Sirdar Riptide Cardi Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Riptide Cardi - Knitted Cardigan Pattern

What is Being Made

The Sirdar Riptide Cardi is a classic button-front cardigan designed for knitters of all levels. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34") chest measurement up to 132/137 cm (52/54") chest measurement, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The cardigan features a full length ranging from 60 cm to 70 cm (23¾" to 27½") depending on size selected, with consistent sleeve lengths of approximately 47-49 cm (18½" to 19¼"). The design includes six buttons for front closure, creating a timeless cardigan silhouette that works for both casual and layered styling.

Knitting Techniques and Construction Method

This beginner-friendly cardigan employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and stitch manipulation across rows. The finished pieces are then seamed together using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques to create clean, professional-looking joins at the side seams and sleeve caps. Buttons are sewn onto the finished cardigan front to create the functional closure, with six buttons evenly distributed along the front opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch details are referenced in the pattern instructions, the Riptide Cardi incorporates organic stitches that create flattering shaping. The pattern is designed to work with the yarn's characteristics to produce a visually interesting fabric with texture and dimension. The construction method allows for straightforward increases and decreases to shape the body and sleeves appropriately for each size.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is specifically designed to be worked with Sirdar Jewelspun with Wool Chunky yarn in shade 200 (Shimmering Sea Glass). Jewelspun with Wool is a wool blend yarn in chunky weight that mimics the appearance of hand-spun yarn with jewel-like coloration. The yarn comes in 200g balls, and yardage requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (S and M) require 3 balls, medium sizes (L and XL) require 4 balls, and larger sizes (XXL and XXXL) require 5 balls. You will also need six buttons suitable for the chunky yarn weight, and appropriate knitting needles sized for chunky weight yarn (needle size should be confirmed in the full pattern instructions). The yarn is soft and comfortable to wear, making it ideal for a wearable cardigan that can be layered or worn as a standalone piece.

Design Heritage and Quality Assurance

This pattern comes from Sirdar, a British yarn company established in West Yorkshire in 1880 with a rich heritage in hand knitting. Sirdar triple-checks every pattern to guarantee successful results when using their recommended yarns. Design N° 10704 is part of the Ocean Treasure collection, featuring flattering shapes in ocean-inspired and gemstone shades that complement the Jewelspun with Wool yarn range.