Cardigan in Sirdar No.1 Chunky - 8173 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar No.1 Chunky – Pattern 8173

This knitting pattern (Sirdar pattern number 8173) offers two classic cardigan designs in one downloadable PDF: a Standard Cardigan and a Longline Cardigan, both worked in Sirdar No.1 Chunky yarn. Rated as an Easy Knit and suitable for beginner knitters, this pattern is an excellent introduction to garment construction, delivering a cosy, wearable result without demanding advanced skills. The inclusion of larger sizes makes it an especially inclusive pattern, catering to a wide range of body shapes and proportions.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two variations of a women's knitted cardigan:

• Standard Cardigan – A classic-length cardigan with a finished full length ranging from approximately 64 cm (25¼ in) up to 77 cm (30¼ in) depending on size.
• Longline Cardigan – An extended-length version with a finished full length ranging from approximately 84 cm (33 in) up to 97 cm (38 in), offering more coverage and a contemporary silhouette.

Both cardigans are worked to fit bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), giving six size options in total. Actual finished measurements range from 98 cm (38½ in) to 150 cm (59 in) across the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. Sleeve length is listed as adjustable, with a guide length of 46–48 cm (18–19 in) across sizes.

Techniques Used

As an easy-rated knitting pattern, the techniques involved are well within reach of a beginner who has mastered the basics of casting on and off, and working knit and purl stitches. Garment knitting at this level typically involves:

• Flat knitting – working back and forth in rows on straight needles to create the individual panels of the cardigan (back, fronts, and sleeves).
• Shaping – simple increases and decreases to shape the armholes, sleeve caps, and neckline.
• Seaming – joining the knitted panels together using mattress stitch or a preferred seaming method to assemble the finished garment.
• Picking up stitches – working a neat button band or front border along the cardigan openings, a fundamental garment-finishing technique.
• Tension/gauge management – working to the specified tension is essential in garment knitting to achieve the correct sizing across the six available sizes.

Stitches Used

Working with chunky yarn on large needles means the fabric grows quickly and the stitches are easy to see, making this ideal for beginners building confidence. The pattern is likely to incorporate:

• Knit stitch – the foundation of most knitted fabric.
• Purl stitch – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and structure.
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) – the smooth, classic fabric formed by alternating knit and purl rows, commonly used for the main body and sleeves of cardigans at this level.
• Rib stitch – typically a 1x1 or 2x2 rib, used for welts, cuffs, and front bands to add elasticity and a neat, professional finish.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar No.1 Chunky, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The Standard Cardigan is shown in shade 225 and requires between 6 and 10 balls depending on size. The Longline Cardigan is shown in shade 230 and requires between 7 and 12 balls depending on size. Yarn quantities are based on achieving the specified tension with the recommended yarn.

The pattern also notes compatibility with other chunky-weight yarns from the Sirdar range, including Harrap Tweed Chunky, Aura, and Imagination Chunky, though yarn amounts may vary