Cardigans in Sirdar Beachcomber DK - 7283 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Beachcomber DK – Pattern 7283

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic cardigan designs — a long-sleeved cardigan and a short-sleeved cardigan — both worked in Sirdar Beachcomber DK yarn. The pattern covers an impressive range of sizes, from a chest/bust of 61/66 cm (24/26 in) all the way up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it a versatile choice for knitters looking to create a well-fitting, everyday layering piece for themselves or others.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two distinct versions of a classic knitted cardigan:

• Long-Sleeved Cardigan: A full-length cardigan with long sleeves ranging from approximately 33 cm (13 in) to 48 cm (19 in) depending on size, with adjustable sleeve length noted. Full garment length ranges from approximately 38 cm (15 in) to 57 cm (22½ in).
• Short-Sleeved Cardigan: A shorter-sleeved version with sleeve lengths of just 3–4 cm (1¼–1½ in), ideal for warmer weather or as a lightweight layering piece.

Both cardigans are designed with a classic, clean silhouette. The actual finished chest measurements range from 74 cm (29¼ in) to 126 cm (49¾ in), providing generous positive ease across the size range.

Techniques Used

This is a straightforward knitting pattern well-suited to confident beginner and intermediate knitters. Key construction techniques include:

• Flat knitting worked back and forth in rows on straight needles
• Shaping through decreases and increases to form the armholes, neckline, and sleeve cap
• Decrease methods including s1, k1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and s2, k1, p2sso (slip 2 stitches knitways together, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over) for neat, directional shaping
• Stitch holder usage for managing live stitches during neckline construction
• Buttonhole and button band construction — the pattern requires just 1 button, suggesting a simple, elegant button fastening detail
• Seaming to join the knitted pieces into a finished garment

Stitches Used

The cardigans are primarily constructed using fundamental knitting stitches, making the pattern accessible while producing a polished, professional result:

• Stocking stitch (St-st): The main fabric stitch, worked as one row knit, one row purl alternately. This creates a smooth, classic fabric on the right side and is the basis for the stated tension.
• Rib stitch: Typically used for welts, cuffs, and button bands in DK weight cardigan patterns of this style, providing elasticity and a neat, structured edge finish.
• Decrease stitches: Including s1, k1, psso and k2tog (knit 2 together) for shaping throughout the garment.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Used decoratively or as part of shaping sequences as referenced in the pattern abbreviations.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is emphasised as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly — using a thinner needle if fewer stitches are produced, or a thicker needle if more stitches result.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Beachcomber DK