Women's Sweater in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply - 7361 - Downloadable PDF

Women's Sweater in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply – Pattern 7361

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar provides full instructions for a classic women's sweater worked in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply yarn. Designed to suit a wide range of sizes, this is an elegant and wearable warm-weather knit that showcases the clean drape and stitch definition that cotton yarn is celebrated for. The pattern is ideal for knitters who enjoy working with lightweight yarn and want a finished garment suitable for spring, summer, or layering year-round.

Garment Overview

The design is a women's sweater with set-in sleeves, worked in a straightforward construction that makes it accessible to confident beginner and intermediate knitters alike. The silhouette is neat and fitted, with a measured ease built into each size so the finished sweater sits comfortably over the bust without being boxy or overly loose.

Sizing and Fit

• Dress sizes covered: 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20
• To fit bust: 81, 86, 91, 97, 102, and 107 cm (32–42 in)
• Actual chest measurement: 86–111 cm (34–43¾ in), providing a modest positive ease across all sizes
• Full length (approximate): 54–62 cm (21¼–24½ in), increasing gradually with size
• Sleeve length: 29–32 cm (11½–12½ in)
• Width measured just below armholes: 43–55.5 cm (17–21¾ in)

The graded sizing means knitters can select the version that best suits their individual measurements, and the pattern provides clear stitch counts for each size throughout.

Techniques Used

This sweater is knitted flat on straight needles in separate pieces — typically a front, back, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives knitters full control over each section and allows for easy blocking of individual panels before assembly. Key techniques include:

• Tension/gauge swatching — essential before beginning, as the pattern specifies a precise tension of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch on 3¼mm needles
• Shaping — armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping are worked through standard decreases and cast-offs to create a well-fitted silhouette
• Ribbing — worked on the smaller 2¾mm needles for neat, elastic welts at the cuffs and lower body edges
• Stitch holder use — stitches are placed on holders during neck shaping, a common technique that keeps live stitches ready for finishing
• Seaming — the finished panels are joined using standard knitting seam methods such as mattress stitch for an invisible, professional finish

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the primary stitch pattern used across the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, flat fabric that highlights the cotton yarn's natural lustre
• Rib stitch — used for the welts and cuffs, providing stretch and a tidy, classic edge finish

Stocking stitch is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side when working flat. It produces a smooth face and a textured reverse, and it is particularly well-suited to cotton yarn because the stitch definition remains crisp and the fabric does not curl excessively once blocked.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply, shade 525 — quantities range from 3 to 5 x 100g balls depending on size. The pattern notes that Sirdar Country Style 4 Ply is also suitable, though yarn amounts may vary.
• Needles: One pair of 3¼mm (