Cardigan in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply - 7886 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply – Pattern 7886

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar provides full instructions for knitting a classic women's cardigan in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply yarn. The pattern is designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it an inclusive design that caters to both standard and larger sizes. The finished garment has an actual measurement ranging from 90 cm to 140 cm across the six sizes, with a full length of 60 to 73 cm and a sleeve length of approximately 46 to 48 cm, noted as adjustable.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a fitted, set-in sleeve cardigan worked in a combination of a textured pattern panel and stocking stitch. The cardigan features a ribbed hem and cuffs, shaped armholes, and a button-up front fastening. The design is described as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and reading multi-size patterns but who may not yet have tackled highly complex construction methods.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Sirdar Country Style 4Ply, shade 637 – quantities range from 7 to 11 × 50g balls depending on size. The pattern also notes suitability for Cotton 4Ply, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.
• Knitting Needles: One pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) needles for the main body and sleeves, and one pair of 2¾mm (UK12 / USA2) needles for the ribbed welts and cuffs.
• Buttons: 7 or 8 buttons depending on size (7 for the three smaller sizes, 8 for the three larger sizes).

Yarn Weight and Tension

4Ply is one of the finer yarn weights used in hand knitting, producing a lightweight, refined fabric with excellent stitch definition. It is an ideal weight for a cardigan intended for year-round wear or layering. Achieving the correct tension is emphasised strongly in this pattern. The stated tension is 33 stitches and 36 rows to 11 cm × 10 cm over the pattern panel, and 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch, both measured on 3¼mm needles. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully and adjust needle size accordingly, as working to the stated tension is essential for achieving the correct fit across all six sizes.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette): The primary fabric stitch for the main body sections, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. Stocking stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric and is used across the back and sleeve sections.
• 1×1 Rib (K1, P1 Ribbing): Used for the welts, cuffs, and borders. Ribbing is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches within the same row, creating a stretchy, elasticated edge that helps the garment retain its shape at the hem and cuffs. The ribbing is worked on the smaller 2¾mm needles to keep it neat and firm.
• Pattern Panel: The design incorporates a textured pattern panel worked alongside stocking stitch, contributing visual interest and a slightly different tension gauge. This combination of textures is characteristic of classic British knitwear design.
• Thumb Method Cast On: The pattern specifies the thumb method for casting on stitches, a traditional technique that creates a sturdy, slightly elastic edge well suited to ribbed beginnings.
• Shaping – Armhole Decreases: Armhole shaping is achieved through decreasing stitches at each end of rows over a series of rows, creating the set-in sleeve silhouette. Decreases are worked using standard k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (