Ladies Sweaters & Mittens in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 9482 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK Ladies Sweaters & Mittens – Pattern 9482

This Stylecraft pattern 9482 is a downloadable PDF offering three easy-knit designs for women: a Crew Neck Sweater with Plain Sleeves, a Crew Neck Sweater with Lace Sleeves, and a pair of Mittens. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK yarn, a self-striping, variegated yarn that creates beautiful colour effects without the need for complex colourwork. The inclusion of larger sizes makes this pattern particularly inclusive and versatile.

Sizing and Fit

The sweater designs are graded across five sizes, designed to fit chest/bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). Actual finished measurements range from 92 cm to 132 cm, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Key length measurements are as follows:

• Full length: 58–70 cm (22¾–27½ in) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 43–48 cm (17–19 in)

The Mittens are designed with a circumference of 18 cm (7 in) and a length of 18 cm (7 in), making them a standard adult fit. Notably, the mittens are specifically designed to make use of leftover yarn from the sweater project, requiring only approximately 30 g of yarn.

Crew Neck Sweater with Plain Sleeves

The first design is a classic crew neck sweater featuring plain, set-in sleeves. This is a timeless, wearable silhouette suited to everyday wear. The recommended colourway for this version is Foxglove (shade 3729) in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK.

Construction and Techniques

The sweater is worked flat in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques include:

• Thumb method cast-on for a neat, elastic edge
• 1x1 rib (K1, P1) worked for approximately 6 cm (2½ in) as the lower welt, using 3.75 mm needles
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) for the main body, worked on 4 mm needles
• Armhole shaping using cast-offs at the beginning of rows followed by paired decreases: K2tog at the right edge and SSK (slip, slip, knit) at the left edge, creating neat, mirrored decreases
• Shoulder shaping worked with stepped cast-offs over multiple rows for a clean, structured shoulder line
• Stitch holders used to hold back neck stitches for later finishing

The back begins by casting on 102 (112: 124: 136: 146) stitches on 3.75 mm needles, before switching to 4 mm needles for the main body. Armhole shaping commences after the body reaches approximately 37–43 cm in length depending on size, with cast-offs and decrease rows worked to shape the armscye. The shoulder is then cast off in stages to give a sloped finish.

Crew Neck Sweater with Lace Sleeves

The second sweater design shares the same body construction as the plain sleeve version but features decorative lace sleeves, adding an elegant, feminine detail. This version is shown in Purple Mist (shade 3730) in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK. The lace stitch pattern on the sleeves provides visual interest while remaining accessible for an intermediate knitter. The variegated nature of the Batik Swirl yarn adds further depth and texture to the lace motifs, as the colour changes interact beautifully with the openwork design.