Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Bellissima DK - 9849 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Bellissima DK Pattern 9849: Cardigan and Sweater Summary

Pattern 9849 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct designs — a classic cardigan and a pullover sweater — both worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK yarn. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern suitable for crafters who are comfortable with lace-style stitch patterns, shaping, and reading multi-size instructions. The pattern covers a generous range of sizes, making it accessible to a wide variety of body types.

Sizing and Fit

Both garments are designed to fit bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), spanning five sizes. The actual finished measurements are generously cut, ranging from 95 cm to 135 cm in circumference, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The pattern thoughtfully includes larger sizes throughout, making it an inclusive choice for knitters of all shapes.

• Cardigan full length: 58–69 cm (22¾–27¼ in) depending on size
• Cardigan sleeve length: 26–28 cm (10¼–11 in)
• Sweater full length: 56–67 cm (22–26½ in) depending on size
• Sweater sleeve length: 45–47 cm (17¾–18½ in)

Design 1: The Cardigan

The cardigan is an elegant, wearable everyday layer featuring an all-over lace-style stitch pattern worked across the body and sleeves. The textured pattern creates a visually interesting fabric with a delicate, feminine quality that is elevated by the yarn's own inherent sheen and drape. The cardigan is worked in pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together, a traditional construction method that produces a structured, well-fitting garment.

The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Stylecraft Bellissima DK in Crystal Blue (shade 7215), a cool, sophisticated colourway that highlights the lace detailing beautifully. Yarn requirements range from 4 to 8 balls of 100g Bellissima DK depending on the size being made.

Cardigan Stitch Pattern and Techniques

The body of the cardigan is worked using a 10-stitch repeat lace pattern that incorporates both knit and purl stitches alongside a series of yarn-over increases and paired decreases. This creates a flowing, wave-like or diamond-style lace motif across the fabric. Key stitches and techniques used include:

• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create decorative eyelets and to compensate for decreases within the lace pattern
• Slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k2tog, psso) — a central double decrease that draws two stitches together at a central point, creating the characteristic lace chevron or leaf effect
• Slip 1, k1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, k1, psso / skpo) — a left-leaning single decrease used at pattern edges
• K2tog (knit two together) — a right-leaning single decrease used symmetrically within the pattern repeat
• Purl rows — alternate wrong-side rows are worked in purl, giving the lace pattern its open, airy character
• Stocking stitch (st st) — used at edges and in shaping areas where insufficient stitches remain to complete a full lace repeat

An important technical note within the pattern instructs knitters that when working shaping through the lace pattern, each decrease must be matched by a corresponding increase. Where there are insufficient stitches to complete both, the edge stitches should be worked in stocking stitch rather than pattern. This is a hallmark of intermediate-level knitting and requires careful attention to stitch counts throughout.

Design 2: The Sweater

The pullover sweater is the second design included in this pattern and shares the same beautiful lace-