Medallist Zip Sweater in Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk - 10555 - Downloadable PDF

Medallist Zip Sweater in Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK – Pattern 10555

The Medallist Zip Sweater is a sophisticated women's hand-knitted sweater designed by Sirdar, one of Britain's most established yarn companies, founded in West Yorkshire in 1880. Released as pattern design number 10555, this project is rated Advanced in difficulty and is crafted in the luxurious Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk Double Knitting yarn. The finished garment is a stylish, structured sweater featuring a zip detail — a contemporary touch that elevates it beyond a classic pullover and gives it a distinctly designer aesthetic.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's zip sweater knitted in the round and in flat pieces, designed to be worn as a fitted to relaxed-fit garment across a wide range of sizes. The sweater is available in six sizes, covering chest measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches), making it an inclusive and versatile pattern. The finished width ranges from 108 cm to 159 cm, and the full length from 55 cm to 65 cm, with sleeve lengths of approximately 47 cm to 49 cm. It is a complete garment with a body, set-in or structured sleeves, and a zip fastening as a key design feature.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk Double Knitting (DK), yarn code F005, in 50g balls. The featured colourway shown in the pattern is shade 403 China Blue, though the yarn is also available in additional shades including 421 Meadow Green, 402 Candlelit Mink, and 416 Orchard Red, allowing knitters to personalise their finished sweater. The number of balls required varies by size, ranging from 16 balls for size Small up to 24 balls for size XXXL.

Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK is a premium luxury blend combining pure silk, extra fine merino wool, and Himalayan cashmere. This fibre combination produces a yarn that is exceptionally soft against the skin, with a subtle sheen from the silk, warmth and elasticity from the merino, and unparalleled softness from the cashmere. It is particularly well-suited to sophisticated womenswear where drape, stitch definition, and a refined finish are priorities.

Needles and Tools

• 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles — used for the main body and sleeves
• 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK10) knitting needles — typically used for ribbing, welts, and neckband sections to create a neat, firm edge
• A zip fastening will also be required to complete the sweater's signature design feature

Techniques Used

As an Advanced rated pattern, the Medallist Zip Sweater is intended for experienced knitters who are comfortable with a range of techniques. Advanced knitting patterns from Sirdar at this level typically involve:

• Shaping techniques including increases and decreases for armhole, sleeve cap, and neckline shaping
• Working flat pieces for the front, back, and sleeves, which are then seamed together
• Picking up and knitting stitches along edges for neckbands or zip plackets
• Seaming and finishing, including the neat insertion of a zip fastening — a technique that requires precision to achieve a clean, professional result
• Tension/gauge management — critical when working with a luxury fibre blend like cashmere and silk, where achieving the correct tension ensures accurate sizing across all six size options

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the downloadable PDF, patterns of this type from Sirdar at the Advanced level typically incorporate:

• Knit and purl stitches forming the foundation of the fabric