Sweater in Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewash - 8272 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater in Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewash – Pattern 8272

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Sirdar produces a classic, relaxed-fit sweater worked in the brand's signature Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed yarn. Designed with generous sizing in mind, the pattern covers six size options ranging from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement, making it an inclusive and versatile knit suitable for a wide range of body shapes. The actual finished garment measurements range from 116 cm (45¾ in) to 167 cm (65¾ in), indicating a comfortable, relaxed ease throughout.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a pullover sweater with set-in or drop-shoulder-style construction typical of Aran-weight garments. The sweater features a full body length measured from the back of the neck ranging from 52 cm to 65 cm (20½ in to 25½ in) depending on size, and sleeves with an adjustable length of approximately 42–44 cm (16½–17¼ in). The adjustable sleeve length is a practical feature that allows knitters to customise the fit to their own arm length with ease.

Yarn and Materials

The design is worked exclusively in Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed, shade 803. This yarn is an Aran-weight yarn with a distinctive stonewashed aesthetic, giving finished garments a soft, lived-in appearance that is both contemporary and timeless. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 5 and 9 x 100g balls of yarn, making it a manageable and relatively economical project even in the larger sizes.

• Yarn: Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed, shade 803
• Yarn weight: Aran
• Quantity: 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9) x 100g balls
• Needles: 6mm (UK4 / US10), 5mm (UK6 / US8), and 4mm (UK8 / US6) knitting needles
• Accessories: Stitch holders

The use of three different needle sizes is characteristic of well-constructed knitwear patterns — the smaller needles are typically used for ribbed welts and cuffs to create a neat, firm edge, while the mid-size needles form the main fabric, and the larger needles may be used for casting off or specific shaping sections to maintain an even tension.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch on 5mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential in any knitting project, but particularly so in a garment of this size, where even a small deviation per stitch can result in a significantly different finished measurement. Knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning and adjust needle size as needed.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it well-suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their garment-construction skills. The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves is stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), which creates a smooth, classic fabric that showcases the stonewashed texture of the Sirdar No.1 Aran Stonewashed yarn beautifully.

• Stocking stitch – used for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth and even fabric
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in this style of pattern to provide stretch and a tidy finish
• Shaping techniques – including increases and decreases for sleeve shaping and armhole construction
• Stitch holder usage – for holding live stitches during neckline shaping and finishing

Stocking stitch is one of the most fundamental and widely used knitting stitches, producing a