Mens V Neck & Shawl Neck Cardigans in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran - 9876 - Downloadable PDF

Mens V Neck & Shawl Neck Cardigans in Stylecraft Highland Heathers Aran – Pattern 9876

This Stylecraft pattern (number 9876) presents two classic men's cardigan designs worked in Aran weight yarn: a V Neck Cardigan and a Shawl Neck Cardigan. Both are substantial, textured knitwear projects aimed at the intermediate knitter, combining elegant cable panels with neat ribbed edgings to create timeless, wardrobe-staple garments for men. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible.

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are sized to fit a range of chest measurements, covering four sizes:

• 91–97 cm (36–38 in)
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in)
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in)
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in)

The actual finished chest measurements range from approximately 100 cm to 153 cm, providing comfortable ease. Full length ranges from 70 cm to 76 cm (27½ to 30 in), and sleeve length from 47 cm to 51 cm (18½ to 20 in), giving a well-proportioned, relaxed fit across all sizes.

The V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan is a structured, cable-panel garment featuring a classic V-shaped neckline and button-through front opening. It is worked flat in separate pieces — left front, right front, back, and sleeves — and then seamed together. The left front begins with a mock rib welt worked on smaller needles before transitioning to the main body pattern on larger needles. A buttonhole is incorporated neatly into the rib band during the welt section.

The main body fabric of the V Neck Cardigan is richly textured, combining cable panels with moss stitch or seed stitch sections and reverse stocking stitch backgrounds. The cable work includes prominent six-stitch cables (worked as C6B and C6F) alongside travelling stitches using T4B (Twist 4 Back) and T4F (Twist 4 Front), which create elegant diagonal rope and lattice effects across the fabric. These cable and twist combinations give the garment its characteristic Aran character without requiring the full complexity of a traditional Aran pattern, making it achievable for confident intermediate knitters.

Key Techniques – V Neck Cardigan

• Thumb method cast on for a firm, elastic edge
• K1, P1 rib for welts and front bands, including an integrated buttonhole
• C6B and C6F – six-stitch back and front cables worked over a cable needle
• T4B and T4F – four-stitch travelling stitches creating diagonal movement
• Reverse stocking stitch as a background to make cables stand proud
• Stitch pickup for neckband finishing
• V-neck shaping with decreases worked at the front edge
• Stitches held on a safety pin for later neckband construction

The Shawl Neck Cardigan

The Shawl Neck Cardigan offers a more relaxed, sophisticated silhouette with a wide, folded shawl collar that adds warmth and a distinctly classic menswear aesthetic. Like the V Neck version, it is worked flat in pieces and seamed. The shawl collar is a defining feature, typically knitted as an extension of the front band and folded back to create its characteristic wide, lapel-like appearance.

The Shawl Neck Cardigan also features cable and textured stitch panels consistent with the Aran style, worked against a reverse stocking stitch or moss stitch ground. The two cardigans share