Waistcoat and Jacket in Sirdar Ophelia and Freya - 7268 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar 7268: Waistcoat and Jacket in Sirdar Ophelia and Freya – Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern Sirdar 7268 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two coordinating chunky-weight projects: a classic waistcoat (vest) and a jacket with sleeves. Both garments are designed for a wide range of sizes, fitting bust measurements from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making this pattern accessible and inclusive for knitters of many shapes and sizes. The designs are worked in Sirdar Ophelia as the main shade and Sirdar Freya as the contrast shade — two chunky-weight yarns from the Sirdar brand — creating a stylish two-tone effect throughout both garments.

About the Two Designs

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless, tailored layer ideal for adding warmth without bulk. It features a structured ribbed edging and a textured stitch pattern body, shaped at the armholes and neckline for a neat, fitted finish. The full length ranges from 42 cm (16½ in) for the smallest size up to 64 cm (25¼ in) for the largest, giving a comfortable, wearable length across all sizes. The actual finished bust measurement is generously sized, ranging from 71 cm (28 in) to 121 cm (47¾ in), providing a relaxed fit over the stated bust measurements.

The waistcoat is fastened with buttons — the number varies by size, from 5 to 7 buttons — adding a neat, classic finish to the front opening. Its sleeveless construction makes it a quicker knit than the jacket, and it is an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with shaping techniques in chunky yarn.

The Jacket

The jacket shares the same silhouette and stitch construction as the waistcoat but adds full sleeves, making it a more substantial and warming garment. Sleeve length is listed as adjustable, ranging from approximately 33 cm (13 in) to 48 cm (19 in), and the pattern notes that this measurement can be adapted to suit individual preference — a practical feature for knitters who need a custom arm length. The jacket uses more yarn than the waistcoat, as expected, and is fastened with the same button arrangement. The full length and actual measurements mirror those of the waistcoat, so both garments can be worn as a coordinated set.

Yarns and Materials

Both garments are knitted using two Sirdar yarns in the chunky weight category:

• Sirdar Ophelia (F067) — the main shade, used for the body of both garments. The waistcoat requires 3 to 8 x 50g balls depending on size (shade 106), while the jacket requires 5 to 11 x 50g balls (shade 108).
• Sirdar Freya (F092) — the contrast shade, used for detailing and edging. The waistcoat requires 1 to 3 x 50g balls (shade 855), and the jacket requires 2 to 4 x 50g balls (shade 854).

The combination of Ophelia and Freya creates a visually interesting two-tone effect, with the contrast yarn adding definition to the ribbed sections and edgings. Both yarns are chunky weight, meaning they knit up quickly and produce a cosy, substantial fabric well suited to outerwear.

In addition to yarn, knitters will need:

• One pair of 6½mm (UK3 / USA10½) knitting needles — used for the main body pattern
• One pair of 5½mm (UK5 / USA9) knitting needles — used for the ribbed edgings and borders
• 5, 6, or 7 buttons depending on the size being made, for the front button band

Stitches and Techniques

This pattern uses a combination of classic knitting stitches and shaping techniques suitable for knitters with some experience, particularly those comfortable working