Cardigan in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK - 9864 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK Cardigan Pattern 9864 – Long Cardigan with Pockets and Short Cardigan

Pattern 9864 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct cardigan designs: a Long Cardigan with Pockets and a Short Cardigan, both worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK yarn. Described as an easy knit design, this pattern is well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and want a satisfying, wearable project. The pattern generously includes larger sizes, covering a full range from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) to fit bust, making it an inclusive choice for a wide variety of knitters.

The Long Cardigan with Pockets

The long version is a classic, relaxed-fit cardigan featuring integrated pocket linings for a polished, functional finish. It has a generous full length of 75–83 cm (approximately 29½–32¾ in) depending on size, making it an elegant layering piece. The actual bust measurement ranges from 105 cm to 145 cm (41¼–57 in), offering a comfortable, slightly oversized silhouette.

The recommended colourway for the long version is Lichen (7228), a beautifully earthy tone from the Highland Heathers DK range. The yarn requirement is 5 to 8 balls of Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK 100g, depending on size.

• Pocket linings are knitted separately using 4mm needles, casting on 35 stitches and working 46 rows in stocking stitch before being placed on a stitch holder for later joining.
• The back begins on 3¼mm needles with a 2x2 rib border of 19 rows, providing a neat, structured hem.
• After the ribbing, stitches are decreased on row 20 to shape the body, then work continues on 4mm needles in stocking stitch until the required length is reached.
• Raglan shaping is a key construction feature: stitches are cast off at the beginning of rows to begin the armhole, then paired decreases are worked on both knit and purl rows using s1, k1, psso and k2tog on right-side rows, and p2tog and p2togtbl on wrong-side rows.
• This cardigan requires 7 buttons for the button band.

The Short Cardigan

The short version offers a more casual, cropped silhouette with a full length of 58–69 cm (approximately 22¾–27¼ in) across the size range. It shares the same elegant construction approach as the long version but is a quicker knit, making it ideal for those who want a versatile everyday cardigan.

The recommended colourway for the short version is Marmalade (7224), a warm and vibrant shade from the Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK palette. Yarn requirements are 4 to 7 balls of Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK 100g, depending on size.

• The short cardigan uses the same core construction techniques as the long version, including 2x2 rib borders, stocking stitch body, and raglan armhole shaping.
• It requires 5 buttons for the button band, reflecting its shorter front opening.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both cardigans are constructed using a range of classic knitting techniques that make this pattern an excellent project for building skills while producing a beautiful finished garment.

• 2x2 rib stitch – used for the lower hems and cuffs to create elasticated, tidy edges
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main body fabric, worked by alternating knit and purl rows