Cardigans in Sirdar Cotton DK - 8123 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Cotton DK – Pattern 8123: Detailed Summary

Pattern 8123 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic women's cardigans worked in Sirdar Cotton DK yarn. Designed at an intermediate skill level, this pattern includes a generous size range — from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust — making it an inclusive and versatile choice for a wide range of knitters. Both designs share the same elegant, relaxed silhouette but are distinguished primarily by their sleeve length, giving knitters a choice between a cosy long-sleeved version and a lighter short-sleeved style ideal for warmer months.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Design One: Long-Sleeved Cardigan (Shade 504)

The first design is a long-sleeved cardigan worked in Sirdar F039 Cotton DK shade 504. This is a timeless, button-front cardigan with set-in or tailored sleeves and a neat, structured finish. The long sleeve length ranges from approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) depending on the size, and the pattern notes that the sleeve length is adjustable, allowing knitters to personalise the fit further. The full garment length ranges from 54 cm to 67 cm (21¼ to 26½ inches) across the size range.

Yarn requirements for this version range from 5 to 8 x 100g balls of Sirdar Cotton DK, depending on the size being knitted. The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from 90 cm to 140 cm (35½ to 55¼ inches), offering a comfortable, relaxed ease over the stated bust sizes.

Design Two: Short-Sleeved Cardigan (Shade 542)

The second design is a short-sleeved cardigan worked in Sirdar F039 Cotton DK shade 542. Sharing the same body construction and shaping as the long-sleeved version, this design features a minimal 2 cm (1 inch) sleeve — essentially a cap sleeve — making it perfect as a lightweight layer for spring and summer dressing. Yarn requirements are naturally reduced, ranging from 4 to 6 x 100g balls of Sirdar Cotton DK across the size range.

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together, which is a traditional and satisfying method of garment construction well-suited to intermediate knitters. The construction involves standard shaping techniques including armhole shaping, neck shaping, and sleeve head shaping, all of which are clearly charted across the six sizes in the pattern.

The button bands and neckband are worked as part of the finishing process, typically picked up and knitted along the front edges and neck, giving the garment a clean, professional look. This type of picked-up band technique is a hallmark of classic cardigan construction and is a useful skill for any intermediate knitter to develop.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) — the primary stitch used for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, flat fabric that drapes beautifully in cotton yarn
• Rib stitch — typically used for the welts, cuffs, button bands, and neckband, providing elasticity and a neat, structured edge
• Shaping techniques — including knit two together (k2tog), slip, slip, knit (ssk), and other standard decrease and increase methods to create armhole, sleeve, and neck shaping

Materials Required

Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Cotton DK (product code F039), a smooth, machine-washable DK weight yarn available in a wide palette of colours. The long-sleeved version is shown in shade 504 and the short-sleeved version in shade 542. Cotton DK is an ideal choice for cardigans intended for warmer weather or