Easy Free Oversized Crochet Sweater Pattern & Video Tutorial

Make this Oversized Sweater using this Free Crochet Pattern, simple rectangles made with basic stitches and the help of this video tutorial! This cozy sweater is made with dk weight yarn and is a perfect choice for colder months on chilly days! Believe it of not, this pullover crochet sweater works up surprisingly quick, so start your next project today and have whole sweater before you know it! Happy Crocheting!

Best Bang for your Buck, get a Kit From Lion Brand includes a printable ad-free pdf pattern and Yarn!
Get a printable pdf of the pattern on my Etsy Shop or Ravelry!

Easy Free Oversized Crochet Sweater Pattern

Pattern Description

This is an Intermediate Skill Level Pattern that is surprisingly simple and would be the perfect pattern for a beginner crocheter looking to try something a bit more challenging and make crochet garments for the first time. 

The simple construction of this pattern combined with the lack shaping and basic crochet stitches makes this a perfect next step from making easy crochet sweater patterns. 

Really the most complicated part of this pattern is using a foundation double crochet instead of a foundation chain but I show you how to do that in the step-by-step video tutorial. Or you may struggle with the Front Post Treble Crochet Stitches and Front Post Double Crochet Two Toghether Stitches. Again, I show you how to create those in the YouTube Video Tutorial.

This beautiful sweater has an oversized look created by having 4 inches of positive ease for a relaxed fit. If you are using the recommended Lion Brand Yarn it blocks out beautifully so you can really enhance the drape of this sweater. 

The recommended yarn for this free pattern is Lion Brand’s Wool-Ease DK and Mandala. Both are a CYC 3 Weight yarn but one is a solid and one is self striping. 

When using Mandala Yarn you will get the look of colorwork without all the added effort! That is where the name “Dip Dye Sweater” Came from!

oversized crochet sweater in the alpine stitch

Crochet Tips to for this Oversized Sweater Pattern 

You will want to have your stitch makers handy for this one! I recommend working your panels at once (explained next) so you will need to have a stitch maker for each panel.

Definitely work your panels at the same time. The mandala yarn has very long color changes and by working all of your panels at once you will use up more of each color so that your blocks of color aren’t huge. 

Some colors of mandala have color changes that are very similar and if you work one panel at a time you will not get the dip dye color work effect!

You will also need to cut your yarn at the end of each row! I know, I am sorry, weave in your ends as you go and it really isn’t terrible.

Keep the stitch markers handy because they will help to keep your panels aligned when you seam everything together later!

Simple Free Oversized Crochet Sweater Pattern

Customization Tips

When making your new crochet sweater, you may choose to change up your sleeve length. Maybe you want shorter sleeves? Or three quarter sleeves? Just figure out how many less rows you would need to achieve the sleeve length you would like.

Make this long sleeve pullover sweater with scraps from your stash and create your own color changes!

Leaving a long tail at the ends of your panels will be helpful with the minimal seaming required on this warm sweater crochet project. 

Use the size chart below to see which size will work best with your body measurements. 

When making this long sleeved pullover sweater you might want to grab an extra skein of you main color so if you would like to add extra thick ribbing to the cuffs or waist. You can also keep going on the collar ribbing ro create a turtleneck sweater.

Yarn Substitutes

Maybe you don’t want the color changing affect? Try using two contrasting colors of Wool-Ease Dk.

If you’d like this sweater for summer you could try a cotton yarn like 24/7 Cotton DK.

Or you might want to go fancy and use Wool Ease Dk with Mandala Sparkle!

You could also go for something a bit more luxurious and use two contrasting color of LB Superwash Merino!

Come find me on…

Materials

  • 5.00 mm Crochet Hook
  • MC – 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) Skeins of Wool-Ease DK in Cream [636-098D]
  • CC – 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2)  Skeins of Mandala in Sandman [525-279F]
  • #3 DK Weight Yarn
    MC – Each Skein is 232 yards.
    CC – Each Cake id 590 yards.

Gauge

  • 15 sts x 15 rows = 4” x 4” in pattern repeat.
  • Multiples of 2+1
  • If your gauge swatch is too big you need to go down a crochet hook size, if it is too small you need to go up a coronet hook size. 

Sizing 

  • Sizes – XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
  • See chart for size specifics.
  • Pattern is designed with 4” positive ease.

