Sirdar Varsity Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Varsity Cardigan: Design No. 2535

What Is Being Made

The Sirdar Varsity Cardigan is a children's button-front cardigan designed for ages 3 to 7 years. This intermediate-level knitting project features a classic varsity-inspired aesthetic in soft, marled yarn shades that evoke nostalgic childhood style. The cardigan is available in multiple colorway combinations, allowing crafters to create personalized versions with contrasting color blocks.

Yarn and Materials

This design uses Sirdar Snuggly Replay, a cotton-blend double knitting weight yarn specifically created for children. Snuggly Replay is lightweight, washable, and designed to be gentle on young skin while maintaining softness through repeated washing. The yarn comes in soft, marled shades including Daredevil Denim (shade 107), Surf's Up Silver (shade 102), Pogo Purple (shade 115), and Leapfrog Green (shade 112).

The cardigan requires three yarn shades per garment:

• Yarn A: 4 to 5 balls depending on size (ages 3–7 years)
• Yarn B: 1 ball for all sizes
• Yarn C: 1 ball for all sizes

Additional materials include 4 to 5 buttons (quantity varies by size) and appropriate needles for double knitting weight yarn.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Varsity Cardigan is worked flat using a bottom-up construction method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are then seamed together to create the finished garment. This approach allows for straightforward shaping and makes it easier to try on and adjust fit as the project progresses.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric characteristic of traditional cardigans. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a neat, uniform appearance ideal for displaying yarn color and texture.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The cardigan is sized for five age ranges:

• Age 3 years: Chest 59 cm (23¼"), full length 42 cm (16½")
• Age 4 years: Chest 61 cm (24"), full length 44 cm (17¼")
• Age 5 years: Chest 64 cm (25¼"), full length 46 cm (18")
• Age 6 years: Chest 66 cm (26"), full length 48 cm (19")
• Age 7 years: Chest 69 cm (27¼"), full length 50 cm (19¾")

Sleeve lengths range from 28 cm (11") for age 3 to 36 cm (14") for age 7.

Design Heritage and Quality Assurance

This pattern is part of the Sirdar Snuggly collection, created by Sirdar, a British yarn company established in West Yorkshire in 1880. The Varsity Cardigan design draws inspiration from beloved childhood fashion, translating nostalgic style into contemporary knitwear for modern children. Sirdar patterns undergo rigorous triple-checking to guarantee success for knitters of intermediate skill level and above.