Cardigan and Jumper in Stylecraft Cabaret - 9783 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Cabaret DK Cardigan and Jumper – Pattern 9783 Summary

Pattern 9783 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic designs: a cardigan and a jumper (sweater), both worked in Stylecraft Cabaret DK yarn. This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that covers a generous range of sizes, making it suitable for a wide variety of figures. The pattern is written for five sizes, fitting bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with the inclusion of larger sizes being a highlighted feature of this design.

About Stylecraft Cabaret DK Yarn

Both garments are knitted in Stylecraft Cabaret DK, a double knitting weight yarn sold in 100g balls. Cabaret DK is known for its soft handle and the subtle textural or tonal interest it brings to stitch patterns, making it an excellent choice for garments where stitch definition and drape are both important. The DK weight ensures a relatively quick knit while still producing a fabric with good stitch clarity.

Design 1: The Cardigan

Measurements and Sizing

The cardigan is designed to fit bust sizes from 81–86 cm to 122–127 cm. The actual finished measurements range from 96 cm to 134 cm across the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The full length of the cardigan ranges from 64 cm to 75 cm (25¼ in to 29½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 43–45 cm (17–17¾ in) across all sizes.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Stylecraft Cabaret DK, 100g balls – quantities range from 5 balls (smallest size) to 8 balls (largest size)
• Needles: 4 mm knitting needles are specified for the main fabric

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional construction method well suited to intermediate knitters. The back begins with a cast-on appropriate to the chosen size, with the stitch count ranging from 107 to 149 stitches before ribbing shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The lower edge of the cardigan back begins with a twisted rib or broken rib pattern, which provides a neat, firm edge with good elasticity. The rib is set up as follows:

• Row 1 (right side): P2, *K1, P2, repeat from * to end
• Row 2 (wrong side): K2, *P1, K2, repeat from * to end

This 1x2 rib variation (one knit stitch alternating with two purl stitches) creates a subtly textured, stretchy border that sits neatly at the hem. The rib is worked for a total of 16 rows, ending after a right-side row, before a decrease row on the wrong side reduces the stitch count to between 101 and 141 stitches depending on size. This shaping row uses rib2tog decreases placed strategically across the row to taper the fabric smoothly from the hem into the main body section. After this, the pattern transitions into the main stitch pattern for the body of the cardigan.

The use of a decrease row after the ribbed hem is a classic technique in garment knitting — it ensures the body fabric does not flare at the lower edge and that the main pattern section sits smoothly against the body.

Design 2: The Jumper (Sweater)

Measurements and Sizing

The jumper shares the same bust size range as the cardigan — 81–86 cm to 122