Sirdar 8197 Sweaters Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 8197 Temptation Sweaters

What is Being Made

Sirdar 8197 features two distinct sweater designs in Sirdar Temptation yarn, both available in six size options ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) bust to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust. The collection includes a Plain Sweater and a Ribbed Sweater, each offering a different textural approach to a classic pullover silhouette. Full length measurements range from 60 cm to 73 cm (23¾ to 28¾ inches), with adjustable sleeve lengths starting at 44–46 cm (17¼–18 inches).

Techniques Used

Both sweater designs are constructed using bottom-up seamed construction, with pieces worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. This traditional approach allows knitters to work each component—back, front, and sleeves—as separate flat panels before joining them together with seams. The garments feature raglan shaping at the armholes, which is a classic tailoring technique that creates diagonal seam lines from the underarm to the neckline, providing a comfortable fit and elegant silhouette.

Stitches Used

The Plain Sweater is worked primarily in stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, classic appearance ideal for showcasing yarn texture and drape.

The Ribbed Sweater incorporates half fisherman's rib, a textured stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns of raised texture. Half fisherman's rib is denser and more elastic than stocking stitch, providing superior stretch recovery and a more structured fabric. The pattern also includes single rib (alternating knit one, purl one) for the ribbed cuffs and waistband sections, which provides definition and helps edges maintain their shape.

Materials and Gauge Information

The Plain Sweater requires Sirdar Temptation yarn in shade 805, with yardage ranging from 6 to 10 balls of 50g weight depending on size selected. The Ribbed Sweater uses Sirdar Temptation yarn in shade 801, requiring 7 to 11 balls of 50g weight across the size range.

Both designs are worked on 5½mm (UK size 5, USA size 9) knitting needles for the main fabric and 4½mm (UK size 7, USA size 7) needles for ribbed edgings. Stitch holders are required for holding stitches during construction.

Tension (gauge) is critical for success: The Plain Sweater is worked to 14 stitches and 19 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch on 5½mm needles. The Ribbed Sweater achieves 25 stitches and 46 rows over 20 cm (8 inches) in half fisherman's rib on 5½mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential before beginning, as variations will significantly affect finished measurements and fit.