Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima - 9586 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima DK – Pattern 9586

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two classic cardigan designs worked in Bellissima DK yarn: a Round Neck Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan. Both garments are rated as easy knit designs, making them an accessible project for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with shaping and construction. 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 garment measurements ranging from 90 cm to 111 cm across the chest.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two separate cardigan styles, each with set-in raglan sleeves and a button-front opening. The Round Neck Cardigan features a neat, classic neckline and is fastened with 7 buttons measuring 1.8 cm (¾ in). The V Neck Cardigan uses a more open neckline and requires 5 buttons of the same size. Both designs are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and seamed together. Full lengths range from 58 cm to 64 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths are given as 46–47 cm.

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are designed for Stylecraft Bellissima DK, a double knitting weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The Round Neck Cardigan is shown in Mellow Yellow (shade 3925) and the V Neck Cardigan in Ash Rose (shade 3923). Depending on size, each cardigan requires 4 or 5 balls of yarn.

The pattern also lists several alternative yarn options from Stylecraft, including Batik DK, Batik Swirl DK, Life DK, and Life Changes DK. Knitters are advised to check meterage carefully when substituting, as quantities may vary.

Two pairs of straight knitting needles are required:

• 3.25 mm (UK 10 / USA 3) needles for the ribbed welts and cuffs
• 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) needles for the main body and sleeves

Techniques Used

The construction follows a traditional flat knitting method, with each piece worked separately and then seamed. Key techniques throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on — specified for starting the back and other pieces
• Raglan shaping — worked by casting off stitches at the underarm and then decreasing at each end of alternate rows to create the characteristic diagonal seam line
• Rib welts and cuffs — worked in 1×1 rib on the smaller 3.25 mm needles before changing to the main needle size
• Decrease rows within rib — a specific wrong-side decrease row is used to reduce stitch count after the rib section before beginning the main pattern, ensuring a neat transition
• Seaming — the finished pieces are joined using standard seaming methods
• Button band construction — front bands are worked to accommodate the specified number of buttons

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern used across the main body of both cardigans combines stocking stitch (stockinette) in the central panel with a decorative panel stitch along the side edges. This textured border pattern is worked over a 4-row repeat and creates a neat, structured edge detail. The specific stitch arrangement for the back, for example, is as follows:

• Row 1 (RS): P1, (k3, p1) twice, knit to last 9 sts, (p1, k3) twice, p1