Sweater & Slipover in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran - 9874 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9874: Sweater & Slipover in Highland Heathers Aran — Full Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9874 is a downloadable PDF containing instructions for two classic aran-weight knitted garments: a full-length sweater and a sleeveless slipover. Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran yarn and feature sophisticated cable panel detailing that gives them a timeless, textured appearance. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with cables and more complex stitch combinations but who may not yet have tackled advanced construction techniques.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers five sizes, designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with the listing specifically noting that larger sizes are included. Actual finished chest measurements run from 101 cm (39¾ in) to 141 cm (55½ in), providing comfortable ease across all sizes. This generous size range makes the pattern accessible to a wide range of knitters.

• Full length (approximately): 60–71 cm (23¾–28 in) depending on size
• Sleeve length (sweater): 44–46 cm (17¼–18 in) depending on size

The Sweater

The sweater is a classic aran-style pullover featuring set-in or shaped sleeves worked to a length of approximately 44–46 cm. Its defining feature is the inclusion of intricate cable panels worked across the body, giving the garment its characteristic raised, sculptural texture. The sweater is knitted in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran in the colourway Bracken (shade 3747), a warm, earthy heathered tone that complements the tactile cable work beautifully.

Yarn Requirements — Sweater

• Yarn: Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran, 100g balls
• Colourway: Bracken 3747
• Quantity: 5, 6, 6, 7, or 8 balls depending on size

The Slipover

The slipover is a sleeveless vest version of the design, making it a versatile layering piece that works equally well over shirts, blouses, or lightweight jumpers. It shares the same cable panel aesthetic as the sweater but requires fewer materials due to the absence of sleeves. The slipover is shown in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran in the colourway Loch (shade 3751), a cooler, heathered tone that gives the garment a distinctly different character from the sweater version.

Yarn Requirements — Slipover

• Yarn: Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran, 100g balls
• Colourway: Loch 3751
• Quantity: 4, 4, 5, 6, or 6 balls depending on size

Needles and Accessories

• 5 mm (UK 6 / USA 8) knitting needles — used for the main fabric
• 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles — used for ribbing and borders
• Cable needle — essential for working the cable panel stitches
• Stitch holders — for holding stitches during shaping

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both garments make use of a combination of foundational and intermediate knitting techniques. The ribbed borders are worked on the smaller 4 mm needles before transitioning to the larger 5 mm needles for the main body fabric. The cable panels are the central design feature of both garments and require confident use of a cable needle.