Cardigan, Hat & Wristwarmers in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 9672 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan, Hat & Wristwarmers in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 9672

This Stylecraft pattern 9672 is a beautifully coordinated set of three knitted accessories and a garment, all worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK yarn. The collection includes a fitted cardigan, a hat, and a pair of wristwarmers, making it an ideal project for knitters who want a complete, matching wardrobe addition. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping, ribbing, and working from multi-size instructions.

About the Yarn: Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK

Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK is a DK (double knitting) weight yarn known for its distinctive self-striping and colour-pooling properties. The batik-style colour transitions create a rich, painterly effect across the fabric without the need for intarsia or Fair Isle techniques, making the finished pieces look far more complex than the knitting process requires. This makes it a particularly rewarding yarn choice for intermediate knitters who want impressive results with straightforward construction.

The Cardigan

Sizing and Fit

The cardigan is designed to fit a wide range of sizes, from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) bust measurement, making it an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad range of body types. The actual finished measurements range from 96 cm (37¾ in) to 136 cm (53½ in), providing a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit across all sizes. The full length (measured from the back of the neck) ranges from 62 cm (24½ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in), and the sleeve length is approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 in) depending on size.

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — including a left front — which are later seamed together. This traditional flat-knitting approach gives knitters full control over shaping and finishing. The pattern begins with a thumb method cast on, a versatile and stretchy cast-on technique well suited to ribbed edges.

The lower body and cuffs feature a 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) border, which provides elasticity and a neat, structured edge. The ribbing is worked over 17 rows before transitioning to the main body fabric. A decrease row is worked on the 18th row to reduce the stitch count and draw the fabric in slightly at the waist, creating a more tailored silhouette. This decrease row uses p2tog (purl two together) decreases evenly spaced across the row, a technique that keeps the transition smooth and invisible on the right side of the work.

Needles

The ribbing sections are worked on 3¼ mm needles, which is standard for DK weight yarn when a firm, neat rib is desired. The main body fabric is likely worked on a slightly larger needle size, as is conventional for DK patterns, to achieve the correct tension and drape.

Stitches Used in the Cardigan

• Thumb method cast on – creates a stretchy, neat edge ideal for ribbed hems
• 2x2 rib (k2, p2) – used for the lower body border and cuffs
• Knit stitch (k) and purl stitch (p) – the fundamental building blocks throughout
• P2tog (purl two together) – used in the decrease row to shape the waist transition
• Coloured stitch markers are used to indicate key points in the construction

The Hat

The hat is designed to fit an average-sized lady's head and is worked as part of the same coordinating set. Knitted in the same Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK