Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima - 9581 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima DK – Pattern 9581: Full Summary

This Stylecraft pattern 9581 is a downloadable PDF offering two distinct cardigan designs knitted in Stylecraft Bellissima DK yarn. Both garments are worked in vibrant, multi-colour stripe sequences and are rated as easy knit designs, making them an accessible project for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with shaping and colour work. The pattern covers five sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 102–107 cm (40–42 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 90 cm to 112 cm across the chest.

Design One: Boat Neck Cardigan

The first design is a boat neck cardigan featuring a wide, elegant neckline and a raglan sleeve construction. It is worked in a cheerful four-colour stripe palette that gives the finished garment a bold, contemporary look. The stripe sequence is carefully structured and repeats across 36 rows, creating a rhythmic, satisfying knitting experience.

Colourway

• Colour A – Raspberry Riot (3924)
• Colour B – Sugar Snap (3926)
• Colour C – Rio Red (3932)
• Colour D – Crushed Plum (3933)

Yarn Requirements – Boat Neck Cardigan

• Colour A (Raspberry Riot): 1–2 x 100g balls depending on size
• Colour B (Sugar Snap): 1 x 100g ball across all sizes
• Colour C (Rio Red): 2 x 100g balls across all sizes
• Colour D (Crushed Plum): 1–2 x 100g balls depending on size

Construction and Techniques – Boat Neck Cardigan

The back is cast on using the thumb method and begins with a moss stitch border worked over 13 rows on 3.25 mm needles, giving the lower edge a neat, firm texture. The body is then continued on 4 mm needles in stocking stitch throughout, following the stripe sequence. Raglan shaping is achieved by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then working regular decreases at each end on every fourth row (or every row in the largest sizes), gradually tapering the armhole into the classic raglan line.

Stripe Sequence Detail

The 36-row stripe repeat is worked as follows: 10 rows in Colour A, 4 rows in Colour B, 10 rows in Colour C, 2 rows in Colour A, and 10 rows in Colour D. Yarns not in use are carried up the side of the work, twisted with the working yarn every two rows to keep the edges tidy and avoid long floats.

Design Two: Collared Cardigan

The second design is a collared cardigan, offering a more classic and structured silhouette with the addition of a collar detail. Like the boat neck version, it is knitted in a four-colour stripe sequence but uses a completely different, softer colourway, making it feel like an entirely distinct garment despite sharing the same construction approach.

Colourway

• Colour A – Mellow Yellow (3925)
• Colour B – Bashful Blue (3930)
• Colour C – Single Cream (3921)
• Colour D – Double Denim (3931)

Yarn Requirements – Collared Cardigan

• Colour A (Mellow Yellow): 2 x 100g balls across all sizes
• Colour B (Bashful Blue): 2 x 100g balls across all sizes
• Colour C (Single Cream):