Long and Short Sleeved Sweaters in Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran - 7890 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Long and Short Sleeved Women's Sweaters in Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran – Pattern 7890

Pattern 7890 from Sirdar is a knitting pattern for a women's sweater available in both long-sleeved and short-sleeved versions. Designed in Aran weight yarn, this pattern is suited to intermediate knitters and is offered as a downloadable PDF. It includes an impressive range of sizes, from a 32/34 inch bust up to a 52/54 inch bust, making it an inclusive and versatile choice for a wide range of knitters.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic, wearable women's pullover sweater in two sleeve-length variations. The long-sleeved version features sleeves measuring approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 inches) depending on size, while the short-sleeved version has a neat, minimal sleeve of just 3 cm (1¼ inches), giving it a more summery or layering-friendly silhouette. Both versions share the same body construction and stitch patterning, allowing knitters to choose the style that best suits their wardrobe needs.

The actual finished bust measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) up to 141 cm (55½ in) across the six sizes, with positive ease built in for a comfortable, relaxed fit. Full lengths range from 60 cm to 73 cm (approximately 23¾ to 28¾ inches), measured from the back of the neck.

Techniques Used

As an intermediate-level knitting pattern, this design goes beyond basic knit-and-purl construction. Key techniques include:

• Cable knitting – a cable needle is listed as a required tool, indicating the pattern features traditional rope or panel cables that add texture and visual interest to the fabric
• Ribbing – typically used on welts, cuffs, and neckbands in Aran-style garments to provide stretch and a neat finish
• Shaping – armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping are standard components of a fitted sweater pattern at this level
• Tension/gauge management – working to the specified tension is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements across all six sizes

Cable knitting is a beloved technique in Aran-style knitwear. It involves crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle to create twisted, rope-like or lattice patterns. These cables are a hallmark of traditional Aran design and add both structure and decorative appeal to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is detailed within the downloadable PDF, the pattern is characteristic of Aran-weight cable knitting and is expected to include:

• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation of all knitted fabric and used to create the background texture between cables
• Cable stitches – worked over multiple stitches with the aid of a cable needle to create the signature twisted panels
• Rib stitch – alternating knit and purl columns, commonly used for borders, cuffs, and neckbands to create an elastic, tidy edge

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran yarn, referenced as F101 Cotton Rich Aran. The long-sleeved version is shown in shade 010, requiring between 5 and 8 x 100g balls depending on size. The short-sleeved version is shown in shade 001, requiring between 4 and 7 x 100g balls. The pattern notes that it is also suitable for Sirdar Moonstone, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran is a popular yarn choice for garments worn close to the skin, as the cotton content adds breathability and a soft drape, while the remaining fibres contribute to stitch definition — making it particularly well suited to showcasing cable textures.

The following tools are required:

• 5mm (UK6 / USA