Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK - 7231 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK – Pattern 7231: Full Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Crofter DK yarn: a Long Sleeved Cardigan and a ¾ Sleeved Cardigan. Both garments share the same construction framework but differ in sleeve length and colourway, making this a versatile pattern offering two distinct finished looks from a single purchase. The pattern is graded across six sizes, covering chest/bust measurements from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 68 cm to 120 cm, making it suitable for children through to adults.

Designs Included

Long Sleeved Cardigan

The first design is a full-length sleeved cardigan worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 086. The long sleeves are described as adjustable, with finished sleeve lengths ranging from 33 cm (13 in) in the smallest size up to 48 cm (19 in) in the largest. Full garment length ranges from 42 cm to 66 cm depending on size. This version requires 3 to 9 balls of Sirdar Crofter DK (50 g balls) depending on the size being made.

¾ Sleeved Cardigan

The second design features three-quarter length sleeves and is worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 084. Sleeve lengths for this version range from 22 cm (8¾ in) to 32 cm (12½ in). This version requires 3 to 8 balls of Sirdar Crofter DK (50 g balls). The slightly reduced yarn requirement compared to the long-sleeved version reflects the shorter sleeves, though all other construction elements remain consistent between the two designs.

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are knitted flat using standard knitting techniques appropriate for confident beginners and intermediate knitters. The construction involves working separate pieces — body sections and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key shaping techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Decreasing using slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) and knit 2 together (k2tog) for neat, directional shaping
• Increasing to shape sleeves and body panels
• Button band construction requiring 4 to 5 buttons depending on size

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates two primary stitch patterns, each with its own tension specification:

• Stocking Stitch (st-st) — the main fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. The tension for stocking stitch is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles.
• Faggot Lace Pattern — a decorative openwork lace stitch that adds visual texture and lightness to the fabric. This stitch uses yarn forward (yfwd) increases paired with decreases to create the characteristic eyelet effect. The tension for the faggot lace pattern is 16 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles, reflecting the more open, elongated nature of lace fabric.

The combination of stocking stitch and faggot lace gives these cardigans a delicate, feminine character while remaining straightforward to execute for knitters familiar with basic lace techniques.

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Crofter DK, a DK (double knitting) weight yarn, sold in 50 g balls. The pattern notes that it is also suitable for Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, and Click DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting. Any substitution should