Cardigan & Waistcoat in Stylecraft Special XL Tweed & Life Super Chunky - 9888 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9888: Cardigan & Waistcoat Knitting Pattern in Special XL Tweed & Life Super Chunky

Stylecraft pattern 9888 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct designs: a textured cable cardigan and a sleeveless waistcoat. Both garments are worked in super chunky weight yarn, making them satisfying projects that knit up quickly while delivering impressive, cosy results. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore simple cable and twist stitches.

Sizes & Fit

The pattern generously includes five sizes, covering a wide range of bust measurements:

• 81–86 cm (32–34 in)
• 91–97 cm (36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in)

The inclusion of larger sizes up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) is a notable feature of this pattern. The cardigan has a relaxed, generous actual bust measurement ranging from 110 cm (43¼ in) in the smallest size up to 151 cm (59½ in) in the largest, giving a comfortable, oversized feel. The full length of the cardigan ranges from 75 cm to 80 cm (approximately 29½ to 31½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 44–46 cm (17¼–18 in).

Design 1: The Cardigan

The cardigan is the more involved of the two designs, featuring long sleeves and a structured body with decorative cable and twist panel detailing running through the centre of the fabric. This central panel adds visual interest and a classic, tactile quality to what is otherwise a straightforward chunky knit.

Construction & Techniques

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives a neat, structured finish. The back begins with a thumb method cast-on, establishing a firm, elastic edge suited to chunky ribbing.

Stitches Used

• 1x1 Rib — worked over 11 rows at the cast-on edge to create a neat, stretchy border at the hem and cuffs
• Stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) — forms the main body fabric on either side of the central panel
• Reverse stocking stitch / purl panels — used as a background within the cable panel to make the twists stand out in relief
• T5B (Twist 5 Back) — a cable twist stitch that crosses stitches to the back, creating a bold diagonal movement within the central decorative panel
• T3B (Twist 3 Back) — a smaller twist stitch used within the panel to build the cable pattern

The combination of T5B and T3B twist stitches worked against a reverse stocking stitch background creates a classic rope or cable-style panel that sits prominently at the centre front and back of the garment. These twist stitches do not require a cable needle in all cases, which can make them more accessible for knitters new to cabling.

Needle Sizes

• 9mm needles — used for the ribbed borders
• 10mm needles — used for the main body fabric and cable panel

The shift from a smaller to a larger needle after the ribbing is a standard technique to ensure the border pulls in slightly relative to the body, giving the garment a tidy, professional edge.

Yarn Requirements — Cardigan

The cardigan is knitted using Stylecraft Life Super Chunky in 100g balls. The number of balls required varies by size: