Cardigan in Sirdar Dapple DK - 8063 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Dapple DK Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 8063

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (Sirdar pattern number 8063) guides you through creating a beautifully textured women's cardigan in Sirdar Dapple DK yarn. Designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes — from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) — this pattern is notably inclusive, covering six size options and explicitly advertising larger sizes on the cover. The finished garment has an actual bust measurement ranging from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in), offering a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

About the Garment

The finished design is a classic drop-shoulder or set-in sleeve cardigan with a full-length body and long sleeves. Full lengths range from approximately 56 cm (22 in) for the smallest size up to 70 cm (27½ in) for the larger sizes, while sleeve lengths run from 46 cm (18 in) to 48 cm (19 in) and are noted as adjustable, making it easy to customise the fit. The cardigan is fastened with buttons — 6 buttons for the two smallest sizes, 7 for the mid sizes, and 8 for the larger sizes — giving the front band a neat, traditional finish.

The use of Sirdar Dapple DK yarn, shown in shade 084, gives the cardigan a soft, subtly variegated appearance. Dapple DK is a gently tonal yarn that adds visual interest to textured stitch patterns without overwhelming them, making it an ideal choice for a garment that combines cables and classic knitting techniques.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further. The construction involves several classic and rewarding techniques:

• Cable knitting — The pattern calls for two cable needles, indicating the use of multiple cable panels or complex cable crossings. Cables are a signature feature of traditional knitwear and involve crossing groups of stitches over one another to create rope-like or lattice textures that stand out beautifully in DK-weight yarn.
• Stitch holders — These are required for managing live stitches during shaping, particularly around necklines and shoulders, a common technique in garment construction that ensures a clean, professional finish.
• Rib stitch — Typically used for cuffs, button bands, and hem edges in cardigans of this style, ribbing creates a stretchy, neat border that helps the garment retain its shape.
• Stocking stitch and/or reverse stocking stitch — These foundational knitting stitches are commonly used as background panels between cable sections in patterns of this type, providing contrast and structure.
• Shaping techniques — Working across six sizes requires careful attention to increases and decreases for sleeve shaping, armhole shaping, and neckline construction.

Materials Required

The primary yarn specified is Sirdar Dapple DK in shade 084, a DK (double knitting) weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The number of balls required varies by size:

• 3 balls — sizes 81/86 cm (32/34 in)
• 4 balls — sizes 91/97 cm and 102/107 cm (36/38 and 40/42 in)
• 5 balls — sizes 112/117 cm, 122/127 cm, and 132/137 cm (44/46, 48/50, and 52/54 in)

The pattern also notes compatibility with a wide range of alternative Sirdar DK yarns, including Country Style DK, Crofter DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, Cotton DK, Cotton Prints DK, Toscana DK, Sirdar No1, and Colourwheel DK, though yarn amounts may vary. This flexibility makes the pattern highly versatile for knitters who wish to