Cardigan and Waistcoat in Sirdar Toscana DK - 7976 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Toscana DK Cardigan and Waistcoat – Pattern 7976

Pattern 7976 from Sirdar is a versatile knitting pattern offering two classic wardrobe staples in one downloadable PDF: a long-sleeved cardigan and a sleeveless waistcoat. Both designs are worked in Sirdar Toscana DK and are sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making this an inclusive pattern that caters to a broad spectrum of knitters. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and garment construction but may not yet be tackling highly complex techniques.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a timeless, everyday layering piece with set-in or tailored sleeves and a classic open-front silhouette. The actual finished bust measurement ranges from 89 cm (35 in) to 140 cm (55¼ in) across the six sizes, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit. The full length ranges from 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 46–48 cm (18–19 in), noted as adjustable so knitters can personalise the fit.

For the cardigan, you will need 6 to 9 balls of Sirdar Toscana DK in shade 114 (each ball weighing 100g), depending on the size being knitted. The larger the size, the more yarn is required, so it is always advisable to purchase all required balls from the same dye lot to ensure colour consistency throughout the finished garment.

The Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless companion piece that shares the same elegant, wearable aesthetic as the cardigan. It is an ideal project for knitters who want a quicker make or a lighter layering option for warmer months. Because there are no sleeves to knit, the waistcoat requires fewer materials: 4 to 6 balls of Sirdar Toscana DK in shade 111 (100g balls), again depending on size.

Both garments are designed with the same sizing framework, so knitters who wish to create a matching set can do so using the two complementary colourways specified in the pattern.

Techniques and Construction

Both the cardigan and the waistcoat are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and (for the cardigan) two sleeves — before being seamed together. This is a traditional construction method that produces neat, structured results and is well suited to intermediate knitters building their garment-making skills.

• Shaping: Both designs incorporate standard garment shaping, including armhole shaping, neck shaping, and shoulder shaping, achieved through increases and decreases worked at specified intervals.
• Ribbing: The welts, cuffs, and front bands are typically worked in knit and purl rib using the smaller needle size, which creates a neat, elasticated edge that helps the garments retain their shape.
• Stocking stitch: The main body fabric of both garments is almost certainly worked in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), the most classic and widely used stitch in DK-weight garment knitting, producing a smooth, even fabric that showcases the yarn's texture beautifully.
• Tension/gauge: Achieving the correct tension is essential for garment knitting, particularly across such a wide size range. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – for the main body and sleeve fabric
• Rib stitch (knit/purl combinations) – for welts, cuffs, and front bands
• Increases and decreases – for armhole, sleeve, and neckline shaping

Materials Required

Yarn

• Sirdar Toscana DK – the primary recommended yarn, available in