Opening Act Jacket in Sirdar Stories DK - 10543 - Downloadable PDF

Opening Act Jacket in Sirdar Stories DK – Pattern 10543

Pattern 10543 from Sirdar is an advanced-level knitting pattern offering two distinct garment designs worked in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting yarn: a dramatic Long Cardigan and a Short Cardigan. Both pieces are sized to fit a wide range of bodies, covering UK sizes 6–28 (US sizes 2–24), with chest measurements ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34") up to 132/137 cm (52/54"). This downloadable PDF pattern is triple-checked by Sirdar to guarantee a successful knit when used with the recommended Sirdar yarn.

The Long Cardigan

The standout design in this pattern is the Long Cardigan, a floor-grazing, statement-making piece with a consistent full length of approximately 111 cm (43¾") across all sizes. It is worked in a bold multi-colour palette using up to nine shades of Sirdar Stories DK, labelled Yarn A through Yarn H in the pattern. The specific shades featured are 801, 835, 830, 831, 812, 824, 822, 806, and 807 from the Stories Double Knitting range, creating a rich, colourful striped or colourblock effect across the body of the garment.

The sleeve length ranges from 44 cm (17¼") in the smallest size up to 48 cm (19") in the larger sizes, and the finished width spans from 95 cm (37½") to 145 cm (57¼") depending on the size knitted. This generous ease makes the Long Cardigan a relaxed, drapey layering piece ideal for cooler evenings or transitional seasons.

Yarn Requirements – Long Cardigan

• Yarn A: 1–2 balls depending on size
• Yarn B (the primary colour): 4–6 balls depending on size
• Yarns C through H: 1–2 balls each depending on size

Because this design uses nine individual shades worked together, knitters will gain experience in multi-colour knitting, managing multiple yarn strands, and achieving clean colour transitions — skills that place this firmly in the advanced difficulty category.

The Short Cardigan

The second design in the pattern is a Short Cardigan, worked in a single shade — specifically shade 801 from the Sirdar Stories Double Knitting range. This design offers a cleaner, more understated silhouette compared to the Long Cardigan, making it an appealing option for knitters who prefer a more classic, versatile wardrobe piece. While the pattern is still rated advanced, the single-colour construction simplifies the yarn management aspect of the project.

Yarn and Materials

Both garments are knitted in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting, a cotton-rich acrylic blend yarn. This fibre composition is specifically designed to create lighter garments that keep their shape, making it particularly well-suited to longer, drapey styles like the Long Cardigan. The natural cotton content brings breathability and a comfortable hand feel, while the acrylic component adds durability and stitch definition. The DK (double knitting) weight strikes a balance between a relatively quick knit and fine enough stitch detail to showcase colourwork and textural techniques effectively.

Sirdar Stories DK is available in a wide palette of shades, including 801 Embers, 822 Moonlight, 834 Beach Club, and 813 Summer, among many others, giving knitters flexibility to personalise their colourway choices beyond the shades shown in the pattern.

Needles and Tools

As is standard for DK weight knitting patterns, knitters should refer to the tension/gauge section of the PDF for the recommended needle size. Knitting needles appropriate for DK yarn are typically used, and achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is especially important in a sized garment pattern covering such a wide range of measurements.

Techniques and