Sweaters and Tank Tops in Stylecraft Grace Aran - 10018 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters and Tank Tops in Stylecraft Grace Aran – Pattern 10018

This Stylecraft pattern 10018 is a downloadable PDF offering four knitted designs in Stylecraft Grace Aran weight yarn: a Patterned Sweater, a Plain Sweater, a Patterned Tank Top, and a Plain Tank Top. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is an excellent choice for knitters ready to explore colourwork techniques alongside classic garment shaping. Sizes range generously from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) to fit the bust, making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a wide range of body sizes.

Yarn and Materials

All four designs are worked in Stylecraft Grace Aran, available in 100g balls. The yarn requirements vary by design and size:

• Patterned Sweater: Main Colour (MC) – 3 to 6 balls; Contrast Colour (CC) – 1 ball. Colours shown: Forest 2154 (MC) and Long Grass 2153 (CC).
• Patterned Tank Top: MC – 2 to 4 balls; CC – 1 ball. Colours shown: Hot Pink 2160 (MC) and Marmalade 2159 (CC).
• Plain Sweater: 3 to 6 balls in a single colour. Not pictured in the original publication.
• Plain Tank Top: 2 to 4 balls in a single colour. Colour shown: Hip 2152.

Two needle sizes are required: 4mm needles for the garter stitch borders and ribbed edgings, and 5mm needles for the main body fabric worked in stocking stitch.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two distinct silhouettes, each available in a plain or patterned version:

The Sweater

A classic long-sleeved pullover sweater with a full length ranging from 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in) depending on size, and sleeve lengths of approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 in). The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 89 cm (35 in) to 140 cm (55¼ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

The Tank Top (Slipover/Vest)

A sleeveless tank top or slipover vest with a full length ranging from 50 cm (19¾ in) to 63 cm (24¾ in). This is an ideal layering piece and a slightly quicker knit than the sweater, making it a great project for knitters who want to practise the intarsia colourwork technique without committing to sleeves.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Garter Stitch Border

Garter stitch (knit every row) is used for the cast-on border, working 8 rows on the smaller 4mm needles before switching to the main body. Garter stitch creates a firm, non-curling edge that gives the garments a neat, structured finish at the hem.

Stocking Stitch

The main fabric of all four designs is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows) on 5mm needles. Stocking stitch produces the smooth, classic knitted surface that forms the background of the patterned designs and the entirety of the plain versions.

Intarsia Colourwork

The Patterned Sweater and Patterned Tank Top feature a striking diamond motif worked using the intarsia colourwork technique. Intarsia is a method of knitting with multiple colours within a single row where each colour section is worked with its own separate length or bobbin of yarn