Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Soukie DK - 2479 - Downloadable PDF

Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Soukie DK – Pattern 2479

This Sirdar knitting pattern 2479 provides instructions for two classic children's cardigans — one with long sleeves and one with short sleeves — both worked in Sirdar Soukie DK yarn. Sized to fit children aged 2 to 13 years, the pattern covers a wide range of chest measurements from 56 cm (22 in) up to 81 cm (32 in), making it a versatile wardrobe staple that can grow with a child over many years. Both versions share the same classic cardigan silhouette, differing primarily in sleeve length, giving knitters the flexibility to choose a style suited to the season or the child's preference.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two distinct garments:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan: A traditional button-front cardigan with full-length sleeves. Sleeve length ranges from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest size up to 42 cm (16½ in) for the largest, and is noted as adjustable, allowing knitters to customise the fit. Full garment length ranges from 34 cm (13½ in) to 50 cm (19¾ in) depending on size.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan: A lighter, warm-weather version of the same cardigan with short cap-style sleeves measuring just 4 to 6 cm (1½ to 2½ in) in length. This version is ideal as a layering piece or a summer cover-up.

Both cardigans are designed with a neat, fitted shape. The actual chest measurements range from 60 cm (23¾ in) to 85 cm (33½ in), providing a comfortable amount of ease over the stated chest sizes.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting: Both cardigans are worked flat on straight needles, with separate pieces for the back, fronts, and sleeves that are seamed together on finishing.
• Shaping: Standard knitting shaping techniques are used throughout, including increases and decreases to form the armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline.
• Tension/gauge management: As with all Sirdar patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the garment matches the stated measurements across all six sizes.
• Finishing: Seaming of shoulder, side, and sleeve seams, along with the addition of a button band or button-hole band worked as part of the front edges, is required to complete the garment.
• Adjustable sleeve length: The long-sleeved version specifically notes that sleeve length is adjustable, a useful feature for knitters who need to customise the fit for a particular child.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The main body fabric of both cardigans is worked in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, classic surface that showcases the colourwork or tonal qualities of the Soukie DK yarn.
• Rib stitch: Ribbing is typically used on welts, cuffs, and neckbands in cardigans of this style to provide stretch, structure, and a neat finish at the edges. This is consistent with standard Sirdar DK cardigan construction.

Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Soukie DK yarn, a DK weight yarn available in 50g balls. Two colourways are featured:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan: worked in Soukie DK shade 185, requiring between 4 and 9 balls of 50g depending on the size being knitted.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan: worked in Soukie DK shade 184, requiring between 4 and 7 balls of 50g depending on the size.

The pattern also notes compatibility with a range of other Sirdar DK weight yarns, including Country Style DK,