Woman's Sweater in Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran - 7271 - Downloadable PDF

Woman's Sweater in Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran – Pattern 7271

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar presents a classic women's sweater worked in Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran weight yarn. The pattern is offered in two distinct versions — a long-sleeved sweater and a short-sleeved sweater — making it a versatile choice for knitters who want a single pattern that can be adapted across seasons. Both versions share the same body construction and stitch detailing, differing primarily in sleeve length.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a fitted women's pullover sweater sized to fit bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), covering dress sizes 10 through 20. The actual finished garment measurements range from 85 cm (33½ in) to 111 cm (43¾ in) at the chest, with a full length of 58 cm to 66 cm depending on size. The long-sleeved version features sleeves measuring approximately 43–47 cm (17–18½ in), while the short-sleeved version has a neat 3 cm (1¼ in) sleeve — essentially a cap or very short sleeve finish, ideal for warmer wear.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting — a prominent cable panel of 33 stitches forms a central decorative feature of the sweater, measuring 16 cm (6¼ in) wide. This is a classic Aran-style technique that creates raised, rope-like twists across the fabric.
• Stocking stitch — the main body fabric is worked in standard stocking stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side), providing a smooth, clean background that contrasts beautifully with the textured cable panel.
• Reversed stocking stitch — sections of the garment are worked in reversed stocking stitch (purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side), adding further textural contrast typical of Aran-style knitwear.
• Ribbing and edging — implied through the use of smaller 4mm needles alongside the main 5mm needles, commonly used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in sweater construction.
• Shaping — the pattern includes standard garment shaping techniques such as increasing and decreasing to form armholes, sleeve caps, and necklines.
• Stitch holding — stitch holders are required, indicating that stitches are held live during neck or shoulder shaping for a neat, professional finish.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — the foundational stitches used throughout.
• C2B — a two-stitch cable crossing worked to the back, created by knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then the front of the first stitch, slipping both off together. This produces a right-leaning twist.
• C2F — a two-stitch cable crossing worked to the front, created by knitting into the back of the second stitch, then the front of the first stitch. This produces a left-leaning twist.
• Slip stitches (s1, s2) — single and double slip stitches worked knitways, used in shaping and cable manoeuvres.
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) and pass 2 slipped stitches over (p2sso) — decrease techniques used in shaping sections.
• Yarn forward (yfwd), yarn over needle (yon), yarn round needle (yrn) — decorative or constructional yarn overs that may feature in lace-like detailing or buttonhole-style elements within the pattern.
• Decrease methods including knit/purl two together (tog) for standard shaping throughout the garment.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed specifically for Sirdar Cotton Rich Aran (yarn code F101), a yarn that blends the breathability and stitch definition of cotton with the softness and elasticity of other fibres — making it well suited to structured cable work. The