Cardigans in Sirdar Ophelia - 7791- Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Ophelia – Pattern 7791: Two Chunky Knit Cardigan Designs

Pattern 7791 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct cardigan designs worked in Sirdar Ophelia, a chunky-weight yarn. The two garments — a Stand Up Neck Cardigan and a Shawl Collared Cardigan — share the same pattern booklet and are sized to fit a wide range of chest and bust measurements, making this an excellent choice for knitters looking to create a cosy, stylish layering piece for themselves or a loved one. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and finishing techniques but are ready to tackle more structured garment construction.

Sizing and Fit

Both cardigans are available in six sizes, designed to fit chest and bust measurements from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in). The actual finished measurements range from 70 cm (27½ in) to 121 cm (47¾ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. Full lengths range from 46 cm (18 in) to 69 cm (27¼ in), and sleeve lengths — noted as adjustable — run from 33 cm (13 in) to 48 cm (19 in), giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit to their preference.

The Stand Up Neck Cardigan (Shade 113)

The first design featured in pattern 7791 is the Stand Up Neck Cardigan, knitted in Sirdar Ophelia shade 113. As its name suggests, this cardigan features a neat stand-up neckline, creating a structured, polished silhouette that works beautifully in a chunky yarn. The stand-up collar adds warmth around the neck without the bulk of a full shawl or hood, making it a versatile option for transitional weather.

• Yarn required: 5 to 11 balls of Sirdar Ophelia (50g balls), depending on size
• Buttons required: 7 buttons for the smallest sizes, up to 9 buttons for the largest sizes
• Exact button counts by size: 7 [7:8:8:9:9] buttons

The Shawl Collared Cardigan (Shade 112)

The second design is the Shawl Collared Cardigan, knitted in Sirdar Ophelia shade 112. This cardigan features a generous shawl collar, a classic and enduringly popular detail that drapes softly around the neckline and adds a cosy, relaxed feel to the finished garment. Shawl collars are typically worked by picking up stitches around the neckline and working short rows or straight rows outward to create the characteristic wide, folded lapel effect, and they are a hallmark of traditional hand-knitted outerwear.

• Yarn required: 5 to 11 balls of Sirdar Ophelia (50g balls), depending on size
• Buttons required: 5 buttons for the smallest sizes, up to 7 buttons for the largest sizes
• Exact button counts by size: 5 [5:6:6:7:7] buttons

Materials and Yarn

Both cardigans are designed primarily for Sirdar Ophelia, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 50g balls. Ophelia's chunky weight means the fabric knits up quickly and produces a warm, substantial fabric ideal for cardigans and outerwear. The pattern also notes that the designs are suitable for Sylvan Chunky, Harrap Tweed Chunky, and Aura as alternative yarns, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting. This flexibility makes the pattern accessible to knitters who wish to explore different textures and fibre blends within the chunky weight category.

Needles Required

• 1 pair of 6½mm knitting needles (UK 3 – USA 10.5) — used