Cardigan & Tank Top in Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK - 10055 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Tank Top Knitting Pattern in Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK – Pattern 10055

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft includes two complete designs: a classic cardigan and a versatile tank top, both worked in the beautifully variegated Batik Elements Swirl DK yarn. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is ideal for confident knitters looking to expand their wardrobe with stylish, colourful knitwear. The pattern is notable for its inclusive sizing, covering bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 in), making it an excellent choice for a wide range of body types.

Design One: The Cardigan

The cardigan is a relaxed, wearable layering piece with set-in sleeves and a neat button fastening. It is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and seamed together on completion.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

• To fit bust: 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127, 132–137 cm (32–34 to 52–54 in)
• Actual chest measurement: 92–143 cm (36¼–56¼ in)
• Full length: 64–77 cm (25¼–30¼ in)
• Sleeve length: 46–48 cm (18–19 in)

Techniques and Construction

The cardigan body begins with a garter stitch border (knit every row) worked over 4 rows on 3¼mm needles, which creates a firm, non-curling edge. The main fabric then transitions to stocking stitch (stockinette) on 4mm needles, with right-side rows knitted and wrong-side rows purled. This smooth, classic fabric allows the tonal and colour shifts of the Batik Elements Swirl yarn to take centre stage.

Armhole shaping is achieved through an initial cast-off at the beginning of rows, followed by a series of decrease rows worked at each end to create the shaped armhole. Shoulder shaping uses stepped cast-offs across multiple rows, giving a clean, structured shoulder line. Stitch markers and stitch holders are used during construction to manage live stitches for neckband and other finishing details.

The cardigan features a single button fastening (button size: 1.5 cm / ½ in), adding a minimal, modern closure to the front opening.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for borders and edgings
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – used for the main body and sleeves
• Decreases for armhole and shoulder shaping

Materials Required – Cardigan

• Yarn: Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK, 100g balls
• Colour shown: Thunder 6173
• Quantity: 5, 5, 6, 7, 9, or 10 balls depending on size
• Needles: A pair of 3¼mm (UK 10 / USA 3) and a pair of 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders, 1 button (1.5 cm / ½ in)
• Alternative yarns suggested: Stylecraft Knit Me, Crochet Me; Stylecraft Batik Swirl; Stylecraft Colour Twist DK — note that meterage should be checked when substituting

Design Two: The Tank Top

The tank top is a sleeveless, close-fitting knitted top that makes a brilliant standalone warm-weather garment or a stylish layering piece worn beneath the cardigan. It shares the same construction approach