Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK - 7230 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK – Pattern 7230: A Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Crofter DK yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, making it suitable for children and adults alike, from a 61/66 cm (24/26 in) chest right through to 112/117 cm (44/46 in). The two designs share the same basic construction but differ in their sleeve length, giving knitters a choice of style and season-appropriate finish.

The Two Cardigan Designs

Three-Quarter Sleeved Cardigan

The first design features three-quarter length sleeves, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for transitional weather. The sleeves range from approximately 23 cm (9 in) for the smallest size up to 33 cm (13 in) for the largest, providing comfortable coverage without a full-length sleeve. The actual body measurements range from 72 cm (28¼ in) to 124 cm (48¾ in), and the full length of the garment ranges from 28 cm (11 in) to 51 cm (20 in) depending on the size knitted.

This version is worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 087 and requires between 3 and 8 balls of 50g Crofter DK yarn depending on the size chosen.

Short Sleeved Cardigan

The second design is a short sleeved cardigan, ideal as a lightweight summer layer or a smart finish over a dress or top. The short sleeves measure just 3 to 3.5 cm (approximately 1¼ to 1½ in), giving a neat, minimal cap-style sleeve. The body dimensions and full lengths mirror those of the three-quarter sleeved version across all sizes.

This version is worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 085 and requires between 2 and 6 balls of 50g Crofter DK yarn depending on the size chosen.

Materials Required

Yarn

Both cardigans are designed for use with Sirdar Crofter DK, a DK weight (double knitting) yarn sold in 50g balls. The pattern also notes that the designs are suitable for a range of alternative Sirdar DK yarns, including Jive DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, Soukie DK, Cotton DK, Country Style DK, Click DK, and Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

Needles

• 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles – used for the main body fabric
• 3¼mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles – typically used for ribbed edgings and borders

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

As a classic DK cardigan pattern, this design is well suited to knitters with some basic experience. The construction follows a traditional flat-knitting approach, with the garment pieces worked separately and then seamed together. Typical techniques involved in a pattern of this type include:

• Knit and purl stitches – forming the foundation of the main stocking stitch fabric
• Rib stitch – commonly used on cuffs, hems, and button bands, worked on the smaller 3¼mm needles to create a neat, stretchy border
• Shaping techniques – including increasing and decreasing stitches to shape the armholes, sleeves, and neckline
• Casting on and casting off – standard methods used throughout the construction
• Seaming – joining front, back, and sleeve pieces using mattress stitch or a preferred joining method

The use of two needle sizes is a hallmark of well-structured knitwear design: the smaller needle creates a tighter, more controlled fabric for the edgings, while the