Cardigan & Sweater in Stylecraft Malabar DK - 9262 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Malabar DK Pattern 9262: Cardigan and Sweater Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 9262 from Stylecraft is a knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs in one downloadable PDF: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both worked in Stylecraft Malabar DK yarn. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern suitable for knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques, working ribs, and constructing set-in or tailored armholes. The pattern covers five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making it an inclusive and versatile choice for a wide range of knitters.

About the Designs

The Sweater

The sweater is a classic pullover with a neat, fitted silhouette. It is worked in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The actual finished bust measurements run from 86 cm (34 in) to 127 cm (50 in) across the five sizes, providing a modest amount of ease for a comfortable, flattering fit.

The full length of the sweater ranges from 56 cm (22 in) to 63 cm (24¾ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is relatively short, measuring between 20 cm (8 in) and 22 cm (8¾ in), giving the garment a contemporary, cropped-sleeve aesthetic.

Construction begins at the lower back with a ribbed welt worked over approximately 3 cm (1¼ in), establishing a tidy, elasticated hem. The body fabric transitions into stocking stitch for the main body sections. Armhole shaping is achieved through a combination of cast-off rows at the beginning of rows followed by paired decreases worked at each end of subsequent rows, creating a clean, tailored armhole. This is a standard set-in sleeve construction that gives the finished sweater a neat, structured shoulder line.

The Cardigan

The second design in this pattern is a cardigan, sharing the same yarn and general aesthetic as the sweater but featuring an open front. Like the sweater, it is worked in pieces and seamed, and it is likely to feature a button band or front border worked in rib to complement the lower welt and cuffs. The cardigan offers knitters a layering option in the same design family, making the two-pattern PDF excellent value.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Rib Stitch

Both designs open with a 2×1 rib (also written as a k1, p2 rib), worked as follows:

• Row 1 (right side): P2, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (wrong side): K2, *p1, k2; repeat from * to end.

This particular rib configuration creates a slightly firmer, more textured welt than a standard 1×1 rib, with the purl columns dominating the visual texture. It provides excellent elasticity at the hem and cuffs while lying flat and looking polished on the finished garment.

Stocking Stitch

The main body and sleeve fabric is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), the most fundamental and widely used knitting fabric. Stocking stitch produces a smooth, even surface that showcases the natural drape and colour of the Stylecraft Malabar DK yarn beautifully. It is straightforward to work but requires attention to tension to achieve the correct gauge and finished measurements.

Armhole and Garment Shaping

Shaping is a key intermediate skill featured throughout this pattern. Techniques include:

• Casting off at the beginning of rows to create the initial armhole step.
• Decreasing at each end of rows to taper the armhole curve — the number of decrease rows varies by size, reflecting the graded shaping across the five sizes.
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