Sweater, Poncho & Hat in Stylecraft Bellissima Chunky - 9694 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater, Poncho & Hat in Stylecraft Bellissima Chunky – Pattern 9694

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents three distinct chunky-weight designs: a classic ribbed sweater, a poncho, and a hat. All three pieces are worked in Bellissima Chunky, a 100g chunky yarn, making them satisfyingly quick to knit while delivering a bold, textured finish. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and includes a generous range of sizes, accommodating bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making it an inclusive choice for a wide variety of knitters.

Yarn, Needles & Materials

All three designs call for Stylecraft Bellissima Chunky in 100g balls. The specific colourways featured in the pattern are:

• Purple Passion 3934 – used for the Sweater (7–9 balls depending on size)
• Rio Red 3932 – used for the Poncho (7–10 balls depending on size)
• Paper Parchment 3973 – used for the Hat (1–2 balls depending on size)

The pattern notes that Life Chunky and Special Chunky are listed as alternative yarn options, though knitters are advised to check meterage carefully if substituting. 6mm knitting needles are specified for the sweater's cast-on and ribbed sections, making this a true chunky-gauge project that works up at a satisfying pace.

The Sweater

The sweater is a drop-shoulder style pullover with a structured ribbed hem and a distinctive ridge stitch body. It is designed with a generous, relaxed fit — the actual chest measurement ranges from 111 cm (43¾ in) to 151 cm (59½ in) across the five sizes, with a full length of 62–73 cm (24½–28¾ in) and a relatively short sleeve length of 24–26 cm (9½–10¼ in), suggesting a cropped or three-quarter sleeve aesthetic.

Construction begins at the back with a cast-on of 89 to 122 stitches (size dependent) using 6mm needles. The lower edge is worked in a p2, k1 rib for approximately 10 cm (4 in), creating a neat, elasticated border. An increase row is then worked on the wrong side using M1 (make one) increases spaced evenly across the row, bringing the stitch count up to between 100 and 136 stitches before the body pattern begins.

Stitches and Techniques – Sweater

• P2, K1 Rib: A two-row repeating rib pattern used for the hem and cuffs, providing stretch and a tidy edge finish.
• Ridge Pattern: A four-row repeating stitch pattern that forms the main body fabric. It combines knit rows, k2tog (knit two together) decrease rows, knit into the front and back (kfb) increase rows, and purl rows, creating a subtle raised ridge texture across the fabric.
• Garter Stitch Border: Three stitches of garter stitch are maintained at each side edge throughout the body, keeping the edges flat and tidy without curling.
• M1 Increases: Used in the transition row between the rib and body to shape the silhouette smoothly.
• K2tog Decreases: Used within the ridge pattern repeat to create the characteristic textured ridges.
• Kfb Increases: Paired with the k2tog rows within the ridge pattern to maintain stitch count while building surface texture.

The Poncho

The poncho is a versatile, draped outerwear piece worked in the same Bellissima Chunky yarn in Rio Red 3932. It is designed to be worn over the shoulders with a schematic side-to-side width of 93–151 cm (36½–59½ in)