Stitch Descriptions and Abbreviations

  • Chain Stitch – ch 
  • Slip Stitch – sl st 
  • Stitch(es) – st(s) 
  • Single Crochet – sc
  • Double Crochet – dc    
  • Foundation Double Crochet – Fdc – Chain 4, yarn over, insert hook into 4th chain from the hook, yarn over and pull up loop (3 loops on hook, yarn over and pull through 1 loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through all loops (1 foundation double crochet with chain at bottom created). *Yarn over, insert hook to bottom of the stitch you just made, it will look like the top or “V” of a stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 1 loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over pull though all loops, repeat from * to desired st count.    
  • Front Post Double Crochet – FPdc – work a dc as you normally would but insert your hook from front to back to front around post of indicated st. 
  • Back Post Double Crochet – BPdc – work a dc as you normally would but insert your hook from back to front to back around post of indicated st.
  • Front Post Treble Crochet – FPtr – Work a tr as you normally would however, insert hook from front to back to front around the dc of the previous row to complete your stitch. 
  • Alpine Stitch Explanation – This pattern is worked in alternating rows of sc and FPtr/dc.  The Alpine stitch is worked with an alternating dc and FPtr row, with the FPtr worked in the dc stitch two rows down and skipping its corresponding sc. The dc is worked in its corresponding sc stitch. You will also skip one dc between each FPtr on the previous dc row.
  • Front Post Double Crochet Two Together – FPdc2tog – work a FPdc as you normally would, however you will need to skip the BPdc between the two FPdc sts needing to be worked. This stitch is worked over 3 sts. 

Pattern Notes

  • Sizes – XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
  • Skill Level: Intermediate 
  • * Designates a repeat.
  • “sc 1” means to single crochet in the next stitch.
  • “sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches.
  • “2 sc” means to single crochet twice in the next stitch to create an increase.
  • The Neck Opening on the Front Panel is deeper than the Neck Opening on the Back Panel.
  • There are no increases or decreases in the body panels or sleeves. 
  • You will be cutting the yarn at the end of each row, weaving in ends as you go will be a huge time saver!

Oversized Sweater Free Crochet Pattern

Front Panel

MC – Row 1 – Fdc 59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123).
CC –   Row 2 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
MC – Row 3 – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
CC –   Row 4 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
MC – Row 5 – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
Rows 6 to 47 (47, 51, 51, 51, 55, 55, 59, 59) – Repeat Rows 2 to 5, alternating your MC and CC as noted and ending with a Row 3 repeat. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]

First Shoulder

CC –   Next Row A – Ch 1, turn, sc 21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) across.
MC – Next Row B – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
CC –   Next Row C – Ch 1, turn, sc  across. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
MC – Next Row D – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
Next 6 Rows – Repeat Rows A to D, alternating your MC and CC as noted and ending on a Row B repeat, finish off and move onto “Second Shoulder” Instructions below.

Second Shoulder 

Skip 17 (17, 17, 19, 17, 17, 19, 19, 21) sts and reattach your yarn in the next st of the last full sc row created, you will make your first single crochet in the same stitch you are attaching your yarn in. Continue with Next Row A Instructions below. 

CC –   Next Row A – Ch 1, turn, sc [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts] across.
MC – Next Row B – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
CC –   Next Row C – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
MC – Next Row D – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
Next 6 Rows – Repeat Rows A to D, alternating your MC and CC as noted and ending on a Row B repeat, finish off.

Back Panel

MC – Row 1 – Fdc 59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123).
CC –   Row 2 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
MC – Row 3 – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
CC –   Row 4 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
MC – Row 5 – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]
Rows 6 to 51 (51, 55, 55, 55, 59, 59, 63, 63) – Repeat Rows 2 to 5, alternating your MC and CC as noted and ending with a Row 3 repeat. [59 (63, 71, 77, 83, 91, 97, 105, 123) total sts]

First Shoulder

CC –   Next Row A – Ch 1, turn, sc [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts] across.
MC – Next Row B – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
CC –   Next Row C – Ch 1, turn, sc  across. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
MC – Next Row D – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
Next 2 Rows – Repeat Rows A and B, alternating your MC and CC as noted finish off and move onto “Second Shoulder” Instructions below.

Second Shoulder 

Skip 17 (17, 17, 19, 17, 17, 19, 19, 21) sts and reattach your yarn in the next st of the last full sc row created, you will make your first single crochet in the same stitch you are attaching your yarn in. Continue with Next Row A Instructions below. 

CC –   Next Row A – Ch 1, turn, sc [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts] across.
MC – Next Row B – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
CC –   Next Row C – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
MC – Next Row D – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [21 (23, 27, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43, 51) sts]
Next 2 Rows – Repeat Rows A and B, alternating your MC and CC as noted, finish off.

Arms – Make 2

MC – Row 1 – Fdc 39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69).
CC –   Row 2 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69) sts]
MC – Row 3 – Ch 2, turn, dc in first st, FPtr in second stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 1 st remains, dc in last st. [39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69) sts]
CC –   Row 4 – Ch 1, turn, sc across. [39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69) sts]
MC – Row 5 – Ch 2, turn, dc 2, FPtr in third stitch of the previous dc row, *dc, FPtr in dc row, repeat from * until 2 sts remain, dc 2. [39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69) sts]
Rows 6 to 55 (57, 57, 61, 53, 53, 49, 49, 45) – Repeat Rows 2 – 5, alternating your MC and CC as noted and ending with a Row 3 (5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5) repeat. [39 (39, 43, 47, 51, 57, 63, 69, 69) sts]

body panels

Assembly

I would highly recommend to lightly block each piece before seaming and make sure the the Front and Back Panels and each Arm Panel are of the same width and length. 

