Cardigans in Sirdar Alpine - 8204 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Alpine 8204 – Knitted Gilets Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

Sirdar Alpine 8204 is a knitting pattern for two classic gilets — a V Neck Gilet and a Hooded Gilet — both worked in Sirdar Alpine DK weight yarn. The pattern is graded as intermediate in difficulty and is notable for its generous size range, covering children's and adult sizes from a 24/26 inch chest right through to a 44/46 inch chest, making it a versatile choice for knitters who want to make coordinating pieces for the whole family. Both designs are sleeveless, structured garments ideal for layering over shirts, jumpers, or knitwear during cooler seasons.

Design One: V Neck Gilet

The V Neck Gilet is a clean, classic sleeveless waistcoat featuring a neat V-shaped neckline and shaped armholes. It is a timeless wardrobe staple that works equally well for children and adults. The front opening fastens with buttons — the quantity varies by size, ranging from 4 buttons for the two smallest sizes up to 6 buttons for the larger adult sizes.

Construction and Shaping

The V Neck Gilet is worked in separate pieces — back and front sections — which are then seamed together. The back is cast on using the thumb cast-on method and worked straight in stocking stitch before armhole shaping begins. Armhole shaping and shoulder shaping are achieved through cast-off rows at the beginning of right-side and wrong-side rows. The V-neck shaping on the front is created by working k2tog decreases at the neck edge over several rows, producing the characteristic diagonal line of the V. Shoulder seams are shaped with stepped cast-offs for a neat, structured finish.

Sizing and Yarn Requirements

• Chest sizes: 61/66, 71/76, 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117 cm (24/26 to 44/46 in)
• Actual measurement: 70–121 cm (27½–47¾ in)
• Full length: 42–69 cm (16½–27¼ in)
• Yarn: Sirdar Alpine shade 403 — 5 to 13 x 50g balls depending on size
• Buttons: 4 [4:5:6:6:6] buttons

Design Two: Hooded Gilet

The Hooded Gilet offers a more contemporary, casual take on the sleeveless waistcoat silhouette, adding a hood for extra warmth and style. This design shares the same body construction as the V Neck Gilet but incorporates the additional hood piece, making it slightly more involved to knit and requiring a few extra balls of yarn. The front fastens with buttons, with quantities ranging from 5 buttons for the smallest sizes up to 7 buttons for the largest adult sizes.

Sizing and Yarn Requirements

• Chest sizes: 61/66, 71/76, 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117 cm (24/26 to 44/46 in)
• Actual measurement: 70–121 cm (27½–47¾ in)
• Full length: 42–69 cm (16½–27¼ in)
• Yarn: Sirdar Alpine shade 405 — 6 to 14 x 50g balls depending on size
• Buttons: 5 [5:6:7:7:7] buttons

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both gilets are worked primarily in stocking stitch (abbreviated throughout the pattern as st-st), which is the most fundamental knitting fabric — created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This produces a smooth, flat face and is ideal for showc