Sirdar Cabled Striped Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Cabled Striped Cardigan

What is Being Made

This is a children's cardigan designed for ages 3 to 7 years, created using Sirdar Snuggly Replay yarn in a double knitting weight. The garment features a classic button-front closure with five to six buttons depending on size. The cardigan is available in multiple colorway combinations, with the featured design using shade 103 paired with shade 111 (Orange Squashed). The design accommodates growing children across five size options, with chest measurements ranging from 59 cm (23¼") for age 3 years up to 69 cm (27¼") for age 7 years.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The cardigan is worked flat on needles rather than in the round, allowing for straightforward shaping and seaming. The garment is constructed bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline and shoulders. Cables feature prominently in the design, adding textural interest and visual depth to the finished piece. Stripes are incorporated throughout, created by working with two contrasting yarn shades (shade 103 and shade 111) to establish a coordinated color pattern. All pieces are seamed together after individual sections are completed, creating clean, professional-looking seams along the sides, sleeves, and shoulder areas.

Stitches Used

The pattern is primarily constructed using stocking stitch, which forms the smooth, classic knit fabric base. The gauge for stocking stitch is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm (4 inches), providing a standard reference for tension throughout the project. Cable stitches are integrated into the design to create raised, twisted textural elements that contrast with the flat stocking stitch background, adding visual interest and dimension to the cardigan.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The cardigan is knitted using Sirdar Snuggly Replay, a double knitting (DK) weight yarn specifically formulated for children. This yarn is a cotton-blend composition available in soft, marled shades designed to be lightweight, washable, and comfortable for everyday wear. The yarn has been rigorously tested to ensure it is gentle on sensitive skin and maintains its softness through repeated washing. Yarn requirements vary by size: younger sizes (ages 3–5 years) require 3 balls of Yarn A and 2 balls of Yarn B, while older sizes (ages 6–7 years) require 4 balls of Yarn A and 2 balls of Yarn B. Each ball weighs 50g. The pattern specifies needles appropriate for double knitting weight yarn, though specific needle sizes are referenced on the pattern's back page. Five to six buttons are required depending on the child's size, completing the button-band closure.

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 designs. The Sirdar Snuggly line represents the brand's commitment to creating yarns and patterns specifically designed for children, combining traditional British knitting expertise with modern, child-friendly aesthetics and performance standards.