Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK - 7904 - Downloadable PDF

Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK – Pattern 7904

Pattern 7904 from Sirdar is a knitting pattern offering two classic cardigan designs in one downloadable PDF: a long sleeved cardigan and a short sleeved cardigan. Both garments are worked in Sirdar Crofter DK yarn and share the same flattering silhouette, making this an excellent choice for knitters who want versatility from a single pattern purchase. The inclusion of larger sizes — spanning a full range from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust — makes this pattern notably inclusive and accessible to a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two wearable, everyday cardigans suitable for adults. Both versions feature a classic, timeless style finished with 3 buttons each. The key difference between the two designs lies in sleeve length:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan: Sleeves range from approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) in length depending on size, making this version ideal for cooler weather or year-round wear.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan: Features a neat 5 cm (2 inch) short sleeve, creating a lighter, more seasonal garment perfect for spring and summer layering.

Both cardigans are described as adjustable in sleeve length, giving knitters additional flexibility to customise the finished garment to their preference. Full garment lengths range from 57 cm to 70 cm (approximately 22½ to 27½ inches) across the six available sizes.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern covers six sizes based on bust measurements:

• 81/86 cm (32/34 in)
• 91/97 cm (36/38 in)
• 102/107 cm (40/42 in)
• 112/117 cm (44/46 in)
• 122/127 cm (48/50 in)
• 132/137 cm (52/54 in)

The actual finished measurements are generously sized, ranging from 90 cm up to 141 cm, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. Knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning to avoid confusion when following the multi-size instructions throughout the pattern.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate level knitting pattern worked primarily in stocking stitch throughout. Stocking stitch — knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows — creates a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the self-striping or variegated qualities of the Crofter DK yarn beautifully without requiring complex colourwork from the knitter.

The pattern also incorporates standard garment shaping techniques, including:

• Decreasing using p2tog (purl two together) and p2togtbl (purl two together through the back of the loop) for neat, directional shaping on wrong side rows.
• Increasing to shape the body and sleeves at appropriate points.
• Working back, fronts, and sleeves as separate pieces, which are then seamed together — a traditional construction method well suited to intermediate knitters building confidence with garment making.
• Picking up and working button bands and neckbands, a key finishing skill for cardigans.

The pattern uses standard row-by-row written instructions rather than charts, making it approachable for knitters who are comfortable reading multi-size patterns and working basic shaping but may not yet be experienced with complex stitch patterns or colourwork techniques.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The primary stitch used throughout both cardigans, creating a smooth knit fabric on the right side.
• Knit (k) and purl (p): The foundational stitches forming the stocking stitch fabric.
• p2tog (purl two together): A standard decrease stitch used in shaping.