Men`s Cardigan in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK - 9866 - Downloadable PDF

Men's Cardigan in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK – Pattern 9866

Pattern 9866 from Stylecraft is a knitted men's cardigan worked in Highland Heathers DK yarn, presented as a downloadable PDF. The pattern actually contains two distinct garment designs: a Cardigan with Pockets and a Cardigan without Pockets, giving knitters a choice of style from a single purchase. Both versions share the same classic construction and easy cable detailing, making this an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with cables and raglan shaping.

Who This Pattern Is For

Rated as Easy in terms of cable complexity, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting techniques and are ready to introduce simple cable designs into their work. The pattern is graded across four sizes to fit chest measurements of 91–97 cm (36–38 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 105 cm to 135 cm, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Full length ranges from 70 cm to 76 cm depending on size, and sleeve length from 47 cm to 51 cm.

Design 1: Cardigan with Pockets

The Cardigan with Pockets is a full-length men's cardigan featuring integrated patch or in-seam pockets for a practical, everyday finish. It fastens with 7 buttons, giving a traditional, structured front opening. This version is worked in Terrier (shade 7225), one of the rich, nature-inspired colourways available in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK.

Construction and Shaping

The back is cast on using the thumb method and begins with a 2x2 rib border worked over 15 rows on 3¼ mm needles, creating a neat, elasticated hem. Stitches are then decreased on the transition row before the main body is worked in stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. The body is worked straight until the piece reaches the underarm, at which point raglan shaping begins. The raglan is a key structural feature of this cardigan — it eliminates the need for a traditional set-in sleeve seam, instead creating a diagonal decrease line that runs from the underarm to the neckline on all four pieces (back, two fronts, and sleeves). The raglan shaping here uses a defined six-row repeat combining k2tog and p2tog decreases at each end of right-side and wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, angled edge.

Cable Details

The pattern incorporates easy cable designs as a decorative feature, adding textural interest to what would otherwise be a straightforward stocking stitch fabric. A cable needle is required to work these cable panels. Cables are a classic knitting technique where stitches are held temporarily on a cable needle and then knitted out of sequence, creating a twisted rope or plait effect on the fabric surface. The pattern describes these as easy cables, making them very approachable for knitters new to the technique.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK, 100g balls – 5, 6, 6, or 7 balls depending on size, in shade Terrier (7225)
• Needles: 1 pair 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles and 1 pair 3¼ mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles
• Notions: Stitch holders, cable needle, 7 buttons

Design 2: Cardigan without Pockets

The Cardigan without Pockets offers a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette — ideal for those who prefer a sleeker aesthetic or a slightly lighter garment. It fastens with 5 buttons rather than 7, giving the front band a more open, relaxed look. This version is worked in Lichen (shade 7228), another of the ear