Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK - 7166 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Crofter DK – Pattern 7166: Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Crofter DK yarn: a Shawl Collar Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan. Both garments are sized to fit a wide range of chest and bust measurements, making this pattern a versatile addition to any knitter's collection. The pattern covers six sizes ranging from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), with actual finished measurements from 70 cm to 121 cm, making it suitable for children through to adults.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Shawl Collar Cardigan

The Shawl Collar Cardigan is a cosy, relaxed design distinguished by its elegant shawl collar neckline — a style that wraps softly around the neck and adds warmth and visual interest without the need for a separate scarf or cowl. This cardigan features raglan shaping, a construction technique in which the sleeves and body are joined and decreased simultaneously along diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline, creating a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders. The shawl collar is typically picked up and worked separately after the main body is complete, giving a neat, professional finish.

This design is worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 081 and requires 4 to 9 balls of 50g depending on size, as well as 5 to 7 buttons.

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan offers a more streamlined, classic silhouette with a neat V-shaped neckline that flatters a wide range of body types and works equally well as a casual layer or a smarter everyday garment. Like the Shawl Collar version, it also uses raglan construction for a tidy, well-fitted shoulder line. The V neck shaping is achieved through careful decreasing along the front edges as the knitter works upward toward the neckline.

This design is worked in Sirdar Crofter DK shade 084 and requires the same yarn quantities — 4 to 9 balls of 50g — and the same number of buttons as the Shawl Collar version.

Construction and Techniques

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The raglan sleeve shaping is a key structural technique used in both designs. Raglan construction involves casting off stitches at the underarm and then working paired decreases on every right-side row to shape the armhole and sleeve cap simultaneously. The pattern specifies a decrease method using s1, k1, psso (slip 1 stitch knitways, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) for a neat left-leaning decrease, paired with corresponding shaping on the opposite edge.

Ribbing is used at the welts, cuffs, and button bands to provide elasticity and a tidy, professional edge. The rib pattern specified is a 2x2 rib (k2, p2) with a one-stitch adjustment at the edges to ensure clean selvedges, worked on the smaller needle size. This type of ribbing is a classic knitting technique that draws the fabric in slightly and helps garment edges lie flat and retain their shape over time.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's colour and texture
• 2x2 rib (k2, p2) – used for welts, cuffs, and borders to add stretch and structure
• Raglan decreases – using s1, k1, psso and k2tog techniques to shape the armhole and sleeve cap
• Cast on and cast off – standard techniques used to begin pieces and shape underarms

Tension

The stated tension for both designs is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over st