Cardigans in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool - 9893 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool – Pattern 9893: Full Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two easy-knit cardigan designs worked in Stylecraft Special Aran with Wool yarn. Both garments are described as accessible for knitters of an intermediate level, with the pattern itself promoting them as "easy knit designs." A standout feature of this pattern is its inclusive sizing, covering a wide range from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) bust, making it a versatile choice for a broad range of body types.

Designs Included in Pattern 9893

Design One: Collared Cardigan

The Collared Cardigan is a classic, structured knitted cardigan featuring a distinctive collar detail. It is worked flat in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together, which is a traditional construction method well-suited to intermediate knitters building their garment-making skills.

Sizing and Measurements:

• To Fit Bust: 81–86, 91–97, 102–107, 112–117, 122–127 cm (32–34, 36–38, 40–42, 44–46, 48–50 in)
• Actual Measurement: 103, 114, 126, 134, 146 cm (40½, 45, 49¾, 52¾, 57½ in) — generous positive ease throughout
• Full Length: 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 cm (29½, 30¼, 31¼, 32, 32¾ in)
• Sleeve Length: 45, 45, 46, 47, 47 cm (17¾, 17¾, 18, 18½, 18½ in)

Techniques and Construction:

• Thumb method cast-on — a firm, stretchy cast-on technique ideal for ribbed edges and garment hems
• Flat knitting worked back and forth on straight or circular needles
• Seamed construction joining back, fronts, and sleeves
• A collar worked as part of the finishing, adding a polished, traditional look

Stitches Used:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches — the fundamental building blocks of all knitting
• Rib stitch variations — the cast-on and initial rows feature a combination of k1, p1 (single rib) and k2, p2 (double rib) sections, creating a textured, elasticated welt and cuff detail
• The ribbing pattern is carefully structured with size-specific stitch counts, ensuring the rib aligns correctly across all five sizes

The ribbed edging technique used here — alternating between single and double rib — gives the garment a subtle, interesting texture at the hems and cuffs rather than a plain uniform rib. This is a hallmark of well-designed, commercially produced knitwear patterns and adds visual interest without requiring advanced skills.

Needles: 4½mm needles are specified for the back of the Collared Cardigan, consistent with standard Aran weight knitting. The pattern likely also uses a smaller needle size for ribbed sections, as is conventional in garment knitting to ensure neat, firm edges.

Design Two: Second Cardigan (also included in PDF)

Pattern 9893 contains two cardigan designs in total. While the detailed written instructions visible in the PDF content focus on the Collared Cardigan, the second design is also presented within the same pattern booklet and shares the same yarn, needle requirements, and sizing range. Both designs are positioned as "easy knit" makes, suggesting the second cardigan similarly relies on straightforward stitch patterns and classic garment shaping rather than complex colourwork or intricate lace. Knitters can expect a complementary style — likely differing in neckline