Cardigans in Sirdar Aura Chunky - 8004 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Aura Chunky – Pattern 8004: Complete Summary

Pattern 8004 from Sirdar presents two distinct cardigan designs knitted in Sirdar Aura Chunky yarn: a Shawl Collared Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan. Both garments are worked in the same chunky weight yarn and share the same sizing range, making this a versatile pattern booklet for knitters who enjoy classic, cosy outerwear. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and reading multi-size instructions.

Sizing and Fit

Both cardigans are designed to fit a wide range of chest and bust measurements, from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), covering six sizes in total. The actual finished measurements range from 70 cm to 121 cm, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. The full length ranges from 48 cm to 72 cm depending on size, and the sleeve length — listed as adjustable — runs from approximately 33 cm to 49 cm. This adjustable sleeve length is a practical feature that allows knitters to customise the fit to their individual arm length.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Sirdar Aura Chunky is the specified yarn for both designs, used in 100g balls.
• The Shawl Collared Cardigan is shown in Aura shade 139 (colourway F213), requiring between 3 and 8 balls depending on size.
• The V Neck Cardigan is shown in Aura shade 138 (colourway F213), also requiring between 3 and 8 balls depending on size.
• Sirdar Aura is a luxuriously soft chunky yarn known for its fluffy, halo-like texture, which gives finished garments a warm, cosy appearance with excellent drape and visual depth.

Needles

• 5.5 mm knitting needles are specified within the pattern instructions, consistent with the chunky weight of Sirdar Aura.

Design 1: Shawl Collared Cardigan

The Shawl Collared Cardigan is a classic, cosy design featuring a distinctive shawl collar — a wide, folded or rolled collar that frames the neckline generously and adds a relaxed, elegant finish. Shawl collars are a perennially popular feature on chunky knitwear, providing extra warmth around the neck and shoulders while giving the garment a sophisticated, tailored look.

Construction and Shaping

The cardigan is constructed using raglan sleeve shaping, a technique in which the sleeves and body are joined and decreased simultaneously along diagonal seam lines that run from the underarm to the neckline. Raglan shaping creates a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders and is particularly well suited to chunky yarns as it avoids bulky set-in seams. The pattern instructs decreases at the raglan edge on alternate rows, worked simultaneously with neck edge decreases on every 4th or 6th row depending on size, demonstrating the multi-directional shaping typical of intermediate-level knitting.

Techniques Used

• Raglan shaping with simultaneous raglan and neck edge decreases
• Thumb method cast-on, specified explicitly in the pattern for the right front section
• Ribbing for the welts and borders, worked over 4 to 6 rows depending on size
• Decreasing to a final P2tog at the raglan point to neatly close the shaping

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — the fundamental stitches of all knitting
• 1x1 Rib — alternating knit