The Gigante Patterns
Chunky knit cardigan patterns
Oversized cardigan knitting patterns for super chunky (super bulky) wool. Instant PDF download, sizes XS to L, beginner to advanced.
- The Marigold Cardigan in Marigold · Beginner
- The Tricolour Cardigan in Freesia · Beginner
- The Dual Cardigan in Dual · Intermediate
- The Technicolor Cardigan in Technicolor · Beginner
- The Zigzag Cardigan in Soft Pastel · Intermediate
- The Reflection Cardigan in Sherbet · Advanced
- The Half-Patchwork Cardigan in Highlighter · Beginner
- The Reflection Cardigan in Soft Pastel · Advanced
- The Crossover Cardigan in Soft Pastel · Advanced
- The Rose Quartz Cardigan in Rose Quartz · Beginner
- The Reflection Cardigan in Rose Garden · Advanced
- The Wanderer Cardigan in Forest & Earth · Intermediate
- The Zigzag Cardigan in Hot House · Intermediate
- The Zigzag Cardigan in Funfair · Intermediate
- The Mosaic Cardigan in Forest & Earth · Beginner
- The Arrow Cardigan in Autumn Terracotta · Intermediate
- The Crossover Cardigan in Blame it on Rio · Advanced
- The Horizon Cardigan in Carnival · Beginner
- The Arrow Cardigan in Tropic · Intermediate
- The Patchwork Cardigan in Autumn Terracotta · Beginner
- The Heart Cardigan in Carnival · Advanced
- The Sovereign
What knitters say
Pattern came instantly, wool came so quickly, and the customer service is amazing. Michalene
A professionally made tutorial that met all my expectations — and Fernando’s quick to answer any questions. Debi
The instructions are easy to follow and the designs are just beautiful — fantastic value for money. Ann Maria
Splendid yarn, a joy to work with — and Fernando went out of his way to get me an extra ball in time for my daughter’s birthday. Lucy
Waiting to be knittedMore designs — be the first to knit one
We haven't photographed these yet — here's the colour sketch. Pick your colours and be the first to knit one.
- The Colour Block — Bold colour zones — yoke, panels, bands · Beginner
- The Spine — Single contrast column down the back · Beginner
- The Column — Tall columns of colour, hem to shoulder · Beginner
- The Babe — BABE in bold block lettering across the back · Advanced
- The Boss — BOSS in bold block lettering across the back · Advanced
Before you cast on
Yarn, needles, gauge and skill level — everything you'd want to know first.
What yarn do I need — jumbo, super bulky, or roving?
All of those names fit. Gigante patterns are written for super chunky yarn — called super bulky or jumbo (weight 7) in the US, and often sold as roving or unspun wool. We use 100% Corriedale roving for our solid shades, and 100% merino for the Merino Blends — several tones spun through one roving, so the colour shifts as you knit. Any yarn that matches the gauge will knit up beautifully.
Is this arm knitting?
No — every Gigante cardigan is knitted on 25mm needles (or your fingers, if you prefer finger knitting). You get the same giant stitches people love in arm knitting, but with far more control: you can put the project down mid-row, keep an even tension, and follow a colour chart stitch by stitch.
How difficult are the patterns?
Every design is tagged with its level, right on the card. Beginner designs use simple colour blocks placed by row — if you can knit, purl and switch yarns at a row break, you can knit them. Intermediate designs add intarsia colour work and chart reading, and advanced designs push the intarsia further with mirrored diagonals. The construction is the same for all of them: one flat piece folded at the shoulders.
Can a complete beginner knit an oversized cardigan?
Yes. Start with a design tagged Beginner — The Colour Block, The Mosaic, The Patchwork or The Horizon. The bold oversized look comes from colour placement and the giant stitches, not complicated technique, and every PDF includes a glossary plus a link to our 43-minute construction masterclass video.
What gauge does giant knitting like this use?
The Gigante Default is 3.2cm per stitch in width and 2cm per row in height — a non-square gauge, which is normal at this scale. Knit a swatch first: every pattern adapts its stitch counts to the gauge you actually knit, so your cardigan comes out the size the chart promises.
What size needles for a chunky knit cardigan?
Our patterns are designed for 25mm needles, straight or circular — big-needle knitting is what makes the stitches giant. We sell beech and birchwood pairs in the shop, and the pattern works with any 25mm needles you already own.
What sizes do the patterns come in?
Two fits, each in four sizes: Cropped (boxy and shorter) and Regular (longer over the body and sleeves), both in XS, S, M and L — all generously oversized by design. One pattern purchase covers every size of that design, as an instant PDF download.
Can I buy a pattern as a kit instead?
Yes. Signature designs are available as a chunky knit cardigan kit — the pre-prepped wool for your size and colourway with the matching pattern PDF included, and free UK shipping. Pick the design, then choose "Order this kit" on its pattern page. Kits currently ship in Cropped S, M and L; every fit and size is available as a PDF pattern.
Can I get a refund on a pattern?
Patterns are delivered instantly as digital downloads, so they're non-refundable once accessed or downloaded, in line with UK consumer law for digital content. If something is genuinely wrong — a corrupt file, a pattern error, a billing mistake — contact us within 14 days and we'll make it right.