Cardigan & Sweater in Stylecraft Bellissima - 9587 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Bellissima 9587: Knitted Cardigan & Sweater Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9587 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic knitwear designs — a cardigan and a sweater — both worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is notable for incorporating two easy lace designs into otherwise straightforward construction, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop their lace skills within a wearable, everyday garment. Both designs are available in a generous range of sizes, fitting chest/bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with actual finished measurements spanning 102 cm to 142 cm, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable fit across the size range.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Design One: The Cardigan

The cardigan is a longer garment, with a full length ranging from 65 cm to 76 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths from 43 cm to 48 cm. It is worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK in Single Cream (shade 3921), giving it a soft, elegant, neutral appearance that suits the delicate lace detailing beautifully. The quantity of yarn required ranges from 5 to 7 x 100g balls across the size range.

Design Two: The Sweater

The sweater is a slightly shorter, more casual style, with a full length of 56 cm to 67 cm and shorter sleeves of 26 cm to 31 cm, making it a versatile layering piece. It is worked in Stylecraft Bellissima DK in Rio Red (shade 3932), offering a bold, vibrant contrast to the cardigan version. Between 4 and 6 x 100g balls are required depending on size.

Yarn and Materials

Stylecraft Bellissima DK is the primary recommended yarn for both garments. It is a double knitting weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The pattern also lists several alternative yarn options for knitters who wish to substitute, including Batik DK, Batik Swirl DK, Life DK, and Life Changes — all from the Stylecraft range. Knitters are advised to check meterage carefully when using an alternative yarn, as quantities may vary.

In terms of needles, the pattern calls for:

• 3.75mm (UK 9 / USA 5) straight needles — used for the ribbed welts and borders
• 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) straight needles — used for the main body and lace pattern sections
• 3.75mm (UK 9 / USA 5) circular needle — referenced for finishing details such as button bands or neckbands

Construction and Techniques

Both garments are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, front(s), and sleeves — and then seamed together, which is a traditional and reliable construction method well suited to intermediate knitters. The pattern uses a combination of bottom-up construction and standard shaping techniques for armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps.

Each piece begins with a ribbed welt or cuff worked on the smaller 3.75mm needles before switching to the larger 4mm needles for the main fabric. The rib is a 2x1 rib, structured as follows:

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *p1, k2; repeat from * to end
• Row 2 (WS): P2, *k1, p2; repeat from * to end

This rib is worked for approximately 3 cm / 1¼ in before a decrease row is worked on the wrong side to adjust the stitch count ready for the lace pattern. This shaping row uses p2tog decreases spaced evenly across the row to reduce stitches to the correct count for the lace repeat.