Cardigan, Snood and Hat in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool - 9894 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan, Snood and Hat in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool – Pattern 9894

This Stylecraft pattern 9894 is a downloadable PDF offering three coordinating knitted designs: a classic fitted cardigan, a cosy snood, and a matching hat. All three pieces are worked in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool, a popular aran-weight yarn that combines the softness and warmth of wool with the easy-care properties of acrylic. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are confident with the basics and ready to explore more structured techniques such as cable panels and shaping.

Yarn, Needles and Tension

All three designs call for Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool yarn, worked at aran weight. The recommended needles are 4mm needles for ribbed edgings and 5mm needles for the main fabric. The stated tension for the cardigan is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch on 5mm needles, and the cable panel of 30 stitches measures 12cm (4¾in). Achieving the correct tension is especially important on a fitted garment like the cardigan, where precise measurements directly affect the finished size.

The Cardigan

Sizing and Measurements

The cardigan is designed to fit a bust measurement of 81–86cm up to 122–127cm (32/34in to 48/50in), covering five sizes and including larger sizes. The actual finished measurements range from 99cm (39in) to 139cm (54¾in) in circumference, indicating a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. The full length ranges from 60cm (23¾in) to 71cm (28in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is between 46cm (18in) and 48cm (19in).

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional approach well suited to a structured aran-weight garment. The back begins with a thumb method cast-on, casting on between 118 and 166 stitches depending on size. The lower edge is worked in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) for 15 rows using 4mm needles, providing a neat, elasticated border that holds its shape well.

A decrease row is then worked on row 16 to reduce the stitch count before changing to 5mm needles for the main body fabric. This shaping row uses p2tog decreases distributed evenly across the row, bringing the stitch count down to between 89 and 125 stitches and creating a smooth transition into the body fabric. The main body fabric is stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), which provides a smooth, classic background.

Cable Panel Detail

A key design feature of the cardigan is the inclusion of a cable panel. The cable panel spans 30 stitches and measures 12cm (4¾in) wide. Cables are a hallmark of aran knitting and are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing a raised, rope-like or plaited texture on the fabric surface. This adds visual interest and a traditional aran aesthetic to what would otherwise be a straightforward stocking stitch garment.

Stitches Used in the Cardigan

• Thumb method cast-on – a sturdy, slightly elastic cast-on well suited to ribbed edges
• 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) – used for the lower body and cuff edgings
• Stocking stitch – the main body fabric, worked flat in rows
• Cable panel – a 30-stitch decorative panel featuring crossed stitches for a classic aran texture
• p2tog decreases – used in the transition