Sirdar Medalist Zip Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Medalist Zip Sweater

What is Being Made

The Sirdar Medalist Zip Sweater (Design No. 10555) is an advanced-level knitted pullover sweater designed for sophisticated womenswear. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from 81/86cm (32/34") to 132/137cm (52/54") chest measurements, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater features a classic silhouette with long sleeves and is constructed using the double knitting technique with premium luxury yarn.

Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs double knitting as the primary construction method, a technique that creates a dense, durable fabric with excellent drape and structure. The pattern is graded across six size options (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL), requiring knitters to follow specific size-appropriate instructions throughout the construction process. The design incorporates color work options, as referenced in the pattern's mention of "more colours," suggesting that knitters can explore multi-shade variations to create visual interest and designer-quality aesthetics.

Stitches and Construction Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the double knitting weight yarn and advanced difficulty rating indicate that the pattern likely incorporates a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches. The sweater construction typically involves working flat pieces for the back, front, and sleeves before seaming them together, with careful attention to shaping at the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps—essential elements for achieving a professional, tailored fit across all six size options.

Materials Required

Yarn: Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk in Double Knitting (DK) weight, shade 403 China Blue. Yarn quantities vary by size: Size S requires 16 balls (50g each), Size M requires 18 balls, Size L requires 20 balls, Size XL requires 21 balls, Size XXL requires 23 balls, and Size XXXL requires 24 balls of the 50g balls.

Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) knitting needles and one pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10) knitting needles are required for this project. The needle size variation allows for ribbed edgings and main fabric construction at appropriate gauges.

Yarn Characteristics

Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk is a luxury blend combining pure silk, extra fine merino wool, and Himalayan cashmere. This sophisticated fiber composition creates a soft, lustrous yarn with excellent drape and a refined appearance. The yarn is available in a curated palette of grown-up, flattering shades inspired by English estates, including shade 403 China Blue (featured in this pattern), as well as shade 421 Meadow Green, shade 402 Candlelit Mink, and shade 416 Orchard Red. The double knitting weight ensures consistent stitch definition and allows for intricate pattern work while maintaining excellent fabric structure.

About Sirdar

Sirdar is an established British yarn company founded in West Yorkshire in 1880, bringing over a century of hand knitting heritage to contemporary knitters. The company is known for triple-checking all patterns to guarantee successful results when using recommended Sirdar yarns, ensuring that knitters can approach advanced projects with confidence in both pattern accuracy and yarn quality.