Cardigans in Stylecraft Grace & Impressions - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Grace & Impressions – Knitting Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents two easy knit cardigan designs worked in aran weight yarn, described within the pattern as 2 easy knit designs. Both garments are long-sleeved cardigans sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, making this pattern a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. The pattern is graded from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from approximately 110 cm to 150 cm across the chest, ensuring a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

What Is Being Made

The pattern contains two long-sleeved cardigan designs, both knitted in Stylecraft Grace and Stylecraft Impressions aran weight yarns. These are classic, wearable cardigans suited to everyday styling. Each design features:

• A long-sleeved construction with sleeve length options of approximately 45–47 cm (17¾–18½ in) for the full length and 26–28 cm (10¼–11 in) for an elbow-length variation
• A full cardigan length of 74–82 cm depending on size, providing generous coverage
• Shaping worked across the back, fronts, and sleeves to achieve a well-fitted silhouette

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are designed specifically for use with Stylecraft Grace and Stylecraft Impressions, both in aran weight. These yarns are known for their soft handle and stitch definition, making them well suited to textured ribbed fabrics. The aran weight classification means the finished fabric has a satisfying warmth and body, ideal for transitional season or cooler weather knitwear.

• Yarn: Stylecraft Grace and Stylecraft Impressions (aran weight)
• Needles: 3.75 mm needles are specified for the ribbed sections; additional needle sizes may be referenced in the full pattern for the main body fabric
• Cast-on method: The thumb method is specified for casting on

Techniques Used

Both designs are described as easy knit, making them accessible to advanced beginner knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and rib construction. Key techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on – a popular and stretchy cast-on technique well suited to ribbed edges
• Rib stitch construction – the lower body and cuffs are worked in a 3×3 rib (knit 3, purl 3 repeat), which provides elasticity and a neat, structured finish
• Decreasing – the pattern uses p2tog (purl two together) during shaping rows, a standard decrease technique used to reduce stitch counts smoothly within a purl fabric
• Stitch count adjustment rows – a specific wrong-side row is used to transition stitch counts after the ribbed border, a common technique in aran garment construction to set up the main body pattern correctly
• Flat knitting – the garment pieces are worked flat on straight or circular needles and seamed together, as is typical for traditional cardigan construction
• Garment shaping – armhole, sleeve, and front band shaping are all incorporated across the five sizes

Stitches Used

The stitch vocabulary in this pattern is straightforward, keeping it approachable for those building their knitting skills:

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) – the fundamental stitches of all knitting, used throughout
• 3×3 Rib – formed by alternating knit 3, purl 3 across rows, creating a deeply textured, stretchy fabric used at the cuffs and lower edges