Sirdar Opening Act Jacket Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Opening Act Jacket

About This Design

The Sirdar Opening Act Jacket is an advanced-level knitting pattern featuring two cardigan options: a long cardigan and a short cardigan. This downloadable PDF pattern (Design No. 10543) offers versatile styling for knitters seeking a sophisticated, multi-colored garment. The design showcases the Festival collection aesthetic, bringing contemporary crochet-inspired fashion to hand knitting with a modern, layered color approach.

What Is Being Made

This pattern includes instructions for two distinct cardigan styles:

• Long Cardigan: A full-length cardigan approximately 43¾ inches (111 cm) in length, offering elegant coverage and dramatic drape
• Short Cardigan: A cropped alternative for versatile layering and contemporary styling

Both versions are available in UK sizes 6–28 (US sizes 2–24), with chest measurements ranging from 32/34 inches (81/86 cm) to 52/54 inches (132/137 cm). Sleeve lengths vary slightly by size, from 17¼ inches to 19 inches (44–48 cm).

Techniques and Construction

As an advanced-level pattern, the Sirdar Opening Act Jacket employs sophisticated knitting techniques to achieve its multi-colored, visually striking design. The pattern utilizes color work throughout, incorporating eight distinct yarn shades to create depth and visual interest. The construction requires careful attention to color changes and pattern repeats, making it suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with complex color management and stitch integration.

The garment is constructed using traditional cardigan shaping with set-in sleeves and a button-front closure. The pattern provides detailed measurements and schematic guidance to ensure proper fit across the extensive size range.

Stitches and Yarn Details

The Sirdar Opening Act Jacket is worked in Double Knitting weight yarn, a versatile medium weight that creates fabric with excellent drape and structure. This weight is ideal for cardigans, as it provides sufficient body for garment stability while remaining comfortable for layering.

The pattern calls for eight coordinating shades of Sirdar STORIES Double Knitting yarn:

• Shade 801 (Embers)
• Shade 835
• Shade 830
• Shade 831
• Shade 812
• Shade 824
• Shade 822 (Moonlight)
• Shade 806
• Shade 807

Yarn quantities vary by size and color. Yarn B (the primary shade) requires 4–6 balls depending on size, while accent colors A, C, D, E, F, G, and H each require 1–2 balls. The STORIES collection features a cotton-rich acrylic blend that combines the comfort and breathability of natural cotton with the durability and shape retention of acrylic, making it particularly suitable for summer-weight garments that maintain their structure through wear and washing.

Materials and Yarn Characteristics

Sirdar STORIES Double Knitting is specifically formulated for hand knitters seeking reliable, high-performance yarn. The cotton-rich blend creates lighter garments perfect for warm-weather wear while ensuring excellent stitch definition for color work. The yarn's natural fiber content provides breathability, while the acrylic component ensures easy care and long-lasting shape retention—essential qualities for a multi-colored cardigan with complex construction.

The pattern recommends using appropriate needles for Double Knitting weight yarn (typically UK size 10–11 / US size 6–8, though specific needle sizes should be confirmed in the full pattern instructions). Sirdar's quality assurance process triple-checks every pattern to guarantee successful results when using recommended Sirdar yarns.

Design Heritage

Sirdar, established in West Yorkshire in 1880, brings nearly 150 years of British hand knitting expertise to this contemporary design. The Opening Act Jacket represents the brand's commitment to combining traditional knitting craftsmanship with modern fashion trends, allowing knitters to achieve runway-inspired looks through hand knitting.