Sirdar Yorkshire Fair Isle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Yorkshire Fair Isle Cardigan in Haworth Tweed

What Is Being Made

This is an advanced-level knitted cardigan (Design No. 10156) featuring a Fair Isle pattern worked in two complementary shades of Sirdar Haworth Tweed yarn. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from 81cm to 137cm chest measurement (32 inches to 54 inches), with full length options from 60cm to 70cm. The design showcases a rustic, textured aesthetic inspired by the Yorkshire Dales landscape, combining traditional Fair Isle colorwork techniques with contemporary styling.

Construction Method

The body of this cardigan is worked in one piece, which is an efficient construction technique that minimizes seaming and creates a seamless garment. This method is particularly advantageous for Fair Isle patterns, as it allows for continuous colorwork without interruption. The one-piece body construction reduces finishing work and ensures consistent pattern alignment throughout the front and back sections.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs Fair Isle knitting, a traditional colorwork technique that involves carrying two colors across each row to create intricate patterned designs. Fair Isle work requires careful tension management and attention to color placement to achieve the characteristic multi-colored motifs. The pattern utilizes double knitting as the base stitch structure, which creates a fabric with good drape and durability suitable for a cardigan garment.

• Fair Isle colorwork with two yarn colors worked simultaneously
• Double knitting stitch as the foundational technique
• One-piece body construction to minimize seams
• Set-in sleeves with coordinated colorwork
• Button band finishing with seven to eight buttons depending on size

Yarn and Materials

This cardigan is designed specifically for Sirdar Haworth Tweed, a double knitting weight yarn that produces a distinctive soft, tweed-like fabric with rich nep texture. The yarn selection consists of two shades:

• Yarn A: Shade 909 Moorland Moss (7 to 10 balls depending on size)
• Yarn B: Shade 911 Cotton Grass Cream (2 to 3 balls depending on size)

Sirdar Haworth Tweed is a British yarn produced by Sirdar, an established West Yorkshire yarn company founded in 1880. The yarn's richly nepped shades create a rustic texture that adds visual interest to both plain knits and textured stitches. The double knitting weight provides excellent stitch definition for Fair Isle patterns while maintaining softness and wearability.

Additional materials required include seven to eight Sirdar Elegant Buttons (reference code B5, code F007) depending on the chosen size. The pattern recommends standard knitting needles appropriate for double knitting weight yarn, though specific needle sizes are detailed on the pattern's back page.

Yarn Shade Options

While the featured design uses Moorland Moss and Cotton Grass Cream, the pattern suggests alternative colorway combinations from the Haworth Tweed range to customize the finished cardigan:

• 908 Bronte Brown
• 901 Hepworth Slate
• 903 Hockney Blue

Skill Level and Pattern Guarantee

This is an advanced-level pattern suitable for experienced knitters with solid foundational skills in Fair Isle colorwork and garment construction. Sirdar provides a triple-check guarantee on all patterns when used with recommended Sirdar yarns, ensuring accuracy and successful completion when following instructions precisely.