Sweater and Jacket in Stylecraft Bellissima DK - 9852 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Bellissima DK Pattern 9852: Sweater and Jacket – Full Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents pattern number 9852, offering two easy-knit designs worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK yarn: a classic striped sweater and a coordinating striped jacket. Both garments are rated as beginner level, making this an excellent choice for newer knitters looking to build confidence while producing stylish, wearable results. The pattern includes a generous size range, covering bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), ensuring an inclusive fit across a wide range of body types.

About the Yarn: Stylecraft Bellissima DK

Stylecraft Bellissima DK is a double knitting weight yarn, which sits in the light-to-medium weight category and is one of the most versatile yarn weights in hand knitting. DK weight knits up relatively quickly compared to finer yarns, making it particularly well suited to beginner-friendly projects. The pattern uses a main colour (MC) and a contrast colour (CC) to create the characteristic striped stitch-stocking pattern visible across both garments.

Needles

Both designs are worked using 4 mm knitting needles, which is the standard needle size recommended for double knitting weight yarn. No crochet hooks are referenced in this pattern.

Design One: The Striped Sweater

Sizing and Measurements

The sweater is designed to fit bust measurements of 81–86 cm up to 122–127 cm (32–34 in to 48–50 in). The actual finished measurements are generously sized, ranging from 97 cm (38 in) up to 139 cm (54¾ in) across the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The full length of the sweater ranges from 56 cm (22 in) for the smallest size up to 67 cm (26½ in) for the largest. Sleeve length is consistent across most sizes, ranging from 40 cm (15¾ in) to 42 cm (16½ in).

Construction and Techniques

The sweater is constructed in separate pieces — including a back — which are later seamed together, a traditional approach well suited to beginner knitters learning garment construction. The back begins with a cast on using 4 mm needles and the main colour (MC).

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib: The lower body begins with a 2x2 ribbing border, approximately 8 cm (3 in) in depth. This is worked over two rows: Row 1 (right side): K2, *p2, k2, repeat from * to end. Row 2: P2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to end. Ribbing creates a stretchy, neat edge that helps the garment sit well at the hem and cuffs.
• Striped Stocking Stitch: After the rib border is complete, the contrast colour (CC) is introduced and the fabric transitions into striped stocking stitch. Both the MC and CC yarns are carried up the side edge rather than cut between stripes, a technique that reduces yarn ends and keeps the work tidy — a useful skill for beginners to learn.

A small stitch adjustment is made at the end of the final rib row — either an increase or decrease of one stitch depending on the size being worked — to achieve the correct stitch count for the stocking stitch body. This is a common shaping technique used to ensure the stitch count works neatly into the pattern repeat.

Design Two: The Striped Jacket

Sizing and Measurements

The jacket shares the same bust size range as the sweater, from 81–86 cm to 122–127 cm (32–34 in to 48–50 in). The actual finished measurements of the jacket are slightly larger than the sweater, ranging from 102 cm (40