Sweater in Sirdar No.1 - 8049 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar 8049 – Cable and Bobble Sweater Knitting Pattern in Sirdar No.1 DK

Pattern Sirdar 8049 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a classic women's sweater featuring an elegant combination of cable and bobble textures. Designed by Sirdar and worked in DK weight yarn, this intermediate-level project produces a beautifully structured pullover with rich surface detail that makes it a rewarding knit for those who have moved beyond the basics.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's sweater with set-in or drop-shoulder-style sleeves and textured panelling. The design is notable for its inclusion of larger sizes, covering a wide range from a 32/34 inch bust right through to a 52/54 inch bust, making it genuinely size-inclusive. The six sizes offered are:

• 81/86 cm (32/34 in) – actual measurement 90 cm / 35½ in
• 91/97 cm (36/38 in) – actual measurement 101 cm / 39¾ in
• 102/107 cm (40/42 in) – actual measurement 112 cm / 44 in
• 112/117 cm (44/46 in) – actual measurement 121 cm / 47¾ in
• 122/127 cm (48/50 in) – actual measurement 132 cm / 52 in
• 132/137 cm (52/54 in) – actual measurement 141 cm / 55½ in

The finished sweater has a full length ranging from 60 cm to 73 cm (approximately 23¾ to 28¾ inches) depending on size, and an adjustable sleeve length of approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 inches), giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit.

Techniques Used

This is rated as an intermediate knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore more advanced textural techniques. The key techniques involved include:

• Cable knitting – stitches are crossed over one another using a cable needle to create twisted rope-like columns of texture. Cables are a classic knitting technique that add structure and visual interest to a fabric.
• Bobble making – bobbles are created by working multiple times into a single stitch, then decreasing back down, producing a raised, three-dimensional popcorn-like dot on the fabric surface. They are often used as accent details alongside cables.
• Tension/gauge management – the cable and bobble pattern panel of 16 stitches measures 6 cm, so achieving correct tension is essential for a well-fitting garment.
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders at key shaping points such as necklines, requiring knitters to manage live stitches carefully.
• Knitting in the round or flat on two needles – the pattern uses two pairs of straight needles in different sizes to achieve ribbing and body sections.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch – the signature textural element of this design, worked over a defined number of stitches with the aid of a cable needle
• Bobble stitch – a raised decorative stitch worked as part of the cable and bobble panel
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat, professional finish; worked on the smaller 3¼mm needles
• Stocking stitch / stockinette – likely used as a background fabric to set off the textured panels

Materials Required

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar No.1 yarn (shade 205), a DK weight yarn, in 100g balls. The number of balls required varies by size:

• 6 balls – sizes 81/86 cm and 91/97 cm