Sirdar Patchwork Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Patchwork Cardigan in Cashmere Merino Silk DK

What is Being Made

This is an advanced-level cardigan knitting pattern designed for sophisticated womenswear. The Sirdar Patchwork Cardigan (Design No. 10310) features Fair Isle colorwork techniques and is available in six sizes ranging from 81–137 cm chest (32–54 inches). The finished garment includes a full-length cardigan body with sleeves and six button closures. The design showcases grown-up, flattering shades inspired by English estates, making it suitable for elegant, designer-quality knitwear.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs advanced Fair Isle knitting, a traditional colorwork technique that incorporates multiple colors within individual rows to create intricate patterned designs. Fair Isle work requires careful color management and precise stitch counting to achieve the intended visual effect. The pattern utilizes five different yarn colors (labeled A through E) plus an additional shade option, demanding advanced color-work skills and attention to detail. Sirdar notes that the pattern uses more colors than typical designs, which adds complexity but creates striking visual results when executed with the recommended Sirdar yarns.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern content, Fair Isle knitting fundamentally relies on knit and purl stitches worked in the round or flat, with color changes creating the characteristic stranded or floated yarn effect on the reverse side. The pattern instructions appear on the back page of the design sheet and should be followed precisely for each size to ensure proper stitch counts and shaping.

Materials

This cardigan is knitted using Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk Double Knitting (DK) yarn. This luxury fiber blend combines pure silk, extra fine merino wool, and the softest Himalayan cashmere, creating an indulgent knitting experience with sophisticated drape and softness. The yarn is available in a palette of refined shades including 407 Royal Navy (featured in the main design), 413 Morning Yellow, 405 Silver Grey, and 417 Saddle Brown.

Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Yarn A (main color): 9–11 balls depending on size
• Yarn B: 2 balls (all sizes)
• Yarn C: 4–6 balls depending on size
• Yarn D: 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn E: 2 balls (all sizes)
• Six buttons for front closure

Knitters will need appropriate needles for Double Knitting weight yarn (typically UK size 10–11 or US size 6–8) as specified in the full pattern instructions. Sirdar triple-checks all patterns to guarantee success when using recommended Sirdar yarns, ensuring that the Fair Isle colorwork and garment construction will achieve professional results.

Size and Fit Information

The cardigan is offered in six sizes with the following measurements:

• Size S: 81–86 cm chest (32–34 inches), 131 cm width (51½ inches), 71 cm full length (28 inches)
• Size M: 91–97 cm chest (36–38 inches), 136 cm width (53½ inches), 73 cm full length (28¾ inches)
• Size L: 102–107 cm chest (40–42 inches), 140 cm width (55¼ inches), 75 cm full length (29½ inches)
• Size XL: 112–117 cm chest (44–46 inches), 146 cm width (57½ inches), 77 cm full length (30¼ inches)
• Size XXL: 122–127 cm chest (48–50 inches), 151 cm width (59½ inches), 79 cm full length (31¼ inches)
• Size XXXL: 132–137 cm chest (52–54 inches), 154 cm width (60¾ inches), 81 cm full length (32 inches)

All sizes feature a consistent sleeve length of 43 cm (17 inches). The generous width measurements reflect the relaxed, sophisticated fit characteristic of luxury cardigan designs.

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