Sirdar Lacy Open Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Lacy Open Cardigan - Design No. 10094

What Is Being Made

The Sirdar Lacy Open Cardigan is a sophisticated women's cardigan featuring delicate lace detailing throughout. This intermediate-level knitting project is designed to be worn open, showcasing the intricate lace pattern as a key design feature. Available in six sizes ranging from 81cm to 137cm chest (32 to 54 inches), this cardigan suits a wide range of body types and can be customized in multiple color options including Pool (shade 240), Mist (shade 239), Moss (shade 241), and Plum (shade 216).

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its elegant appearance:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fit adjustments and a more intuitive building process
• Lace Knitting: Delicate lace patterning is incorporated throughout the design, created through strategic yarn-over and decrease stitches that form decorative openwork
• Worked Flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a finished garment
• Seamed Construction: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then carefully seamed together to create the complete cardigan

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the complete stitch guide is referenced on the back page of the pattern, the lace cardigan employs traditional knitting stitches combined to create openwork effects. Lace patterns typically utilize knit stitches, purl stitches, yarn-overs (which create the characteristic holes in the fabric), and decreases such as knit two together or slip-slip-knit to shape the lace motifs. The combination of these stitches produces the elegant, airy appearance characteristic of lace knitting.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed to be knitted with Sirdar No. 1 Double Knitting yarn, a classic British yarn produced by Sirdar, an established West Yorkshire yarn company with heritage dating back to 1880. Sirdar No. 1 is a double knitting weight crepe yarn featuring a gentle sheen and soft, silky feel. The yarn is machine washable, making the finished cardigan practical for regular wear and care. Shade 240 (Pool) is the featured color for this design.

Yarn quantities required vary by size: Size S and M require 5 and 6 balls respectively (100g balls), Size L requires 7 balls, Size XL requires 7 balls, and Sizes XXL and XXXL each require 8 balls of Sirdar No. 1 DK yarn in your chosen shade.

The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8, USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10, USA size 3) needles for ribbed edgings or cuffs. These needle sizes are standard for double knitting weight yarn and ensure proper gauge and fabric drape.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in six sizes with the following finished chest measurements: Size S (81-86cm / 32-34"), Size M (91-97cm / 36-38"), Size L (102-107cm / 40-42"), Size XL (112-117cm / 44-46"), Size XXL (122-127cm / 48-50"), and Size XXXL (132-137cm / 52-54"). Full length ranges from 57cm (22½") for smaller sizes to 67cm (26½") for the largest size, while sleeve length remains consistent at approximately 46-48cm (18-19") across most sizes.

Pattern Quality and Guarantee

As a Sirdar design, this pattern has been triple-checked by the company to guarantee success when using the recommended Sirdar No. 1 yarn. Sirdar's commitment to pattern accuracy reflects generations of knitting heritage and expertise, ensuring that knitters following the instructions with the specified yarn will achieve professional results.