Some sweaters just become part of your weekly rotation. This soft lavender chunky turtleneck is one of those pieces. It feels like wearing a cloud, looks like it came from a boutique, and works up faster than you might expect thanks to the super-bulky chenille yarn.
The basket-weave texture covers the body and sleeves, a mock-cable panel runs down the center front, and a thick folded turtleneck finishes the look. The oversized cropped fit is flattering and easy to style over everything from jeans to dresses.
If you are ready to move beyond scarves and blankets into wearable garments, this is a satisfying next step.
Why You’ll Love This Sweater
This is not a stiff or dated crochet sweater. The boxy silhouette, voluminous sleeves, and plush chenille yarn give it a modern, cozy feel. The basket-weave stitch creates that expensive woven look using only front-post and back-post double crochets. The center mock-cable panel adds visual interest without any special cable needles or tools.
Because you work with a large hook and super-bulky yarn, the fabric grows quickly. Most experienced makers finish the sweater in 18–26 hours of stitching time.
Skill Level
This pattern sits in the advanced beginner to intermediate range. You should already know:
- Chain, single crochet, and double crochet
- Front-post and back-post double crochet
- Working in rows and accurate stitch counting
- Basic seaming
If post stitches are new to you, practice them on a small swatch first. Once you understand wrapping the hook around the post instead of working into the top loops, the rest of the pattern falls into place.
Finished Measurements
Written for size Small/Medium with 4–6 inches of positive ease for a relaxed, oversized fit:
- Finished bust: 42 in / 107 cm
- Body length (hem to underarm): 11 in / 28 cm
- Total body length (hem to shoulder): approx. 19 in / 48 cm
- Sleeve length (cuff to underarm): approx. 18 in / 46 cm
- Upper arm circumference: approx. 17 in / 43 cm
- Turtleneck height (folded): approx. 5 in / 13 cm
Materials Needed
Yarn
Approximately 700–800 yards of super-bulky (category 6) chenille or chenille-blend yarn.
Recommended options:
- Bernat Blanket Yarn in Lavender or Lilac (about 4 skeins)
- Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky in Dusty Lilac
- Lion Brand Thick & Quick in a soft lavender chenille colorway
Avoid fluffy mohair-type yarns — they will hide the post-stitch texture that makes this sweater special.
Hooks
- US N-13 / 9.0 mm (body and sleeves)
- US L-11 / 8.0 mm (ribbing — one size smaller for firmer edges)
Notions
Yarn needle, 4–6 stitch markers, measuring tape, and rust-proof pins for blocking.
Gauge
In basket-weave stitch with the larger hook:
10 stitches = 4 in / 10 cm
10 rows = 4 in / 10 cm
Swatch, block, and measure carefully. Gauge is mandatory for garments.
Construction Overview
The sweater is worked flat in four pieces and seamed at the end:
- Back panel (ribbing + basket-weave body with armhole and shoulder shaping)
- Front panel (ribbing + basket-weave sides with center mock-cable panel, then neckline shaping)
- Two sleeves (cuff ribbing + basket-weave with gradual increases)
- Seaming, then the folded turtleneck collar
The basket-weave alternates columns of front-post and back-post double crochets. The mock cable is created by crossing pairs of front-post stitches every four rows — no cable needle required.
Tips for a Polished Result
- Swatch the basket-weave stitch and block it. Chenille can behave differently once washed.
- Keep your post stitches consistent in height so the weave looks even.
- Use stitch markers to track the cable panel boundaries on the front.
- Seam with a mattress stitch or whip stitch that sits flat under the thick fabric.
- Block the finished sweater gently so the texture opens and the turtleneck holds its fold.
Why This Sweater Becomes a Favorite
It is soft enough for all-day wear, warm without being heavy, and the lavender shade brightens gray days. The cropped length pairs perfectly with high-waisted bottoms, and the oversized fit means you can layer it over shirts or dresses. Once it is finished, you will reach for it constantly.
Ready to Start?
The complete free pattern with every row of basket weave, the mock-cable sequence, sleeve increases, and finishing instructions is available right here on Crochet With Mia.
Grab your softest lavender chenille, settle in, and enjoy watching the texture grow under your hook. You’re going to love wearing this one.
Happy stitching!
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FAQ
Is this pattern beginner-friendly?
It is advanced beginner to intermediate. Comfort with post stitches is the main requirement.
How long does it take to make?
Most makers finish in 18–26 hours thanks to the bulky yarn and large hook.
Can I adjust the size?
The pattern is written for one oversized Small/Medium. You can adjust length by adding or removing body rows and change width by adjusting the starting stitch count in multiples that fit the stitch pattern.
What yarn works best?
Super-bulky chenille or chenille-blend yarn. Avoid fuzzy or highly textured yarns that hide the post-stitch definition.
Do I need a cable needle?
No. The mock cable is created entirely with front-post double crochets crossed in sequence.
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