Cardigan in Sirdar Moonstone - 7863- Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Moonstone Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 7863

Pattern 7863 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic women's cardigan worked in Sirdar Moonstone yarn. Designed at an intermediate level, this pattern covers six sizes ranging from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement, with actual finished measurements spanning 91 cm (36 in) to 141 cm (55½ in), making it an inclusive and versatile pattern for a wide range of body types. The full length of the finished garment ranges from 55 cm (21¾ in) to 68 cm (26¾ in) depending on size, and the sleeves are a short, neat 3 cm (1¼ in) across all sizes — giving this cardigan a relaxed, contemporary silhouette ideal for layering.

Garment Design and Construction

This is a classic drop-shoulder style cardigan with a neat, structured finish. It features a Back, a Left Front, and corresponding garment pieces worked separately and seamed. The construction uses traditional flat knitting techniques, with each piece begun on smaller needles for a neat ribbed or garter stitch border before transitioning to larger needles for the main body fabric. The cardigan fastens with 1 button and 1 press fastener, giving it a clean, minimal front opening. The short sleeve length adds a modern, casual touch while keeping the construction straightforward for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on — used throughout for all main pieces, creating a firm and elastic edge well suited to garment knitting
• Garter stitch (g-st) borders — the first rows of each piece are worked in garter stitch, establishing a neat, non-curling edge; the pattern explicitly defines the first knit row as the garter stitch reference row
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main body fabric is worked throughout in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Shaping via decreases — armhole and garment shaping is achieved by decreasing 1 stitch at each end of every row for a set number of rows, then decreasing on alternate rows, producing a smooth, tailored curve
• Needle switching — pieces begin on 4mm needles for border sections before changing to 5mm needles for the main body, a standard technique for achieving a tighter, neater edge
• Tension checking — the pattern strongly emphasises achieving the correct tension before beginning, with clear guidance on adjusting needle size accordingly

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) — fundamental stitch used throughout
• Purl (p) — used in combination with knit to form stocking stitch
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, flat fabric on the right side
• Garter stitch (g-st) — every row knitted, used for border sections to prevent curling and add texture
• Decrease (dec) / knit two together (k2tog) — used for armhole and front shaping

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Moonstone yarn in shade 204 (F215), an Aran weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The number of balls required ranges from 6 balls for the smallest size up to 11 balls for the largest. The pattern also notes that Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran is a suitable alternative yarn, though quantities may vary. The recommended tension is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 5mm needles.

Needles and Notions

• 1 pair of 5mm knitting needles (UK 6 / USA 8) — for the main body fabric