Winter Weather Sweater

A cozy, beginner-friendly Tunisian crochet sweater that’s perfect for chilly days!

When winter rolls in, there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a thick, cozy handmade sweater!

The Winter Weather Sweater was designed with comfort, simplicity, and warmth in mind. Made with bulky weight yarn and Tunisian simple stitch, this sweater works up surprisingly quickly, making it a wonderful project for anyone looking to try their first Tunisian crochet garment.

One of my favorite features is the side-to-side construction. By rotating the finished panels, the traditional vertical bars of Tunisian simple stitch run horizontally across the sweater, creating a beautiful texture with a modern look.

And because we’re using bulky yarn, you won’t have to wait long to wear your new sweater! I made both of my original samples in less than two weeks each.

Pattern Highlights

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
• Technique: Tunisian crochet
• Construction: Worked flat, side to side, with seamed sleeves and body
• Stitches: Primarily Tunisian simple stitch (Tss)
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
• Fit: Fitted, with approximately 0 to 2 inches of negative ease
• Yarn Weight: Bulky (Category 5)
• Video Tutorial: Yes!
• Customization: Optional neckline border and your choice of slip stitch or single crochet ribbing

Yarn Requirements

Yarn Weight: Bulky (Category 5)

Estimated Yardage by Size:

• XS: 600 yards
• S: 700 yards
• M: 820 yards
• L: 880 yards
• XL: 980 yards
• 2XL: 1,080 yards
• 3XL: 1,190 yards
• 4XL: 1,290 yards
• 5XL: 1,400 yards

The original samples were made using:

• Lion Brand Hue + Me in Cement
• Lion Brand Mandala Watercolor in Almond

Both yarns create a wonderfully cozy sweater, but your yarn choice can make a difference in the finished fabric.

A note about yarn: Bulky yarns with a higher wool content may offer more give and drape than synthetic alternatives. If you’re using a fully synthetic yarn, consider a larger hook to create a more flexible fabric while maintaining the correct gauge.

Sizing & Fit

The Winter Weather Sweater is available in 9 sizes, XS–5XL, accommodating bust measurements from approximately 30–62 inches.

This sweater is designed for a fitted silhouette with 0 to 2 inches of negative ease.

Prefer a more relaxed fit? I recommend sizing up, especially if you’re using a synthetic yarn with less stretch.

The pattern also includes instructions for customizing your sleeve length, along with options for creating a snug or more relaxed hem.

Hooks & Notions

• 10 mm Tunisian crochet hook with a 40–50” cable, or size needed to obtain gauge
• 9 mm crochet hook
• 6 mm crochet hook
• 2–3 stitch markers
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge

10.5 stitches × 8 rows = 4” × 4” (10 × 10 cm)

Worked flat in Tunisian simple stitch, after blocking.

Please don’t skip your gauge swatch!

Gauge is especially important for this design because the sweater is worked side to side, and your stitch and row gauge will affect the finished fit.

Some of my testers needed to increase their Tunisian crochet hook size to 12 mm to achieve the correct gauge.

What You’ll Learn

This is a wonderful introduction to Tunisian crochet garment construction!

Throughout the project, you’ll work with:

• Tunisian simple stitch
• Tunisian return passes
• Side-to-side garment construction
• Creating a neckline opening
• Picking up stitches for sleeves
• Slip stitch or single crochet ribbing
• Seaming and finishing a handmade garment

The pattern also includes options for adjusting your sleeve length, neckline finishing, and ribbing to suit your preferred fit.

Video Tutorial Included!

New to Tunisian crochet? You’ve got this!

I’ve created a video tutorial to help guide you through the Winter Weather Sweater.

Even if this is your first Tunisian crochet garment, you’ll have additional visual guidance as you work through the pattern.

Watch the Winter Weather Sweater Video Tutorial

A Few Helpful Tips

• Check your gauge: Bulky yarns can behave very differently, even within the same yarn weight category.
• Consider your yarn: Wool blends may provide more flexibility and drape than fully synthetic yarns.
• Customize your fit: Size up if you prefer a roomier sweater.
• Choose your ribbing: Slip stitch ribbing creates a snugger finish, while single crochet ribbing offers a more relaxed option.
• Block your sweater: Blocking is an important finishing step that helps relax the fabric and reduce Tunisian crochet curl.

Share Your Finished Sweater!

I absolutely love seeing your finished projects and the beautiful yarn combinations you choose!

Share your Winter Weather Sweater on Instagram and tag @thecraftycrochetier or use #WinterWeatherSweater so I can see your creation.

For more information about this pattern, visit:

The Crafty Crochetier

Happy crocheting!

Serena
The Crafty Crochetier