Sirdar Knitting Patterns

A long-running British pattern library

Sirdar has been publishing knitting patterns for generations, and the range reflects that: traditional baby layettes and christening pieces sit alongside contemporary garments from ranges such as Sirdar Stories, with everything from plain stocking stitch cardigans to intricate cabled and lace designs in between. Patterns here are instant PDF downloads, written in the classic British layout with tension, needle sizes, ball quantities and a full size run stated at the top.

Finding the right pattern for your yarn

If you already have yarn, work from the tension rather than the brand. A Sirdar pattern written for a DK will work with any DK that meets the same stitch and row count over 10cm, though the fabric's character will differ. If you have inherited older Sirdar patterns, note that yarn names change over the decades while weights do not: match 4 ply to 4 ply, DK to DK, aran to aran, then check metres per 100g so you buy enough. Older patterns also tend to assume more ease than modern ones, so compare the finished measurements against a garment you own before choosing a size.

What the collection covers

• Baby and christening knits – shawls, matinee coats, bonnets, booties and full layette sets in 4 ply and DK.
• Children's garments, usually graded across several ages in washable yarns.
• Ladies' cardigans, jumpers and tops from simple shapes to fitted, textured designs.
• Men's knits, generally classic round and V-neck jumpers in DK and aran.
• Accessories – hats, scarves, cowls and mittens that use a ball or two.

Tension is the whole game

Every Sirdar pattern gives a tension over 10cm in a stated stitch. Knit at least 15cm square, wash and dry it as you will treat the garment, then measure across the middle. If you have more stitches than stated your knitting is tight, so go up a needle size; fewer stitches means go down. It is worth being pedantic here: half a stitch out over 10cm becomes about five centimetres across an adult chest, which is the difference between a fitted cardigan and a borrowed one.

Lace and cables in Sirdar designs

Many of the prettier baby patterns use lace edgings and panels, and many of the adult designs use cables. Both are easier than they look and both need a marker habit: place a stitch marker at each pattern repeat so a lost yarn over shows up within a few stitches rather than four rows later. Use a lifeline – a length of smooth contrast yarn threaded through a completed row – before you start a complicated section, so a mistake costs you rows rather than the whole piece.

Making up

These are mostly knitted flat and seamed. Block each piece to the schematic measurements first, then mattress stitch the side and sleeve seams, backstitch the shoulders, and set sleeves in by matching the centre of the sleeve head to the shoulder seam. Pick up button bands at the rate the pattern specifies rather than by eye, and block them straight before marking buttonholes. Wash finished garments according to the ball band, dry flat, and store folded.

Sirdar pattern questions

Are there free Sirdar knitting patterns to download as a PDF? Yes, a number of Sirdar patterns in this collection are free instant downloads.

Can I find old Sirdar patterns? The collection includes long-standing classic designs as well as current ranges; search by garment type or yarn weight.

What are Sirdar Stories patterns? They are a contemporary Sirdar range with its own yarns and garment designs, listed alongside the rest here.

Do I have to use Sirdar yarn? No, but match the stated tension and the metres per 100g if you substitute.

What sizes are the garment patterns? Most are graded across several finished chest measurements; check the size chart on the individual pattern.