  1. Using Color A with Right Sides Facing, lay your Front and Back Panels flat so that the Last Rows to create the shoulders on each align. Use a mattress stitch to seam them together creating a shoulder seam and neck opening.
  2. Pick up your Front and Back Panels to bring the Wrong Sides together.
  3. Fold your Arms in half with the Right Side out and the Row Ends aligned. Using your seaming method of choice, seam the Row Ends together on each arm using Color A.
  4. Place your arms with the Last Rows at the Body of your sweater with the Arm Seam facing down and located at the arm pit. Place a SM (stitch marker) at each arm pit.
  5. Using Color A and your seaming method of choice begin seaming from the waist of the Front and Back Body Panels using the Row Ends making sure to align them properly until you reach the SM placed for the arm pit. 
  6. Continuing with your seaming method of choice, seam your Arm to the Body of your pullover sweater using the Row Ends of the Body Panels and the stitches of the Final Row of the Arm.
  7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 on the other side your pullover sweater.

Waist Trimming

  1. Using Color A reattach your yarn in the foundation double crochet stitch after a side seam with Right Sides Facing.
  2. Chain 2, BPdc in the Fdc, FPdc in the next Fdc that also has a FPtr. Alternate BPdc and FPdc around making sure that your BPdc are worked in the Fdc and that the FPdc are worked in the same dc that has a FPtr. This is to make sure that there is a cohesive transition into the ribbing from the Alpine stitch.
    Note: Skip the Join and the next dc after the join so that you can keep the FP/BPdc alternating properly. When you get to the end of the round you will end with a FPdc, skip the last dc and sl st to the first BPdc.
  3. Chain 2, do not turn, *(BPdc, FPdc) over 12 sts, BPdc in next st, FPdc2tog over next 3 sts, repeat from * to end. Each Round may not make a full set of of repeat decreases. Sl st to join to first st.
  4. Chain 2, do not turn, alternate BPdc, FPdc to end, sl st to join to first sit, finish off.

Cuff Trimming

  1. Using Color A reattach your yarn in the foundation double crochet stitch after a seam with Right Sides Facing.
  2. Chain 2, BPdc in the Fdc, FPdc in the next Fdc that also has a FPtr. Alternate BPdc and FPdc around making sure that your BPdc are worked in the Fdc and that the FPdc are worked in the same dc that has a FPtr. This is to make sure that there is a cohesive transition into the ribbing from the Alpine stitch.
    Note: Skip the Join and the next dc after the join so that you can keep the FP/BPdc alternating properly. When you get to the end of the round you will end with a FPdc, skip the last dc and sl st to the first BPdc.
  3. Chain 2, do not turn, *(BPdc, FPdc) over 8 sts, BPdc in next st, FPdc2tog over next 3 sts, repeat from * to end. Each Round may not make a full set of of repeat decreases. Sl st to join to first st.
  4. Chain 2, do not turn, alternate BPdc, FPdc to end, sl st to join to first st.
  5. Chain 2, do not turn, *(BPdc, FPdc) over 6 sts, BPdc in next st, FPdc2tog over next 3 sts, repeat from * to end. Each Round may not make a full set of of repeat decreases. Sl st to join to first st.
  6. Chain 2, do not turn, alternate BPdc, FPdc to end, sl st to join to first st.
  7. Chain 2, do not turn, alternate BPdc, FPdc to end, sl st to join to first st, finish off.

Neck Trimming

  1. Using Color A reattach your yarn in the center stitch at center of the Back Panel of the Neck Opening. This stitch will be a regular double crochet, not a FPtr.
  2. Chain 2, BPdc in the dc st you attached your yarn in, (FPdc, BPdc) across until you reach the section of Rows ends, FPdc in the next FPtr before working in the Row Ends.
  3. Work hdc evenly across the Rows Ends of the Back Panel to the Front Panel.
    Note: We are working hdc as they are a bit shorter to match the FP/BP stitches for the next round.
  4. Work across the front of the Neck Opening placing FPdc in FPtr sts and BPdc in dc stitches.
  5. Work hdc evenly across the next set of Rows Ends of the Front Panel to the Back Panel.
  6. Work across the back of the Neck Opening placing FPdc in FPtr sts and BPdc in dc stitches to return back to the beginning of the round, sl st to the first BPdc st.
  7. Chain 2, do not turn, alternate BPdc and FPdc until you reach the inside corner, place a FPdc2tog over 3 corner stitches, alternate BPdc and FPdc until you reach the next inside corner, place a FPdc2tog over 3 corner stitches, continue this until you reach the end of the round, sl st to the first BPdc st.
  8. Repeat Step 7, finish off, weave in all ends and lightly block your sweater. 

Be sure to sign up for the Life and Yarn Newsletter so you know exactly when I release any new crochet sweaters! Check out my entire collection of free sweater patterns!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.