Cardigan and Hat in Stylecraft Special DK - 9766 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Hat in Stylecraft Special DK – Pattern 9766

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft contains two easy knit designs: a classic raglan cardigan and a matching hat, both worked in Stylecraft Special DK yarn. The pattern is graded across six sizes, covering a chest/bust range of 22–24 inches up to 42–44 inches, making it suitable for both girls and ladies. With a beginner-friendly difficulty rating, this is an ideal project for knitters who are confident with basic techniques and ready to tackle a simple shaped garment.

About the Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, practical design featuring a raglan sleeve construction — a popular choice in knitwear because it creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline, offering a comfortable and flattering fit across a wide range of body shapes. The garment is worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then joined together.

Actual finished measurements range from 68 cm (26¾ in) up to 121 cm (47¾ in) in width, with full lengths spanning 42 cm to 68 cm and sleeve lengths from 29 cm to 47 cm, giving a well-proportioned silhouette across all sizes.

Cardigan Construction and Techniques

• Cast-on method: The thumb method is specified for casting on, which creates a neat, slightly elastic edge well suited to ribbed borders.
• Rib border: The back begins with 2x2 rib worked on 3¼mm needles, providing a firm, stretchy lower edge. The number of rib rows varies by size, ranging from 11 to 17 rows.
• Body fabric: After the rib, stitches are decreased on a transition row and the work continues in stocking stitch (st-st) on 4mm needles — knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows — which produces the smooth, classic fabric typical of DK-weight cardigans.
• Raglan shaping: Stitches are cast off at the beginning of rows to form the underarm, followed by carefully structured decrease rows. Decreases are worked at each end of specified rows and alternate rows, with the exact sequence varying by size to achieve the correct raglan angle.

About the Hat

The matching hat is designed to fit an average-sized head and is worked in the same Stylecraft Special DK yarn using the same five colours as the cardigan. It is a straightforward beginner knit that coordinates beautifully with the cardigan for a complete, coordinated set. Full construction details continue within the pattern, following the same simple knitting techniques.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• 2x2 rib — for borders and cuffs, alternating knit 2 and purl 2 stitches
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main fabric of both the cardigan body and sleeves
• Raglan shaping — using paired decreases at armhole edges
• Thumb cast-on method — for a neat, elastic starting edge
• p2tog decreases — used on the transition row to reduce stitch count before beginning stocking stitch

Colours and Materials

The pattern uses five shades of Stylecraft Special DK, a widely loved acrylic double knitting yarn known for its softness, durability, and extensive colour range. The five colours specified are:

• Colour A – French Navy (1854)
• Colour B – Dandelion (1856)
• Colour C – Matador (1010)
• Colour D – Apple (1852)
• Colour E – Clementine (1853)

For the cardigan, Colour A requires between 2 and 5