Long and Short Sleeved Sweaters in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK - 7943 - Downloadable PDF

Pattern Summary: Long and Short Sleeved Sweaters in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK – Pattern 7943

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar includes instructions for two classic sweater designs — a long sleeved sweater and a short sleeved sweater — both worked in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore decorative lace patterning. Notably, this pattern includes larger sizes, covering a wide range from a 32/34 inch bust all the way up to a 52/54 inch bust, making it an inclusive and versatile option for a broad range of knitters.

Designs Included

Long Sleeved Sweater

The long sleeved version is a relaxed, wearable sweater featuring a combination of classic stocking stitch and an elegant lace pattern. The sleeves are generously sized, with lengths ranging from approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches) depending on the size chosen, and the pattern notes that sleeve length is adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit. The full garment length ranges from 55 cm to 66 cm across the size range.

In Sirdar Cotton Prints DK shade 353, this sweater requires between 9 and 15 x 100g balls depending on the size being made. The actual finished bust measurement ranges from 90 cm (35½ inches) up to 141 cm (55½ inches), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

Short Sleeved Sweater

The short sleeved version shares the same elegant construction and lace detailing as its long sleeved counterpart but is designed for warmer weather or layering. The short sleeves measure just 8 cm (3 inches) in length across all sizes, making this a lighter, more summery garment that still showcases the beautiful stitch patterning to full effect.

Worked in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK shade 358, this version requires between 7 and 12 x 100g balls depending on the size. The finished measurements mirror those of the long sleeved version, ensuring a consistent, flattering silhouette.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both sweaters in this pattern make use of a combination of foundational and decorative knitting stitches and techniques, giving the finished garments both structure and visual interest:

• Stocking stitch — the primary fabric stitch, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Lace pattern — a decorative openwork stitch pattern that forms the centrepiece of both sweater designs; the lace is worked using yarn-overs and decreases to create delicate, airy motifs within the fabric
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — a technique used to create yarn-over increases within the lace pattern, forming the characteristic holes of lace knitting
• Yarn over needle (yon) and yarn round needle (yrn) — additional yarn-over methods used at different points within the lace repeat to maintain correct stitch counts and create the openwork effect
• k2tog (knit two together) — a right-leaning decrease used throughout the lace pattern to pair with yarn-overs and maintain stitch balance
• psso (pass slipped stitch over) and p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over) — left-leaning decrease techniques used to shape the lace motifs
• S2 (slip 2 stitches as if to k2tog) — a specific slipping technique used in conjunction with decreases for neat, directional shaping within the lace
• Ribbing or welts — typically used at cuffs and hems in DK weight Sirdar patterns to provide elasticity and a neat, finished edge
• Shaping — standard garment shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing are used throughout to shape the body, armholes, and sleeves
• Stitch holders — used to hold live stitches, particularly at the neckline, while other sections are completed

Materials Required