Sirdar 8093 Cardigans Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 8093 Cardigans in Sirdar Smudge

What Is Being Made

The Sirdar 8093 pattern provides instructions for knitting classic cardigans available in two sleeve length options: long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. This pattern is designed as an easy knit project and includes sizing from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) bust measurement up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches), making it accessible for a wide range of body sizes. The cardigans feature button-front closures and are worked in a timeless style suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Sirdar 8093 cardigans are constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then sewn together. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. This traditional approach makes the pattern straightforward for knitters of varying experience levels, as it avoids the complexity of circular knitting or seamless techniques.

The pattern employs shaping techniques including strategic decreases to form armholes and sleeve caps, ensuring proper fit across the range of sizes offered. The construction method allows for adjustable sleeve lengths, with long sleeves measuring approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 inches) and short sleeves at 7 cm (2¾ inches), providing flexibility for personal preference or seasonal adaptation.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Sirdar 8093 cardigans is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture.

The pattern also incorporates garter stitch for structural and decorative elements. Garter stitch—created by knitting every row—is used to finish edges and provide definition, particularly at the button bands and front openings. This combination of stocking stitch for the body with garter stitch edging is a classic cardigan construction method that provides both visual interest and durability at high-wear areas.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Sirdar 8093 cardigans are designed to be worked in Sirdar Smudge yarn, a 100-gram ball weight. For the long-sleeved version, yarn requirements range from 6 balls for the smallest size (81/86 cm bust) to 9 balls for the largest size (132/137 cm bust). The short-sleeved version requires 4 to 8 balls depending on size. Two shades are specified: shade 013 for the long-sleeved cardigan and shade 001 for the short-sleeved version.

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 6mm (UK size 4, USA size 10) needles for the main fabric and 5mm (UK size 6, USA size 8) needles for the ribbed or edged sections. The tension is set at 10 stitches and 17 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 6mm needles, making accurate tension checking essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Button requirements vary by size: 11 buttons are needed for the two smallest sizes, 12 buttons for the next two sizes, and 13 buttons for the largest two sizes. These buttons provide both functional closures and visual embellishment for the front cardigan opening.