Sirdar Open Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Open Cardigan in Jewelspun

What is Being Made

This is a top-down cardigan design (Design No. 10026) from Sirdar, a British yarn company established in West Yorkshire in 1880. The cardigan is an open-front style available in six flattering colorways, including Northern Lights, Nordic Noir, Glacier, and Setting Sun. The design is classified as intermediate level and comes in six sizes ranging from 81/86cm (32/34") chest to 132/137cm (52/54") chest, with full length measurements varying from 54cm to 62cm depending on size.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is worked using multiple knitting techniques to create a well-fitted garment. The primary construction method is top-down, which allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates the need for seaming. The pattern employs both worked flat and worked in the round techniques, combining the benefits of each approach. This hybrid method enables knitters to work the body and sleeves efficiently while maintaining clean finishing throughout the project.

Stitches and Construction Details

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the cardigan is designed to showcase the distinctive characteristics of Jewelspun yarn. The construction takes advantage of the yarn's hand-spun appearance and soft texture, creating a garment with simple Scandi-style appeal. The top-down approach means you begin at the neckline and work downward, shaping the body and sleeves as you progress, which is particularly effective for achieving proper fit in cardigan designs.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This cardigan is designed to be worked in Sirdar Jewelspun, an aran weight yarn (F237) that weighs 200g per ball. Jewelspun is specifically formulated to blend opulent colors that mimic the popular hand-spun look while maintaining the practicality of machine-washable yarn. The yarn is soft and light despite its aran weight, making it as easy to care for as it is to wear.

Yarn requirements vary by size: sizes S, M, and L require 2 balls of yarn, while sizes XL, XXL, and XXXL require 3 balls. The pattern is available in six beautiful shades, allowing knitters to choose their preferred colorway.

Needles Required

• 1 pair of 5mm (UK6 - USA8) straight knitting needles
• 1 pair of 4½mm (UK7 - USA7) straight knitting needles
• 1 5mm (UK6 - USA8) circular needle, 80cm length
• 1 4½mm (UK7 - USA7) circular needle, 80cm length

The combination of straight and circular needles supports the mixed construction method, with circular needles enabling the in-the-round sections while straight needles are used for flat-worked portions.

Design Philosophy

Sirdar emphasizes that every pattern is triple-checked to guarantee success when using the recommended Sirdar yarns. This cardigan represents the company's commitment to combining classic British knitting heritage with contemporary yarn innovations. The Jewelspun yarn allows knitters to achieve the coveted hand-spun aesthetic at an accessible price point, bringing simple Scandi-style coziness to any wardrobe.