Sirdar V-Neck Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar V-Neck Cardigan: Design No. 10585

What Is Being Made

This is a classic V-neck cardigan designed by Sirdar, suitable for a range of sizes from Small through Triple Extra Large (XXXL). The cardigan features a traditional button-front closure with five buttons and is worked as a seamed, flat-knit construction. The design offers generous sizing options with chest measurements ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches), and full lengths from 68 cm (26¾ inches) to 76 cm (30 inches), making it an adaptable wardrobe staple.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with pieces subsequently seamed together to create the finished garment. This traditional method allows for straightforward shaping and provides clear demarcation lines for assembling the body, sleeves, and front bands. The pattern includes pocket placement details and armhole shaping achieved through strategic decreases worked at regular intervals.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout this cardigan is Stocking Stitch (also known as Stockinette Stitch), which creates the smooth, classic texture characteristic of traditional knitwear. Stocking Stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the familiar V-shaped pattern visible on the fabric surface. This foundational stitch provides an excellent canvas for the cardigan's clean lines and V-neckline shaping.

Materials and Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with Sirdar Country Classic yarn in DK weight (Double Knit). The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with shade options including Navy (852) and Black (873). Yarn requirements vary by size: the Small size requires 11 balls, progressing to 18 balls for the Triple Extra Large size. The pattern specifies two pairs of needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) knitting needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) knitting needles for ribbed edgings and borders. A 3¼mm circular needle is also listed as optional for working front borders if preferred. Additional materials include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction and five buttons for the front closure.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when working Stocking Stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the cardigan to fit according to the provided measurements; variations in tension will directly affect the finished dimensions of the garment.

Size Range and Fit

The pattern accommodates six distinct sizes with the following chest measurements:

• Size S: 81/86 cm (32/34 inches)
• Size M: 91/97 cm (36/38 inches)
• Size L: 102/107 cm (40/42 inches)
• Size XL: 112/117 cm (44/46 inches)
• Size XXL: 122/127 cm (48/50 inches)
• Size XXXL: 132/137 cm (52/54 inches)

Construction Details

The cardigan features armhole shaping achieved through cast-offs at the beginning of rows, with subsequent decreases worked on alternating rows to create a smooth, fitted armscye. The pattern includes pocket placement instructions, with stitches slipped to holders for later finishing. The V-neckline is created through strategic decreasing at center front, allowing the neckline to taper elegantly toward the shoulders. Front borders are worked separately or picked up from the cast-on and bound-off edges, providing a neat, professional finish for the button band and corresponding buttonhole band.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern from the Sirdar Classic collection, designed to be printed and followed at the knitting needles. The pattern includes detailed piece measurements with labeled diagrams showing dimensions for the