Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima - 9579 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Bellissima DK – Pattern 9579: Full Summary

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents two easy-knit cardigan designs worked in Bellissima DK yarn, both sized to fit a bust measurement ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 102–107 cm (40–42 in). Rated as intermediate in difficulty, the pattern is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch patterns and are ready to tackle a garment with multiple pieces, set-in sleeves, and neat finishing details. Both designs share the same yarn and needle requirements but deliver distinctly different looks through their neckline and collar treatments.

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The first design is a classic round neck cardigan with a neat, fitted silhouette. The finished actual bust measurements range from 91 cm (36 in) to 113 cm (44½ in) across the five sizes, providing a modest amount of ease over the body. The full length ranges from 56 cm (22 in) to 62 cm (24½ in), and the sleeve length is a consistent 46–47 cm (18–18½ in) across all sizes. This is a wearable, versatile everyday cardigan with a tidy button band and a round neckline finished with a knitted neckband.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on – used to begin the back and other pieces, creating a firm, elastic edge well suited to ribbed and garter-stitch borders.
• Shoulder shaping – worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of successive rows in a stepped sequence, producing a neat, structured shoulder line.
• Stitch holder usage – remaining neckband stitches are left on a holder and later worked up to create the finished round neckband, a classic construction technique.
• Buttonhole and button band construction – the front bands incorporate 6 buttons, each 1.5 cm (⅝ in) in diameter.
• Seaming and finishing – the garment is constructed in separate pieces (back, two fronts, sleeves) that are then joined, which is typical of a set-in-sleeve cardigan construction.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g-st) – the lower border of the back is worked entirely in garter stitch for 14 rows using 3.25 mm needles, creating a firm, non-curling edge with a pleasingly textured horizontal ridge.
• 4×4 Rib pattern – the main body fabric is a k4, p4 rib, worked on 4 mm needles after the garter-stitch border. This wide rib gives the garment a soft, structured drape with gentle vertical definition. The rib is set up with adjusted edge stitches for each size to keep the pattern centred and balanced across all five sizes.

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Bellissima DK, 100 g balls. The colourway shown is Raspberry Riot 3924. Quantities range from 4 balls (smallest size) to 6 balls (largest size).
• Needles: One pair 3.25 mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles for borders; one pair 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles for the main body and sleeves.
• Notions: Stitch holders; 6 buttons, 1.5 cm (⅝ in).

Design Two: Cardigan with Collar

What Is Being Made

The second design in this pattern is a cardigan with a collar, offering a slightly more dressed-up alternative to the round neck version. It shares the same sizing structure and general construction approach but features a collar detail at the neckline that adds warmth and a more relaxed, cosy aesthetic. This makes it an ideal transitional-