Cardigans in Stylecraft Colour Code XL - 10032 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Colour Code XL Cardigans – Pattern 10032: Two Super Chunky Knitted Cardigan Designs

Pattern 10032 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two distinct cardigan designs — a Long Cardigan and a Short Cardigan — both worked in Colour Code XL super chunky yarn. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and is generously size-inclusive, covering six sizes from 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm (32/34 in to 52/54 in) bust, making it an excellent choice for knitters who want a bold, textural project in larger sizes.

Design Overview

Long Cardigan

The Long Cardigan is a statement layering piece with a full length ranging from 75 cm to 89 cm (approximately 29½ in to 35 in) depending on size, and a sleeve length of 43 to 45 cm (17 to 17¾ in). It is worked in two colours: MC Purples 5318 as the main colour and CC Greens 5321 as the contrast colour, creating a striking two-tone aesthetic that is characteristic of the Colour Code XL yarn range.

The construction combines a ribbed lower section with a garter stitch body and a smooth stockinette stitch upper section, giving the garment visual interest and structural variety. The front sections are worked in two parts — a Lower Front and an Upper Front — which are joined to create the full front panel. This two-part construction is a notable intermediate-level technique that allows the colour blocking and texture changes to be executed cleanly.

Yarn requirements for the Long Cardigan are:

• MC (Purples 5318): 7 to 15 x 100g balls of Colour Code XL, depending on size
• CC (Greens 5321): 4 to 10 x 100g balls of Colour Code XL, depending on size

Short Cardigan

The Short Cardigan offers a cropped alternative, with a full length ranging from 60 cm to 74 cm (approximately 23¾ in to 29 in) across the size range. It uses a single colourway — Gingers 5320 — worked in Colour Code XL, giving it a warm, tonal appearance that lets the yarn's natural colour variation take centre stage.

Yarn requirements for the Short Cardigan are:

• Gingers 5320: 9 to 21 x 100g balls of Colour Code XL, depending on size

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are knitted flat using standard knitting needles, with separate front, back, and sleeve pieces that are seamed together. The construction approach is traditional and well-suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable working from a multi-size pattern and managing shaping instructions.

Key construction techniques used across both designs include:

• Working in sections: Lower and upper fronts are knitted separately and combined, which is a practical approach for managing colour changes and stitch pattern transitions in a chunky-weight garment
• Increasing and decreasing within pattern: Shaping rows use M1 (make one) increases and rib2tog decreases to adjust stitch counts while maintaining pattern integrity
• Stitch markers: Used to mark key points in the construction, such as the join between lower and upper front sections
• Stitch holders: Used to hold stitches temporarily during construction
• Casting on and casting off in rib: The ribbed sections are finished with a neat cast-off in pattern for a professional edge

Stitches Used

The pattern draws on a small but effective selection of classic knitting stitches, each serving a distinct purpose in the garment's structure and appearance:

• K1, P1 Rib: Used for the lower front sections and cuffs, this classic two-row repeat