Cardigan and Waistcoat in Stylecraft Soft Pastels 10155

Cardigan and Waistcoat in Stylecraft Soft Pastels Aran – Pattern 10155

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two classic designs — a Cardigan and a Waistcoat — both worked in Stylecraft Soft Pastels Aran weight yarn. The pattern is graded across five sizes to fit busts measuring 81/86 cm through to 122/127 cm (32/34 in to 48/50 in), making it an inclusive choice for a wide range of figures. Rated as an intermediate level knitting project, it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping and cable techniques and are ready to develop their skills further.

Design 1: The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a full-length knitted jacket featuring a prominent cable panel as its central decorative element. The full length of the cardigan measures approximately 60–71 cm (23¾–28 in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 in) across all sizes — a generous, wearable proportion suited to everyday wear.

Construction and Shaping

The back is cast on using 4 mm needles, beginning with 99[109:119:129:139] stitches depending on the chosen size. Shaping is worked carefully around the cable panel, with the knitter instructed to work decreases as sl1p-k2-psso where sufficient stitches exist within the cable repeat, and to revert to stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) where the cable cannot be fully accommodated. This approach preserves the integrity of the cable pattern across all shaping sections.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting — a structured cable panel forms the decorative centrepiece of the cardigan, requiring a cable needle and attention to row-by-row stitch counts
• Stocking stitch — used as the main background fabric and for shaping areas where cable repeats cannot be completed
• Shaping with decreases — the specific decrease sl1p-k2-psso (slip 1 purlwise, knit 2, pass slipped stitch over) is used within the cable pattern for neat, directional shaping
• Stitch count management — the cable pattern temporarily reduces the stitch count on certain rows; knitters are advised to count stitches only on rows 2, 3, and 4 to avoid confusion during shaping

Stitches Used

• Cable pattern (worked over a defined repeat with stitch count adjustments across rows)
• Stocking stitch (knit right side, purl wrong side)
• sl1p-k2-psso decrease stitch

Design 2: The Waistcoat

The Waistcoat is the second design included in this pattern, offering a sleeveless alternative that shares the same yarn, needle size, and general aesthetic as the cardigan. It is an ideal companion piece, wearable as a layering garment over shirts or knitwear, or as a standalone top in milder weather. Like the cardigan, it is worked in Stylecraft Soft Pastels Aran and incorporates the same cable detailing, giving both garments a cohesive, coordinated look when worn together.

Construction

The waistcoat is also constructed using 4 mm needles and follows the same sizing structure as the cardigan, fitting bust measurements from 81/86 cm to 122/127 cm. The actual finished measurements range from approximately 102 cm to 140 cm across the five sizes, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. As a sleeveless design, the waistcoat requires armhole shaping but omits the sleeve construction entirely, making it a slightly more accessible project for knitters who find sleeve shaping challenging.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting — the same cable panel featured in the cardigan is incorporated into the waistcoat design