Sweaters in Stylecraft Special XL - 10123 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special XL Super Chunky Sweaters – Pattern 10123

Pattern 10123 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two sweater designs worked in Stylecraft Special XL super chunky yarn. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and includes a generous size range, fitting bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 122/127 cm (48/50 in), making it an inclusive and versatile choice for knitters of varying body types. Both designs share the same yarn and core construction approach but differ in finished length, giving knitters a choice of silhouette.

The Two Designs

Long Sweater

The Long Sweater is a full-length pullover with a relaxed, cosy silhouette. It is designed to offer a generous full length ranging from approximately 68 cm to 81 cm (26¾ in to 32 in) depending on size, making it an ideal layering piece for colder months. The sleeve length runs from approximately 46 cm to 48 cm (18 in to 19 in) across the size range. The actual knitted measurements range from 116 cm to 156 cm in full circumference, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction of the Long Sweater begins with a 1 x 1 rib worked over 9 rows on 9 mm needles using the thumb method cast-on. The body then transitions to 10 mm needles for the main fabric, where the knitting proceeds in a straightforward manner suited to the super chunky weight. Shaping rows are worked on the wrong side using a decrease sequence — for example, on Row 10 (WS): P6, p2tog, (p7, p2tog) repeated across, p6 — reducing the stitch count in a neat, structured way. The pattern uses multiple yarn colours (referred to as A, B, and C), with colour joins made at specific points in the construction. A practical finishing note instructs knitters to cut yarn at the end/edge of each shade and weave it in so there are no loose ends to sew at the completion of knitting.

• Cast-on method: Thumb method
• Rib section: 1 x 1 rib on 9 mm needles
• Main body: 10 mm needles, stocking stitch with shaping rows
• Colour work: Three colours (A, B, C) joined at designated rows
• Full length range: 68–81 cm (26¾–32 in)
• Sleeve length range: 46–48 cm (18–19 in)

Short Sweater

The Short Sweater is a cropped or hip-length version of the same design, offering a more contemporary, casual look. Its finished length ranges from approximately 48 cm to 61 cm (19 in to 24 in) depending on size — significantly shorter than the Long Sweater — while sharing the same bust measurements, sleeve construction, and yarn requirements. This makes it an excellent option for knitters who prefer a more modern, shorter silhouette or who wish to wear the sweater tucked in or over high-waisted garments.

Like the Long Sweater, the Short Sweater is worked using the same needle progression from 9 mm to 10 mm, the same 1 x 1 rib edging, and the same multi-colour stripe approach with colours A, B, and C. The stitch counts and shaping rows follow the same logic, with bracketed figures in the pattern guiding knitters through each of the five sizes.

• Short length range: 48–61 cm (19–24 in)
• Sleeve length range: 46–48 cm (18–19 in)
• Same needle sizes and rib construction as the Long Sweater
• Three-colour stripe design using colours A, B,