Sweaters in Stylecraft Highland Heathers - 9793 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK – Pattern 9793: Two Knitted Sweater Designs

Stylecraft pattern 9793 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct sweater designs worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and covers a generous range of sizes, from a 81–86 cm (32–34 in) bust up to a 122–127 cm (48–50 in) bust, making it an inclusive and versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Both designs are classic, wearable pullovers with a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Design One: Boatneck Sweater

What Is Being Made

The first design is a boatneck sweater — a timeless pullover silhouette distinguished by its wide, horizontal neckline that sits close to the collarbone. The garment is worked in separate pieces: a back, a front (both worked identically), and sleeves. The finished actual measurements range from 98 cm (38½ in) to 139 cm (54¾ in) in circumference, with a full length of 60–71 cm and sleeve lengths of 46–48 cm depending on size.

Colourwork and Yarn

This sweater is worked in a three-colour combination using Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK 100g balls. The specific shades named in the pattern are:

• Colour A – Thrift (3746): used for the ribbed welts and cast-on edges
• Colour B – Heather (3753): the main body colour, used for the lace panel sections
• Colour C – Thistle (3748): a contrast accent colour

The yarn quantities required are modest — typically 2 balls of Colour A, 2–3 balls of Colour B, and 1 ball of Colour C across all sizes. Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK is a double knitting weight yarn celebrated for its soft, tweedy, heathered tones that evoke the Scottish landscape, making it an ideal choice for this nature-inspired design.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on: specified for casting on the body stitches, giving a neat, elastic edge
• 1x1 rib: worked over 21 rows on smaller needles to create the stretchy welt at the lower edge
• Decrease row within rib: a shaping row using p2tog decreases is worked on the 22nd row to reduce the stitch count before the main body begins, creating a subtle waist shaping
• Lace pattern knitting: the main body fabric features a repeating lace panel worked in Colour B, creating an elegant, open texture with a regular geometric rhythm
• Colour changing: Colour A is broken off after the rib and Colour B is joined for the body, with Colour C introduced as specified

Stitches Used

• 1x1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating) for the welts
• Stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) as the base fabric
• Yarn forward (yfwd): used to create decorative eyelets in the lace pattern
• k2tog (knit two together): a right-leaning decrease paired with yarn-forward increases throughout the lace repeat
• s1, k1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over): a left-leaning decrease used symmetrically with k2tog in the lace motif
• s1, k2tog, psso: a central double decrease used at key points in the lace pattern to maintain stitch balance
• p2tog (purl two together): used in the transitional decrease row after the rib

Needles

• 3¼ mm needles (UK 10 / USA