom left corner, insert hook into the ch sp and chain 3. 2 dc in the side of every stitch post and 2 dc in every ch sp along. Continue all the way around the left front, collar, right front and waistband.
Row 2: Dc in every stitch to end. Fasten off.
Weave in all ends and enjoy!
Notes: This pattern uses bobble stitch clusters consisting of 3dc stitches joined together. The edging is worked using dc stitches. The cardigan is designed to be oversized. If you feel that the body is too long, please feel free to start your underarm marking 1 or 2 rows before the instructions state.
Love your project?
Need to brush up on your crochet skills? Why not have a look at the other resources on the blog.