Cardigans in Merry Go Round XL in Stylecraft - 9960 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9960 – Cardigans in Merry Go Round XL: Full Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9960 offers two easy-knit cardigan designs worked in the brand's popular Merry Go Round XL super chunky yarn. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as a beginner-friendly project, making it an ideal choice for newer knitters who want to achieve a stylish, cosy result without complex construction. Both cardigans are generously sized, with the pattern covering five sizes ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) bust measurement, making it an inclusive design that caters to a wide range of body shapes.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Design One: The Long Cardigan

The Long Cardigan is a relaxed, full-length style with a finished full length ranging from 78 cm (30¾ in) to 89 cm (35 in) depending on the size chosen. It is shown in Merry Go Round XL shade Spice Mix 3018, a warm, richly toned colourway that suits the chunky, textured nature of the yarn beautifully. The long cardigan requires 12 to 18 balls of Merry Go Round XL (100 g balls) depending on size, reflecting the substantial length and generous proportions of the finished garment.

Design Two: The Short Cardigan

The Short Cardigan is a cropped alternative with a finished full length of 58 cm (22¾ in) to 69 cm (27¼ in) across the size range. It is shown in Merry Go Round XL shade Liquorice Whirl 3728, a striking dark colourway that gives the design a bold, contemporary look. The short cardigan requires 10 to 15 balls of Merry Go Round XL (100 g balls), again varying by size. Both versions share the same sleeve length of 46–48 cm (18–19 in).

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are designed for Stylecraft Merry Go Round XL, a super chunky weight yarn sold in 100 g balls. The pattern also lists several alternative yarns that can be substituted: Stylecraft Special XL, Stylecraft Special XL Tweed, and Stylecraft Life Super Chunky. Knitters are advised to check the meterage carefully when substituting, as the number of balls required may differ from those stated in the pattern.

In terms of tools, the pattern calls for:

• 9 mm knitting needles (UK 00 / USA 13) – used for the ribbed welts and edgings
• 10 mm knitting needles (UK 000 / USA 15) – used for the main body sections
• Stitch holders – for holding stitches during construction
• Stitch markers – used to mark shaping points such as armhole placement

Construction and Techniques

Both cardigans are worked in flat, separate pieces – left front, right front, back, and sleeves – which are then seamed together. This is a classic construction method well suited to beginners, as it breaks the project into manageable sections and avoids the complexity of working in the round. The use of two needle sizes is a standard technique in knitwear: the smaller 9 mm needle creates a firmer, neater fabric for the ribbed sections, while the larger 10 mm needle produces the looser, drapier fabric of the main body.

A key design detail is the integrated front button band, which is worked simultaneously with the front panels rather than being picked up and added separately afterwards. This is achieved by maintaining a 6-stitch garter stitch border at the front edge throughout, which creates a neat, stable edging without any additional finishing steps. The pattern notes specifically advise joining a new ball of yarn at the side edge when working the fronts, in order to keep the front edge clean and uninterrupted.

Stitches Used