Sirdar Woman's Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Woman's Cardigan in Summer Linen DK

What is Being Made

This is a classic woman's cardigan pattern available in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. The design is sized to fit bust measurements ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body sizes. The cardigan features a full-length construction with adjustable sleeve options, allowing knitters to customize the finished garment to their preferences.

Techniques Used

The Sirdar Woman's Cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the complete cardigan. This traditional approach allows for straightforward shaping and provides clear construction points for assembling the back, front panels, and sleeves.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout this cardigan is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Stocking stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture that is both elegant and versatile for everyday wear.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern is designed for Sirdar Summer Linen DK yarn, a double knitting weight fiber ideal for warm-weather garments. For the long-sleeved version, yarn requirements range from 10 balls (50g each) for the smallest size to 17 balls for the largest size. The short-sleeved cardigan requires 8 to 14 balls depending on size. The pattern notes that several alternative DK-weight yarns are suitable, including Country Style DK, Crofter DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, Cotton DK, Cotton Prints DK, Toscana DK, Dapple DK, Sirdar No. 1, Colourwheel DK, and Colourwheel Dazzle DK, though yarn amounts may vary with different fiber choices.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for ribbed edgings and cuffs. Additionally, the cardigan requires 7 to 9 buttons depending on the size being made, which serve as both functional and decorative closures along the front opening.

Tension and Gauge

The specified tension for this cardigan is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for ensuring the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements and drapes properly. Knitters should check their gauge before beginning and adjust needle sizes accordingly—using thinner needles if their gauge produces more stitches, or thicker needles if it produces fewer stitches.

Finished Measurements

The cardigan is available in six size ranges with corresponding finished bust measurements from 92 cm (36¼ inches) to 143 cm (56¼ inches). Full length varies from 55 cm (21¾ inches) for the smallest size to 68 cm (26¾ inches) for the largest. Long sleeves measure approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) in length and are adjustable, while short sleeves measure 4 cm (1½ inches).