Round Neck and Collar Neck Cardigan in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply - 7311 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply Cardigan Knitting Pattern 7311 – Round Neck and Collar Neck Versions

Pattern 7311 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic women's cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply: a Round Neck Cardigan and a Cardigan with Collar. Both versions share the same construction framework and sizing range, making this a versatile pattern suitable for knitters who want a neat, lightweight layering piece in a crisp cotton yarn. The pattern covers six dress sizes from a 10 to 20, fitting bust measurements of 81 cm to 107 cm (32 in to 42 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 84 cm to 110 cm (33 in to 43¼ in) to allow for ease of wear.

About the Two Designs

Round Neck Cardigan

The Round Neck Cardigan is a timeless, clean-lined design featuring a classic scooped neckline that suits a wide range of body types and styling preferences. It is worked in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply shade 524 and requires 3 to 5 balls of 100g depending on the size being made. The finished full length ranges from 56 cm to 64 cm (22 in to 25¼ in), and the sleeve length from 24 cm to 28 cm (9½ in to 11 in), making it a three-quarter or short-sleeved style ideal for warmer seasons. The round neck finish gives the garment a polished, versatile look that works equally well dressed up or worn casually.

Cardigan with Collar

The Cardigan with Collar offers a slightly more structured alternative, adding a collar detail at the neckline for extra interest and a more tailored appearance. This version is worked in Sirdar Cotton 4 Ply shade 504 and requires 3 to 5 balls of 100g across the size range. The collar construction introduces additional shaping and finishing steps, making this version particularly appealing to knitters who enjoy adding a decorative neckline feature to an otherwise straightforward design. The body and sleeve dimensions are consistent with the round neck version.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using a combination of well-established knitting techniques that are accessible to confident beginner and intermediate knitters. Key techniques include:

• Thumb method cast on – used to begin the back and other pieces, providing a firm, elastic edge well suited to cotton yarns
• Stocking stitch – the main fabric of both cardigans, worked in the classic alternating knit and purl row sequence to produce a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing cotton's natural sheen
• Ribbing – worked on the smaller 2¾mm needles to create neat, elasticated welts, cuffs, and button bands
• Raglan or set-in sleeve shaping – the pattern includes detailed row-by-row shaping instructions for armholes and sleeves
• Decreasing – using techniques such as k2tog (knit two together), s1, k2tog, psso (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over), k3tog (knit three together), and p2sso (pass two slipped stitches over) for precise, tidy shaping at armholes, necklines, and sleeve heads
• Increasing – using m1 (make one) increases to add stitches symmetrically during shaping sections
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – used to create neat buttonholes in the button band
• Collar construction – the collar version includes additional picked-up or cast-on stitches worked to shape and attach the collar neatly at the neckline
• Button band finishing – both versions include a neat front band worked to accommodate 7 or 8 buttons depending on the size

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch –