Cardigans in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK - 9839 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK – Pattern 9839: Detailed Summary

Pattern 9839 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two cardigan designs worked in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK yarn. The pattern is rated advanced in difficulty and covers a generous size range, making it suitable for a wide variety of figures.

Sizes and Fit

Both cardigans are designed to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), spanning five sizes. Actual finished measurements range from approximately 92 cm (36¼ in) to 134 cm (52¾ in) at the bust, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The inclusion of larger sizes makes this pattern particularly inclusive and versatile for knitters of all body types.

Garment Construction Overview

The pattern includes two distinct cardigan designs, both constructed using traditional flat knitting techniques worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — before being seamed together. The pattern provides instructions for both a full-length sleeve and a short sleeve option, with short sleeve lengths ranging from 14 cm (5½ in) to 16 cm (6¼ in) depending on size. Full garment lengths range from 58 cm (22¾ in) to 69 cm (27¼ in).

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on – used to begin the back and other pieces, creating a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to cotton yarn
• Flat knitting – all pieces are worked back and forth in rows on straight or circular needles
• Ribbing – a 1×1 rib (knit 1, purl 1) is used for the welts and cuffs, worked over 8 rows to create a firm, tidy border
• Irish moss stitch – the main body fabric is worked in Irish moss stitch, a classic textured stitch that creates a beautifully dense, reversible fabric with a subtle woven appearance
• Seaming and finishing – the completed pieces are joined using standard knitting seaming methods

Stitches Used

• 1×1 Rib – alternating knit and purl stitches across the row, used for borders and cuffs
• Irish Moss Stitch – a four-row repeat stitch pattern combining knit and purl stitches in an offset sequence; unlike seed stitch, Irish moss stitch works two rows of the same sequence before alternating, producing a slightly more pronounced texture that is ideal for showcasing the natural quality of organic cotton yarn

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Hooks

Both cardigans are designed specifically for Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK, a DK weight yarn celebrated for its soft handle, breathability, and eco-conscious credentials as a certified organic cotton. This yarn is an excellent choice for warm-weather garments and those with sensitive skin.

• Needles: 3¼ mm needles are used for the ribbed borders and cuffs, while 4 mm needles are used for the main Irish moss stitch body sections
• Yarn weight: DK (double knitting)

Who Is This Pattern For?

Rated as advanced, this pattern is best suited to knitters who are already comfortable with shaping, reading multi-size patterns, and working textured stitch patterns consistently over a large number of rows. The Irish moss stitch, while straightforward in its four-row repeat, requires careful attention to maintain pattern alignment during shaping — making this a rewarding project for the experienced knitter looking to create a polished, wearable garment in a beautiful natural fibre. The availability of the pattern as a downloadable PDF means knitters can access and print their instructions immediately after purchase.