Cardigan and Waistcoat in Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewash - 8273 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed Cardigan and Waistcoat – Pattern 8273

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic women's designs in one package: a long-sleeved Cardigan and a sleeveless Waistcoat, both worked in the beautifully textured Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed yarn. Rated as an intermediate level knitting project, the pattern is well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and reading multi-size instructions. Both garments share the same relaxed, wearable silhouette and are offered in a generous range of sizes, making them accessible to a wide variety of figures.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers six size options, designed to fit bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in). The actual finished measurements range from 98 cm (38½ in) to 149 cm (58¾ in) at the bust, providing a comfortable, relaxed ease across all sizes. The full length of the garments ranges from 72 cm to 85 cm (28¼ in to 33½ in) depending on size. For the Cardigan, the sleeve length is listed as approximately 44–46 cm (17¼–18 in) and is noted as adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit to their arm length.

The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a long-sleeved, open-front garment with classic shaping at the shoulders and neck. It features a structured construction worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — that are seamed together on completion. The shoulder shaping is achieved through a series of cast-off rows, while the neck edge is shaped with decreases worked over multiple rows to create a smooth, tailored neckline. The design is both practical and stylish, making it an ideal everyday layering piece.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed in shade 802
• Yarn quantity: 7 to 10 x 100g balls depending on size
• Sleeve length: Approximately 44–46 cm (17¼–18 in), adjustable

The Waistcoat

The Waistcoat is a sleeveless version of the same design, offering a lighter, more versatile option that can be worn over shirts, blouses, or knitwear. It shares the same body shaping and construction approach as the Cardigan but requires fewer materials, making it a slightly quicker project to complete. The waistcoat is an excellent choice for transitional seasons or as a smart layering piece.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed in shade 806
• Yarn quantity: 5 to 8 x 100g balls depending on size

Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed

Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed is an Aran weight yarn, meaning it falls into the medium-heavy category of knitting yarns and works up relatively quickly compared to lighter weights. The "Stonewashed" finish gives the fabric a softly faded, lived-in aesthetic that adds character and depth to the finished garments. This yarn weight is ideal for creating garments with good stitch definition and a satisfying drape, particularly well-suited to the stocking stitch fabric used throughout these designs.

Needles Required

• 5mm needles (UK 6 / USA 8) – used for the main body fabric
• 4mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) – used for ribbing and border sections

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both garments are constructed using a combination of foundational and intermediate knitting techniques. The main fabric is worked in stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which creates a smooth, classic surface on the right side. Borders and cuffs are typically worked in rib stitch, which provides elasticity and a neat,