V Neck Sweater & V Neck Top in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK - 9835 - Downloadable PDF

V Neck Sweater & V Neck Top in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK – Pattern 9835

Pattern 9835 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct designs: a classic V Neck Sweater and a lighter V Neck Top, both worked in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK. This intermediate-level pattern is thoughtfully sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), making it an inclusive choice for knitters of many shapes and sizes. Both garments share the same elegant V-neckline construction and yarn base, but differ in their silhouette and sleeve treatment, giving knitters two versatile wardrobe options from a single pattern purchase.

About the Yarn: Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK

Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Naturals Organic Cotton DK, a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. Organic cotton is a popular choice for warm-weather garments and those with sensitive skin, as it is breathable, soft, and free from synthetic fibres. DK weight yarn strikes a balance between speed of knitting and stitch definition, making it ideal for showcasing the textured and lace-style stitch patterns used in these designs. The quantity of yarn required varies by size and garment:

• V Neck Sweater: requires 10, 11, 12, 14, or 15 balls depending on the size chosen
• Knitters are advised to check their tension carefully before beginning, as cotton yarn has less elasticity than wool and accurate gauge is especially important

Needles Required

The pattern calls for two needle sizes to achieve the correct fabric tension and structure:

• 3¼ mm needles – used for the ribbed welts and edgings
• 4 mm needles – used for the main body fabric and stitch pattern sections

Both needle sizes are standard for DK weight knitting. Knitters working with circular or double-pointed needles may substitute as preferred, though the pattern is written for straight needle construction.

Design One: The V Neck Sweater

Garment Overview and Measurements

The V Neck Sweater is a full-length knitted sweater with set-in or shaped sleeves. It is designed with a flattering V-shaped neckline and features a structured silhouette suitable for everyday wear. The actual finished bust measurements range from approximately 105 cm up to 151 cm across the five sizes, providing generous positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Sleeve length is given as 44–46 cm (approximately 17¼–18 inches) depending on the size, making these full-length sleeves appropriate for cooler seasons or transitional weather.

Construction Method

The sweater is worked in flat pieces – back, front, and sleeves – which are then seamed together. Construction begins at the lower edge and works upward. The back piece is cast on using the thumb method, a popular cast-on technique in UK knitting that creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well-suited to ribbing. The number of stitches cast on ranges from 105 to 151 stitches across the five sizes.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The V Neck Sweater incorporates a combination of classic knitting stitches and decorative techniques:

• 1x1 Rib: The lower welt and cuffs are worked in a knit 1, purl 1 rib over 8 rows using 3¼ mm needles. This creates a firm, stretchy edging that helps the garment hold its shape at the hem and sleeve ends. The rib is set up with a right-side row of K1, *P1, K1, repeat from * to end and a wrong-side row of P1, *K1, P1, repeat from * to end.
• Textured and Lace-Style Stitch Pattern: After the ribbed welt, stitches are transferred to 4 mm