Cardigan in Sirdar No.1 Chunky - 2493 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar No.1 Chunky – Pattern 2493: Complete Summary

Pattern 2493 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two distinct children's cardigan designs worked in Sirdar No.1 Chunky yarn. Sized to fit children aged 2 to 13 years, with chest sizes ranging from 56 cm (22 in) to 81 cm (32 in), this is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that combines classic construction with decorative stitch detail. Both garments are practical, cosy, and well-suited to chunky-weight knitting, making them rewarding projects for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, cable work, and working from multi-size instructions.

The Two Designs

Design One: V Neck Cardigan (Shade F036, Colour 227)

The first garment is a V Neck Cardigan worked in Sirdar No.1 Chunky in shade 227. The V-neckline gives this children's cardigan a neat, classic look that works equally well for boys and girls. The shaped neckline requires careful decreasing on both sides to achieve the clean angled finish characteristic of a true V neck. Shoulder shaping is worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of specified rows, giving the garment a proper tailored fit across the shoulders rather than a simple drop-shoulder construction.

The body of this cardigan incorporates box stitch, a textured knit-and-purl pattern that creates a subtle, even surface interest without the complexity of cables. Box stitch is worked on the larger 6½mm needles at a tension of 15 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm. Stocking stitch is also used within the pattern, with a slightly different tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm on the same needle size, which is important to note when checking gauge.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Chunky, shade 227 – 3 to 6 balls of 100g depending on size
• Neckline: V neck with decreasing shaping
• Main stitch: Box stitch and stocking stitch
• Shoulder construction: Shaped cast-off

Design Two: Cardigan with Shawl Collar (Shade F036, Colour 215)

The second design is a Cardigan with Shawl Collar, worked in Sirdar No.1 Chunky in shade 215. The shawl collar is a classic feature that adds warmth and a relaxed, cosy aesthetic — ideal for cooler weather and outdoor wear. A shawl collar is typically worked by picking up stitches around the neckline and knitting a wide, folded collar that drapes softly over the front opening, giving the finished garment a more substantial and stylish neckline treatment compared to a simple ribbed band.

Like the V neck version, this cardigan uses box stitch as the primary body texture and incorporates stocking stitch sections. The pattern also calls for cable work, specifically the C6B cable — a six-stitch back cable worked by slipping three stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knitting three stitches, then knitting the three held stitches from the cable needle. This creates the classic twisted rope cable column that adds a traditional handknit character to the design. The Wrap 1 technique is also referenced, used to avoid holes when working short rows or specific shaping.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Chunky, shade 215 – 3 to 6 balls of 100g depending on size
• Neckline: Shawl collar
• Main stitches: Box stitch, stocking stitch, C6B cable
• Special techniques: Wrap 1, cable needle work

Sizes and Measurements

Both cardigans are sized across six age ranges: 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13