Shawl Collared and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Sylvan - 7483 - Downloadable PDF

Shawl Collared and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Sylvan Chunky – Pattern 7483

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two distinct cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Sylvan Chunky yarn: a Shawl Collared Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan. Both garments are constructed with a classic raglan shaping, making them ideal for knitters who enjoy a neat, structured fit with a contemporary chunky-weight finish. The pattern includes a generous size range, covering chest sizes from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), with actual measurements spanning 90 cm to 141 cm, ensuring an inclusive fit for a wide variety of body types.

Garment Designs

Shawl Collared Cardigan

The Shawl Collared Cardigan is a cosy, relaxed knit featuring a distinctive shawl collar — a broad, folded collar that drapes softly around the neckline and lapels, adding warmth and a classic, timeless style. This design is worked in Sirdar Sylvan Chunky shade 202 and requires between 8 and 14 balls of 50g depending on the size being knitted. The full length of the finished garment ranges from 60 cm to 73 cm, and the sleeve length (noted as adjustable) runs from 46 cm to 51 cm across the size range. The shawl collar is a hallmark feature of traditional knitwear and is typically picked up and worked as an extension of the front bands, folding back naturally to frame the neckline.

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan offers a more streamlined, versatile silhouette with a classic V-shaped neckline that works equally well dressed up or worn casually. Worked in Sirdar Sylvan Chunky shade 200, this version requires slightly less yarn — between 7 and 13 balls of 50g — making it a slightly more economical option for those working in the larger sizes. The same length and sleeve measurements apply as for the shawl collared version, and the V neck shaping is achieved through careful raglan and neckline decreases worked symmetrically on both fronts.

Construction and Techniques

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — back, left front, right front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The construction method uses a raglan sleeve shaping, a technique where the sleeve cap and body armhole are decreased simultaneously along diagonal lines, creating a smooth, angled join from the cuff to the neckline without a traditional set-in shoulder seam. Raglan shaping is a popular choice in chunky knitwear as it provides a comfortable, roomy fit across the shoulders and upper body.

The pattern makes use of stitch holders to hold live stitches — particularly at the neckline — while other sections are completed, which is standard practice in garment knitting to keep stitches safe and accessible for later finishing.

Button bands are incorporated into the fronts, and each cardigan requires 7 or 8 buttons depending on the size, adding a practical and decorative closure to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib (k2, p2) — used for the welts, cuffs, and button bands, providing elasticity and a neat, structured edge
• Stocking Stitch — the primary body fabric, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Raglan Decreases — worked using decrease(ing) techniques on alternate and every fourth rows to shape the armhole and sleeve cap simultaneously
• p2tog (purl two together) — used in the final shaping stages, particularly at the neckline and raglan edges
• Thumb Method Cast On — specified for casting on stitches at the start of the back and fronts, producing a firm, elastic edge well-suited to chunky-weight projects

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Sirdar