Sweaters in Stylecraft Bellissima DK - 9698 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Bellissima DK Pattern 9698 – Two Knitted Sweaters

Pattern 9698 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF featuring two distinct knitted sweater designs worked in Bellissima DK yarn. Both garments are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The difficulty level is intermediate, meaning knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping techniques such as decreases, armhole shaping, and working with stitch holders before casting on.

Design One: Cowl Neck Sweater

The first design is a Cowl Neck Sweater, a cosy and stylish pullover distinguished by its draped cowl neckline. This design is shown in Flaming Fuchsia (shade 3978), a bold and vibrant colourway from the Bellissima DK range. The finished actual measurements range from 94 cm (37 in) to 135 cm (53¼ in) across the chest, with a full length of 60–71 cm (23½–28 in) depending on size. Sleeve length is approximately 43–45 cm (17–17¾ in).

Construction and Techniques

The sweater is worked flat in separate pieces — back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The back begins by casting on with 4 mm needles and establishing a garter rib border, a textured ribbing variation that combines knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence to create a firm, attractive edge. The garter rib is formed over two rows: a knit row on the right side, followed by a row of K2, *P2, K2* repeated to the end. This border continues for approximately 14 cm (5½ in).

After the border, stitches are decreased across a right-side row to reduce the stitch count before the body transitions into garter stitch (g-st) — that is, knitting every row — for the remainder of the main body sections. Garter stitch creates a dense, squishy fabric with excellent drape and is particularly well suited to the soft, lustrous texture of Bellissima DK yarn.

Shaping Details

• Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of two rows, followed by decreases at each end of several consecutive rows and then on alternate rows, creating a neat, tailored armhole.
• The pattern includes stitch holders to hold stitches live for later finishing, particularly around the neckline.
• The cowl neck itself is worked using a set of four double-pointed 4 mm needles, allowing the cowl to be knitted in the round for a seamless, professional finish.

Materials Required

• Stylecraft Bellissima DK in Flaming Fuchsia 3978 — 5 to 8 × 100g balls depending on size
• 1 pair of 4 mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles
• Set of 4 double-pointed 4 mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles for the cowl neck
• Stitch holders

Design Two: Round Neck Sweater

The second design is a Round Neck Sweater, a classic and versatile pullover with a neat, traditional round neckline. This version is shown in Papaya Punch (shade 3977), a warm and cheerful colourway from the Bellissima DK collection. The Round Neck Sweater shares the same size range and general dimensions as the Cowl Neck design, making the two patterns easy to compare and choose between.

Construction and Techniques

Like its cowl neck counterpart, the Round Neck Sweater is constructed in flat pieces and seamed. It uses the same garter rib border technique at the lower edges and cuffs, transitioning into garter stitch