Sweater, Cardigan & Hat in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 9537 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater, Cardigan & Hat in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 9537

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft offers three distinct designs in one package: a slash-neck sweater, a cardigan, and a hat, all worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and includes an impressively wide size range, making it suitable for a broad range of knitters looking to create coordinating knitwear pieces.

Sizing & Fit

The sweater and cardigan are designed to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with five sizes in total. Actual garment measurements range from 94 cm (37 in) to 135 cm (53 in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. Full garment length ranges from approximately 60 cm (23¾ in) to 74 cm (29¼ in) depending on size, and sleeve length is a consistent 33 cm (13 in) across all sizes. The hat is designed to a finished circumference of 51 cm (20 in) and a height of approximately 20 cm (7¾ in).

Design 1: Slash-Neck Sweater

The slash-neck sweater is one of the standout designs in this pattern and features an interesting and clever construction method. Rather than being worked in the conventional bottom-up or top-down direction, this sweater is worked flat from cuff to cuff — meaning knitting begins at one sleeve cuff, expands across the body, and finishes at the opposite cuff. This sideways construction creates a seamless, flowing look and is particularly well-suited to the self-striping nature of Batik Swirl DK yarn, allowing the colour gradients to run horizontally across the garment.

Construction & Techniques

• Cuff-to-cuff flat construction — an intermediate technique that requires careful stitch management as the piece grows from sleeve into body and back again
• Shaping via increases — the cuff begins with a cast-on of 40–48 stitches (depending on size) and is shaped using kfb (knit front and back) increases at either end of right-side rows, adding 2 stitches per increase row
• A circular needle is recommended to accommodate the large number of stitches that accumulate across the body section, though the piece is worked flat — turning at the end of every row as with straight needles
• The slash neckline gives the finished sweater a relaxed, contemporary silhouette

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) — the primary stitch throughout, creating a garter or stocking stitch fabric depending on the section
• Kfb (knit front and back) — a simple increase stitch used to shape the sleeves and body

Materials Required

• Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK — 200g balls; quantities range from 2 balls for the smallest size up to 3 balls for larger sizes
• Circular needle recommended to manage stitch count across the body width

Design 2: Cardigan

The cardigan included in pattern 9537 provides a versatile layering option that coordinates beautifully with the sweater when worked in the same Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK colourway. As an intermediate-level design, the cardigan will involve shaping, front band or button band finishing, and garment assembly techniques typical of classic cardigan construction. The rich tonal depth of the Batik Swirl DK yarn means the finished cardigan has a painterly, artisan quality without requiring complex colourwork from the knitter.

Key Features

• Designed to match the same bust size range