Cardigans in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 10005 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 10005: Two Knitted Cardigan Designs

Pattern 10005 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct cardigan designs — a Long Cardigan and a Short Cardigan — both worked in the beautiful Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK yarn. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern offering a wide range of sizes, making it accessible to a broad range of knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and ribbing techniques.

As noted in the pattern itself, Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK is a random self-striping yarn that creates a unique, one-of-a-kind colour effect in every finished garment. No two cardigans will look exactly alike, which makes these designs especially appealing for knitters who love colour without the complexity of working with multiple separate yarns.

Size Range

Both cardigans are available in a generous range of sizes to fit a wide variety of body types:

• To Fit Bust: 81–86 cm / 32–34 in through to 122–127 cm / 48–50 in
• Five sizes in total, including larger sizes up to 48–50 inches
• Knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning

Long Cardigan – Design Overview

The Long Cardigan is a full-length layering piece with a classic, relaxed silhouette. Key measurements include:

• Actual Bust Measurement: 108 cm / 42½ in (smallest) to 148 cm / 58¼ in (largest), providing a comfortable, eased fit
• Full Length: 80 cm / 31½ in (smallest) to 86 cm / 34 in (largest)
• Sleeve Length: 46 cm / 18 in (smallest) to 48 cm / 19 in (largest)

Short Cardigan – Design Overview

The Short Cardigan offers a cropped alternative with the same yarn and stitch palette, ideal for those who prefer a more contemporary, hip-length style. Key measurements include:

• Full Length: 64 cm / 25¼ in (smallest) to 73 cm / 28¾ in (largest)
• Sleeve length is shared with the Long Cardigan design across all sizes

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are constructed using flat knitting — worked back and forth in rows — making them well-suited to knitters who prefer working on straight or circular needles rather than in the round. The construction follows a traditional seamed garment approach, with separate pieces for the back, fronts, and sleeves that are joined upon finishing.

Key techniques used in this pattern include:

• Casting on — the back begins with a cast-on of 138 to 194 stitches depending on size
• k2, p2 ribbing — used at the lower edges to create a neat, elasticated border; worked over 11 rows before transitioning to the main body
• Decrease rows within ribbing — a specific decrease row is worked on the wrong side for certain sizes (1st and 4th) to shape the stitch count before moving to the main needle size; this uses rib2tog decreases worked at regular intervals within the rib pattern
• Needle changes — ribbing is worked on 3.25mm needles before switching to 4mm needles for the main body fabric
• Right side and wrong side row awareness — the pattern is clearly structured with RS and WS row notation, important for maintaining correct rib orientation and shaping placement

Stitches Used

The stitch vocabulary in this pattern is approachable for an intermediate knitter and includes:

• Knit stitch (k)
• Purl stitch (p)