Sweaters in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool - 9890 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool – Pattern 9890: Two Sweater Designs in Aran Weight Knitting

Pattern 9890 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct sweater designs worked in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool yarn. Both designs are rated at an intermediate difficulty level and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad range of knitters. The pattern is a great choice for those looking to build confidence with shaping techniques while creating a classic, wearable wardrobe staple.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Design One: Round Neck Sweater

The first design is a classic round neck sweater, a timeless silhouette that suits a wide variety of body shapes and personal styles. It is a structured, fitted knit with a clean neckline finish, making it versatile enough for casual and smart-casual occasions alike.

• Actual finished bust measurements range from 107 cm (42 in) to 147 cm (58 in), offering generous positive ease across all sizes.
• Full length is approximately 59–70 cm (23¼–27½ in) depending on size.
• Sleeve length is 45–47 cm (17¾–18½ in) across the size range.

Design Two: Stand Up Neck Sweater

The second design features a stand-up neck, adding a contemporary and cosy detail that makes it particularly well suited to cooler weather. The stand-up collar provides extra warmth around the neck without the bulk of a full turtleneck, giving the garment a modern, polished look.

• Full length for the stand-up neck version is slightly longer, ranging from 71–82 cm (28–32¼ in) depending on size.
• Sleeve and bust measurements follow the same structure as the round neck version, ensuring a consistent and flattering fit across both designs.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both sweaters in this pattern are constructed using a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. Knitters working through this pattern will use:

• Thumb method cast on – a stretchy and reliable cast-on method used to begin the back and other pieces, well suited to ribbed edges.
• 2x2 rib – worked over the first 17 rows of the back piece, this classic ribbing technique creates a neat, elasticated border at the hem. It involves alternating knit 2 and purl 2 stitches across the row, producing a fabric that hugs the body and retains its shape.
• Reverse stocking stitch (rev st-st) – the main body fabric of both sweaters is worked in reverse stocking stitch, where the purl side of the fabric faces outward. This creates a distinctive, textured surface with a slightly rustic, tactile quality that contrasts beautifully with the smooth ribbed borders.
• Decreasing (k2tog) – used in the transition row after the ribbing to reduce the stitch count and shape the body correctly before moving into the main fabric section. For example, on the back piece a decrease row is worked to reduce from the cast-on count down to the working stitch count for each size.
• Stitch markers – placed at each end of a key row to mark the division between the ribbed border and the main body, helping knitters track their progress and maintain accuracy.
• Needle changes – the pattern transitions from 4mm needles for the ribbed sections to 5mm needles for the main body worked in reverse stocking stitch, a common technique used to achieve the correct tension and drape in the larger fabric area.
• Shaping – armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping are all involved in constructing these garments, requiring knitters to work increases and decreases at regular intervals to achieve the correct silhouette.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k)