Waistcoat and Cardigan in Sirdar Smudge - 7865- Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Smudge Ladies Jacket and Waistcoat – Pattern 7865 Summary

Pattern 7865 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic ladies' garments in one package: a long-sleeved jacket (cardigan) and a sleeveless waistcoat. Both designs are worked in Sirdar Smudge, a chunky-weight yarn that lends a beautifully textured, contemporary finish to the finished pieces. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore simple cable techniques.

Sizes and Fit

One of the standout features of this pattern is its generous size range, explicitly including larger sizes. The pattern covers six sizes designed to fit bust measurements of:

• 81/86 cm (32/34 in)
• 91/97 cm (36/38 in)
• 102/107 cm (40/42 in)
• 112/117 cm (44/46 in)
• 122/127 cm (48/50 in)
• 132/137 cm (52/54 in)

Actual finished measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) up to 142 cm (56 in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across the full range. The full length of both garments measures approximately 60–73 cm (23¾–28¾ in) depending on size, making them a generous mid-length that works well over a variety of outfits. The jacket features sleeves with a length of approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 in), noted as adjustable to suit individual preferences.

The Jacket (Cardigan)

The ladies' jacket is a long-sleeved, open-front cardigan-style garment featuring a combination of a textured stitch pattern across the main body and a striking cable panel as a design detail. The jacket is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional construction method well-suited to intermediate knitters.

Key structural elements of the jacket include:

• Armhole shaping worked by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and then decreasing at each end on subsequent rows
• Shoulder shaping achieved by casting off stitches in pattern at the beginning of rows
• Sleeve length that is explicitly noted as adjustable, allowing knitters to customise the fit
• A cast-on using the thumb method for a neat, elastic edge

The Waistcoat

The ladies' waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece to the jacket, sharing the same yarn, needle size, and overall aesthetic. It is worked in the same combination of textured stitch and cable panel detailing, creating a coordinated set. The waistcoat is a versatile layering piece that can be worn alone or paired with the jacket for a polished, put-together look. Like the jacket, it features armhole and shoulder shaping for a tailored finish.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both garments draw on a small but satisfying repertoire of knitting stitches and techniques, making this pattern an ideal step up for knitters looking to develop their skills:

• Knit and purl stitches — the fundamental building blocks used throughout both garments
• Textured stitch pattern — a repeating combination of knit and purl stitches worked across the main fabric to create surface interest and a tactile finish
• Cable panel (9 stitches wide) — a decorative panel measuring 4 cm (1½ in) in width, incorporating two specific cable crossings:
  • C8F — slip next 4 stitches to the front on a cable needle, knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable needle, creating a left-leaning cable cross
  • C8B — slip next 4 stitches to the back on a cable needle