Sweaters in Stylecraft Bellissima - 9583 - Downloadable PDF

Sweaters in Stylecraft Bellissima DK – Pattern 9583: Full Summary

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents two easy-knit sweater designs worked in Bellissima DK yarn. Both garments are sized generously, covering a wide range of bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making this pattern an excellent choice for knitters who want inclusive sizing in a stylish, wearable project. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, though the instructions describe the designs themselves as "easy knit," meaning confident beginners who are comfortable with basic rib and simple stitch patterns should also find them approachable.

Design One: Round Neck Sweater

What Is Being Made

The first design is a classic round neck sweater worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK. The sample shown in the pattern uses the colourway Purple Passion (3934). The finished actual measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) to 134 cm (52¾ in) across the bust, with a full length of 58–69 cm (22¾–27¼ in) depending on size, and a sleeve length of 46–48 cm (18–19 in).

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on – used at the start of the back piece, giving a neat and elastic edge well suited to ribbed welts.
• Ribbing – a 2×2 rib (k2, p2) is worked for the welt, creating a firm, stretchy border at the lower edge.
• Stitch marker placement – markers are placed at specific stitch counts from each end of the row to define a central panel, helping knitters track the pattern repeat accurately across different sizes.
• Decreasing within rib – stitches are decreased evenly across the final rib row before transitioning to the main body needle size, a technique that ensures the fabric sits smoothly when moving from the welt to the body pattern.
• Needle changes – the pattern moves from 3.25 mm needles for the rib to 4 mm needles for the main body, a standard approach in DK-weight knitting to achieve correct tension in each section.

Stitches Used

• 2×2 Rib (k2, p2 / p2, k2) – worked over 10 rows for the welt border.
• Textured body pattern – the main fabric is built on a 3×3 rib-style arrangement (k3, p3 / p3, k3) worked in repeating panels on either side of a central stocking stitch panel. The central panel stitch count varies by size (21, 21, 33, 33, or 45 stitches), while the side panels repeat 6, 7, 7, 8, or 8 times depending on the size being worked. This combination creates a visually interesting, structured fabric with vertical texture.

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Bellissima DK, 100g balls – 4 balls for the two smallest sizes, 5 balls for the middle size, and 6 balls for the two largest sizes, in Purple Passion 3934.
• Needles: 1 pair 3.25 mm (UK 10 / USA 3) and 1 pair 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles.
• Notions: Stitch markers and stitch holders.
• Alternative yarns listed: Stylecraft Batik DK, Stylecraft Bambino DK, and Stylecraft Life DK – knitters are advised to check meterage when substituting, as quantities may vary.

Design Two: High Neck Sweater

What Is Being Made

The second design in this pattern is a