Cardigans With Pockets in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran - 9871 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans With Pockets in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran – Pattern 9871

Pattern 9871 from Stylecraft is a knitting pattern offering two distinct cardigan designs worked in Highland Heathers Aran weight yarn: a Long Cardigan with Pockets and a Short Cardigan with Pockets. Both versions share the same flattering construction principles and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, making this an excellent choice for knitters looking for versatile, wearable knitwear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, so you can get started straight away.

Sizes and Fit

Both cardigans are designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), covering five sizes in total. The actual finished measurements range from 99 cm (39 in) to 139 cm (54¾ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The inclusion of larger sizes is a notable feature of this pattern, making it accessible to a broader range of knitters.

• Long Cardigan full length: 75–83 cm (29½–32¾ in) depending on size
• Short Cardigan full length: 60–71 cm (23¾–28 in) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 46–48 cm (18–19 in) across all sizes

Design One: Long Cardigan with Pockets

The Long Cardigan with Pockets is a classic, elegant design featuring a relaxed silhouette with full-length body and set-in raglan sleeves. The addition of patch pockets with pocket linings gives this cardigan a practical, polished finish. The pocket linings are knitted separately in stocking stitch before being incorporated into the body of the garment, a technique that creates a neat, professional result.

The cardigan is worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran in the shade Thrift 3746, a beautifully toned heathered colourway that showcases the depth and texture of the yarn. The long length and structured shaping make this an ideal layering piece for cooler seasons.

• Yarn required: 6–9 balls of Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran 100g balls (depending on size)
• Buttons required: 9 buttons
• Colour: Thrift 3746

Design Two: Short Cardigan with Pockets

The Short Cardigan with Pockets offers a more contemporary, cropped silhouette while retaining the same practical pocket detail and comfortable raglan sleeve construction as the longer version. This design is worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran in the shade Gorse 3743, a warm, golden-toned heathered yarn that gives the finished garment a rich, autumnal character.

The shorter length makes this cardigan ideal for everyday wear and pairs beautifully with both casual and smart outfits. Like the long version, it is sized generously and includes pocket linings for a neat interior finish.

• Yarn required: 5–8 balls of Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran 100g balls (depending on size)
• Buttons required: 7 buttons
• Colour: Gorse 3743

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are constructed using a combination of classic knitting techniques suited to an intermediate skill level. The construction is worked flat in separate pieces — back, fronts, sleeves, and pocket linings — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques include:

• Raglan sleeve shaping — a classic method where the sleeve and body are decreased simultaneously to create a smooth, diagonal shoulder line without a traditional set-in seam
• Pocket lining construction — pocket linings are knitted separately on a stitch holder and later joined to the main body, creating a clean, functional pocket
• Thumb method