Cardigans in Sirdar Country Style DK - 2404 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Country Style DK Cardigans – Pattern 2404: Children's Knitted Cardigans for Ages 2 to 13

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic children's cardigans worked in Sirdar Country Style DK yarn: a Long Sleeved Cardigan and a ¾ Sleeved Cardigan. Both designs are rated Easy Knit, making them an ideal choice for beginner knitters looking to create a practical, wearable garment for a child. The pattern covers six size options, fitting chest measurements from 56 cm (22 in) up to 81 cm (32 in), corresponding to ages 2–3 through 12–13 years, so the same pattern booklet can be used repeatedly as children grow.

Design Overview and Sizing

Both cardigans share the same classic silhouette — a neat, button-through front opening with a structured body and set-in or tapered sleeves — differing primarily in sleeve length. The actual chest measurements of the finished garments range from 60 cm to 85 cm, providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit over the stated chest sizes. Full lengths range from 36 cm to 56 cm depending on size, making these genuinely wearable everyday layering pieces for children.

• Long Sleeved Cardigan: Sleeve length ranges from 24 cm to 42 cm (9½ in to 16½ in), described as long length and adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise fit.
• ¾ Sleeved Cardigan: Sleeve length ranges from 16 cm to 28 cm (6¼ in to 11 in), excluding any turnback cuff, giving a three-quarter length finish that is both stylish and practical for warmer weather or layering.

Each size requires between 7 and 8 buttons (7 buttons for sizes 2–3 through 8–9, and 8 buttons for sizes 10–11 through 12–13), which are worked into a neat button band along the front opening.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, keeping the pattern accessible for those who are relatively new to garment knitting. The Easy Knit classification reflects the straightforward stitch vocabulary throughout.

Primary Stitches

• Stocking Stitch: The main body fabric of both cardigans is worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows), producing a smooth, classic fabric that drapes well and shows off the yarn's colour and texture beautifully.
• Rib: The welts, cuffs, and button bands are worked in rib stitch, which provides natural elasticity and a neat, professional finish at the edges. Ribbing is a foundational technique in knitted garments, helping hems and cuffs hug the body without curling.

Construction Techniques

• Thumb Method Cast On: The pattern specifies the thumb method cast on, a popular and beginner-friendly technique that creates a firm, stretchy edge well suited to garment hems.
• Shaping: Standard increasing and decreasing techniques are used throughout to shape the armholes, sleeve heads, and neckline. Decreases include methods such as knit two together (k2tog) and pass slipped stitch over (psso), both clearly defined in the abbreviations section.
• Stitch Holders: Stitches for the neckline and front bands are placed on stitch holders and returned to the needles later, a standard technique for managing live stitches during garment assembly.
• Yarn Forward (yfwd): The yarn forward technique is referenced in the abbreviations, typically used here to create neat buttonholes along the front band.
• Seaming and Assembly: As is typical for classically constructed children's cardigans, the pieces — back, left front, right front, and sleeves — are knitted separately and then joined, requiring basic seaming skills.

Materials Required