Cardigans in Stylecraft Special Super Chunky - 9593 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Special XL Super Chunky – Pattern 9593

Pattern 9593 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two easy-knit cardigan designs worked in Stylecraft Special XL Super Chunky yarn. Both designs are described as beginner-friendly in their construction while being classified at an intermediate level overall, making them an excellent choice for knitters looking to build confidence with garment shaping in a fast-working super chunky weight. The generous yarn weight means projects knit up quickly on large needles, delivering satisfying results in a relatively short time.

Designs Included

Design One: Three-Quarter Sleeved Cardigan

The first design is a three-quarter sleeved cardigan featuring a classic, relaxed silhouette. It is worked in pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together. The construction includes a raglan sleeve shaping, which creates a smooth, diagonal shoulder line by gradually decreasing stitches on both the body and sleeve sections simultaneously. Raglan shaping is a popular technique in chunky garment knitting as it eliminates the need for complex set-in sleeve construction while producing a comfortable, roomy fit.

• Sizes: Five sizes ranging from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) to 122–127 cm (48–50 in) to fit bust
• Actual Measurements: 93 cm to 138 cm across the five sizes
• Full Length: 60 cm to 73 cm depending on size
• Three-Quarter Sleeve Length: 28 cm to 30 cm depending on size

Design Two: Long Sleeved Cardigan

The second design is a long sleeved version of the cardigan, sharing the same overall silhouette and construction method but with extended sleeves for additional warmth and coverage. Like the first design, it uses raglan shaping and is sized across the same range of bust measurements.

• Long Sleeve Length: 46 cm to 48 cm depending on size
• Sizes and body measurements are consistent with the three-quarter sleeved version

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are constructed using straightforward, classic knitting techniques that are well suited to the intermediate knitter. The pattern uses a combination of stitch types and shaping methods to create a structured yet comfortable garment.

• Cast On Method: The thumb method cast on is specified, a popular technique that creates a neat, stretchy edge ideal for garment hems
• Garter Stitch (g-st): Used for the lower border of the back, worked over 10 rows to create a firm, non-curling hem edge; garter stitch is formed by knitting every row
• Stocking Stitch (st-st): The main body fabric is worked in stocking stitch — knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows — producing a smooth, classic fabric that drapes well in chunky yarn
• Coloured Markers: Placed at the end of the garter stitch border to mark the transition point, a helpful technique for keeping track of construction stages
• Raglan Shaping: Achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then working paired decreases at regular intervals to shape the armhole and sleeve head simultaneously
• Larger Sizes Included: The pattern explicitly covers larger sizes, making it an inclusive option for a wide range of body types

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – every row knitted; used for borders and hems
• Stocking Stitch – knit right side, purl wrong side; used for the main body and sleeves
• Cast Off – standard cast off used during raglan shaping

Materials Required

Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Special XL Super Chunky yarn, a super chunky weight yarn sold in 200g balls. The quantity required varies by design