Sweaters in Sirdar Imagination Chunky - 8057 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Imagination Chunky Sweaters – Knitting Pattern 8057

Pattern 8057 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct chunky-weight sweater designs: a Boat Neck Sweater and a Stand Up Neck Sweater. Both garments are worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky yarn and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern with excellent size coverage including larger sizes. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable working with cables and shaping techniques.

Design Overview

Boat Neck Sweater

The first design is a classic boat neck sweater, offering a wide, elegant neckline that sits gracefully across the collarbone. This style is timeless and flattering across all the included sizes. The actual finished measurements range from 91 cm (36 in) to 142 cm (56 in) at the bust, with a full length of 60 cm to 73 cm depending on size. The sleeve length is approximately 46 to 48 cm and is noted as adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit.

This sweater is worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky shade 001, and the yarn requirements range from 5 to 9 balls of 100g depending on the size being knitted.

Stand Up Neck Sweater

The second design features a stand up neck — a neat, structured collar that frames the face and adds a contemporary, cosy feel to the garment. Like the boat neck version, it shares the same body and sleeve length measurements, ensuring a consistent, well-proportioned silhouette across the size range.

This sweater is worked in Sirdar Imagination Chunky shade 006, and yarn requirements range from 6 to 10 balls of 100g, slightly more than the boat neck version to account for the additional collar fabric.

Techniques and Construction

Both sweaters are constructed using flat knitting worked in separate pieces — typically front, back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. The inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list confirms that cable knitting is a central technique in these designs. Cables are a classic feature of chunky knitwear, creating raised, twisted rope-like textures that add visual interest and a sense of craftsmanship to the finished garment.

The use of stitch holders is also required, indicating that stitches are placed on hold at various points during construction — most likely during neck shaping or shoulder finishing — a common technique in sweater knitting that allows for neat, professional joins and neckline finishes.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch – the primary decorative stitch, creating textured twisted panels across the fabric
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat, fitted edge
• Stocking stitch – likely used for body panels and sleeves as a smooth background fabric

The stated tension is 16 stitches measuring 8 cm (3 in) over the cable pattern, which is an important detail for knitters to achieve before casting on, as the cable pattern compresses stitches horizontally and produces a denser fabric than plain stocking stitch at the same needle size.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Sirdar Imagination Chunky – the primary recommended yarn, available in shade 001 (Boat Neck Sweater) and shade 006 (Stand Up Neck Sweater)
• The pattern also notes suitability for Harrap Tweed Chunky and Aura as alternative yarns, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting
• Yarn is sold in 100g balls; quantities range from 5–9 balls for the boat neck and 6–10 balls