Cardigan in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7914 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Women's Cardigan – Pattern 7914

Pattern 7914 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a women's cardigan worked in Sirdar Cotton DK. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this elegant cardigan combines a delicate lace body with classic stocking stitch sections, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable moving beyond the basics. The design is notable for its inclusive sizing range, covering bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it accessible to a wide range of body types.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's cardigan with a relaxed, wearable silhouette. The finished garment features a lightweight, breathable construction well suited to warmer seasons, thanks to the cotton yarn base. Key measurements include actual bust measurements ranging from 95 cm (37½ in) to 146 cm (57½ in) across the six size options, with a full length of 52–65 cm (20½–25½ in) depending on size. The sleeves are intentionally short, measuring just 4 cm (1½ in) across all sizes, giving the cardigan a cropped-sleeve or cap-sleeve aesthetic that keeps it cool and contemporary. A single button fastening completes the design.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Lace pattern knitting – The main body of the cardigan is worked in a lace pattern, which involves a series of yarn-overs and decreases to create an open, decorative fabric. Lace knitting requires attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats, which is why this design is rated intermediate.
• Stocking stitch – Used alongside the lace sections, stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) provides a smooth, classic contrast to the textured lace areas and is commonly used for shaping and finishing sections.
• Shaping and construction – As a fully constructed garment, the pattern includes standard cardigan shaping techniques such as armhole shaping, neckline shaping, and sleeve construction.
• Tension/gauge swatching – The pattern specifies two separate tension measurements: 22 sts and 26 rows to 10 cm over lace pattern, and 22 sts and 28 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch, both using 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the garment to match the stated measurements.

Stitches Used

• Lace stitch pattern – The signature stitch of this cardigan, creating an open, airy texture through yarn-overs and paired decreases
• Stocking stitch – Alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, flat fabric
• Rib stitch – Typically used in Sirdar cardigan patterns for welts, cuffs, and button bands to provide elasticity and a neat finish

Materials Required

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Cotton DK in shade 540, a 100% cotton double knit yarn. The quantity required ranges from 4 to 7 x 100g balls depending on the size being knitted. The pattern also notes that the design is also suitable for a range of other DK-weight yarns from Sirdar, including Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, and Toscana DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required:

• 4mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles – used for the main body and lace pattern sections
• 3¼mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles – used for smaller-gauge sections such as ribbing and edgings

Additionally, 1 button is needed to complete the cardigan's fastening.

Who This Pattern Is For