Cardigan & Top in Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK - 190/9990 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan & Top in Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo & Cotton DK – Pattern 9990

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two distinct garment designs worked in Naturals Bamboo + Cotton DK yarn: a classic Cardigan and a relaxed Top. Both designs are rated intermediate in difficulty and are offered in a generous range of sizes to suit a wide variety of figures, from a 32/34 inch bust right through to a 52/54 inch bust. This inclusive sizing makes the pattern a versatile addition to any knitter's collection.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are designed specifically for Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo + Cotton DK, a yarn that blends the natural softness of bamboo with the breathability of cotton. This combination produces a fabric with a subtle sheen, excellent drape, and a cool, comfortable hand — qualities that make it particularly well suited to lighter-weight layering pieces such as a cardigan and a top. The yarn is worked at DK weight, making it a popular choice for garments that need to feel lightweight without sacrificing stitch definition.

• Yarn: Stylecraft Naturals Bamboo + Cotton DK (referred to as MC in the pattern)
• Needles: 3.25mm needles are specified for the ribbed sections
• Format: Downloadable PDF

Design One: The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a structured, set-in or shaped garment featuring a full back, fronts, and sleeves. It is worked flat in separate pieces that are seamed together, which is a traditional construction method well suited to intermediate knitters looking to develop their finishing skills.

Sizing and Measurements

The Cardigan is available in six sizes with the following actual bust measurements:

• 81/86 cm (32/34 in) – Actual measurement: 92 cm / 36¼ in
• 91/97 cm (36/38 in) – Actual measurement: 103 cm / 40½ in
• 102/107 cm (40/42 in) – Actual measurement: 113 cm / 44½ in
• 112/117 cm (44/46 in) – Actual measurement: 123 cm / 48½ in
• 122/127 cm (48/50 in) – Actual measurement: 133 cm / 52½ in
• 132/137 cm (52/54 in) – Actual measurement: 143 cm / 56¼ in

The full length of the Cardigan ranges from 55 cm (21¾ in) in the smallest size up to 70 cm (27½ in) in the largest, providing a comfortable, flattering body length across all sizes. Sleeve length is consistent across most sizes, ranging from 46 cm to 48 cm (18 in to 19 in).

Construction and Techniques – Cardigan

The Cardigan back begins with a cast-on of 117 stitches in the smallest size, increasing to 183 stitches in the largest, worked on 3.25mm needles in the main colour (MC). The lower edge is worked in a k1, p1 rib, which provides elasticity and a neat, professional finish at the hem. The ribbed border continues for between 4 cm and 5 cm depending on the size chosen, ending on a right-side row before a shaping decrease row is worked on the wrong side.

• Cast on: 117 to 183 stitches depending on size
• Rib pattern: k1, p1 rib (2-row repeat)
• Shaping: Decrease row worked on wrong side after rib border to shape the body
• Needle size: 3.25mm

Stitches Used – Cardigan

• Knit stitch (k)
• Purl