Cardigans in Sirdar Supersoft Aran - 2434 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Supersoft Aran – Pattern 2434: Children's Knitted Cardigans for Ages 2 to 13

Pattern 2434 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two children's cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran yarn. The collection includes a classic cardigan and a hooded cardigan, both sized to fit children aged 2 to 13 years, covering chest measurements from 56 cm (22 in) up to 81 cm (32 in). With six size options and a beautifully textured stitch construction, this pattern is a versatile and practical addition to any knitter's library.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Design One: Classic Cardigan

The first design is a traditional children's cardigan featuring a richly textured body and an elegant cable panel. It is a timeless, structured garment suitable for everyday wear or smarter occasions. The cardigan fastens with 5 or 6 buttons depending on the size chosen, and features set-in or shaped sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length, making it easy to customise the fit. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 61 cm (24 in) to 86 cm (34 in), providing comfortable ease across all sizes.

This design is worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran shade 917, and requires between 2 and 5 x 100g balls depending on the size being made.

Design Two: Hooded Cardigan

The second design shares the same stitch construction and sizing framework as the classic cardigan but adds a cosy hood in place of a traditional neckband, giving it a more casual and contemporary feel. The hood makes this version especially practical for children, providing extra warmth and a fun, relaxed silhouette. It also fastens with buttons and features the same cable panel detailing throughout.

The hooded cardigan is worked in Sirdar Supersoft Aran shade 909, requiring between 3 and 5 x 100g balls depending on size. Slightly more yarn is needed for this version due to the addition of the hood.

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are available in six sizes to fit children aged 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13 years. Full lengths range from 38 cm (15 in) for the smallest size up to 58 cm (22¾ in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths range from 24 cm (9½ in) to 42 cm (16½ in) and are described as adjustable, allowing knitters to fine-tune the fit for individual children. The pattern advises knitters to circle their chosen size before beginning to avoid confusion between the multiple size figures given throughout.

Stitches and Techniques Used

These cardigans combine several classic knitting stitches and techniques to create a fabric that is both visually interesting and wonderfully tactile. Key stitches and methods used include:

• Hurdle Stitch: The main body fabric is worked in hurdle stitch, a simple but effective textured stitch that alternates knit and purl rows to create a subtle ridged surface. The tension for this pattern is set at 21 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm over hurdle stitch on 5mm needles.
• Cable Panel: A prominent cable panel of 56 stitches measuring 20 cm (8 in) runs through the garment, adding classic Aran-style visual interest. The cables are worked using a cable needle and include a variety of cable crossings.
• C2B and C2F (2-stitch cable crossings): Slip the next stitch to the back or front on a cable needle, knit 1, then knit 1 from the cable needle. These small crossings create delicate twisted rope details within the cable panel.
• C4B and C4F (4-stitch cable crossings): Slip the next 2 stitches to the back or front on a cable needle, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle. These are the primary cables forming the bold, classic Aran rope cable motifs.
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