Long and 3/4 Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7502 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Cardigans Knitting Pattern 7502 – Long and ¾ Sleeved Designs

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents two classic cardigan designs in Sirdar Cotton DK: a long-sleeved cardigan and a ¾-length sleeved cardigan. Both garments are worked in a lightweight, versatile DK-weight cotton yarn, making them ideal for year-round layering. The pattern covers six dress sizes from a size 10 through to a size 20, fitting bust measurements of 81 cm to 107 cm (32 in to 42 in), with actual finished measurements ranging from 85 cm to 111 cm (33½ in to 43¾ in).

About the Two Cardigan Designs

Although both cardigans share the same basic construction and silhouette, they differ primarily in sleeve length, giving knitters a choice of style and seasonal suitability.

• Long-Sleeved Cardigan (F039): Sleeve lengths range from 43 cm to 47 cm (17 in to 18½ in) depending on size, and the pattern notes that sleeve length is adjustable, allowing knitters to personalise the fit. The full body length ranges from approximately 50 cm to 58 cm (19¾ in to 22¾ in) across the six sizes.
• ¾-Length Sleeved Cardigan (F039): Sleeve lengths for this version range from 29 cm to 31 cm (11½ in to 12 in), creating a lighter, more relaxed look that is particularly well suited to warmer weather or transitional seasons.

Materials and Yarn

Both cardigans are designed specifically for Sirdar Cotton DK yarn, sold in 100g balls. The two versions are shown in different shades:

• The long-sleeved cardigan is worked in shade 520, requiring 4 to 5 balls depending on size.
• The ¾-length sleeved cardigan is worked in shade 514, requiring 3 to 5 balls depending on size.

The pattern also confirms that the designs are suitable for a wide range of alternative DK-weight yarns from the Sirdar range, including Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Country Style DK, Click DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Crofter DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, and Soukie DK. Knitters should note that yarn quantities may vary when substituting an alternative yarn.

Needles Required

The pattern calls for two pairs of standard knitting needles:

• 4½mm needles (UK 7 / USA 7) – used for the main body and sleeves
• 4mm needles (UK 8) – typically used for ribbing, borders, and finishing details

Knitting Techniques and Construction

These cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and sleeves — before being seamed together, which is the traditional construction method for classic cardigans. This approach is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping, including increases and decreases for sleeve shaping and armhole and neckline shaping.

Working in DK weight yarn on relatively standard needle sizes means the fabric knits up at a moderate pace, making this an accessible project for intermediate knitters who have moved beyond beginner scarves and simple accessories and are ready to tackle a shaped garment. The use of a smooth cotton DK yarn also means the stitch definition is clear, making it easier to count rows and identify any shaping errors as you go.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch detail is contained within the PDF, cardigans of this style in DK cotton