Cardigan in Sirdar Imagination Chunky - 8090 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Imagination Chunky Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 8090

This intermediate-level knitting pattern (Sirdar pattern number 8090) guides you through creating a classic, cosy cable-panel cardigan in Sirdar Imagination Chunky yarn. Designed to suit a wide range of body shapes, the pattern includes six sizes ranging from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust, making it an inclusive design that extends into larger sizes. The finished garment features a full-length body with set-in or structured sleeves and a button-up front opening, giving it a timeless, wearable silhouette suitable for everyday wear.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a women's chunky-knit cardigan with a button band front closure. Actual finished measurements range from 93 cm (36¾ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) across the chest, with generous positive ease built in for a relaxed, comfortable fit. Full lengths range from approximately 60 cm to 73 cm depending on size, and sleeve lengths run from 46 cm to 48 cm, noted as adjustable to suit personal preference. The design is structured enough for smart-casual occasions yet simple enough for relaxed everyday styling.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – the defining feature of this cardigan, worked over a dedicated cable panel of 7 stitches, producing a classic twisted rope or plait effect that adds texture and visual interest to the fabric
• Tension/gauge swatching – the cable panel (7 stitches) is specified to measure 4 cm (1½ in) on 6½mm needles, making accurate tension essential for achieving the correct fit across all sizes
• Shaping – standard knitting shaping techniques are used throughout the body and sleeves to create a fitted, well-proportioned garment
• Button band construction – the front edges are finished with a neat button band, requiring 8 or 9 buttons depending on the size chosen
• Sleeve length adjustment – the pattern explicitly notes that sleeve length is adjustable, allowing knitters to customise the fit

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch – worked across the 7-stitch cable panel using a cable needle, this is the signature stitch of the design and requires intermediate knitting experience
• Knit and purl stitches – used throughout the main body fabric to create the background texture that frames and complements the cable panels
• Rib stitch – typically used on cuffs, hems, and button bands in chunky cardigan constructions of this type to provide stretch and a neat, professional finish

Materials Required

The pattern is designed for Sirdar Imagination Chunky, specifically shade 005 (colourway F061). The quantity required ranges from 5 to 8 balls of 100g depending on the size being knitted. The pattern also notes that the design is also suitable for Sirdar Aura and Sirdar Harrap Tweed Chunky, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

• Primary yarn: Sirdar Imagination Chunky, shade 005 – a chunky-weight yarn ideal for quick, satisfying knitting with excellent stitch definition for cables
• Needles: One pair of 6½mm (UK3 / US10.5) knitting needles for the main body and cable sections
• Needles: One pair of 5½mm (UK5 / US9) knitting needles for ribbed or finer-tension sections
• Cable needle – required for working the cable panel stitches
• Buttons: 8 buttons (sizes 32/34 to 40/42) or 9 buttons (sizes 44/46 to 52/54)

Difficulty and Format

Rated as an intermediate knitting pattern, this design is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic cable techniques and working from a multi-size pattern. The use of a cable needle and the