Bell Sleeve Sweater in Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk - 10556 - Downloadable PDF

Bell Sleeve Sweater in Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK – Pattern 10556

This Bell Sleeve Sweater is a beautifully elegant knitting pattern from Sirdar, design number 10556, worked in the luxurious Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk Double Knitting yarn. Rated as an easy make and triple-checked by Sirdar's expert team to guarantee success, this pattern is an ideal project for beginner knitters looking to create a sophisticated, wearable garment. The sweater is designed for women and is available in a generous size range spanning 81–137 cm (32–54 inches) chest, covering sizes Small through XXXL, making it an inclusive and versatile pattern.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's pullover sweater featuring the distinctive and fashionable bell sleeve silhouette. The sweater is knitted in three colours, creating a stylish colour-blocked or striped effect that elevates the design beyond a simple single-colour knit. With a full length ranging from 63–73 cm (24¾–28¾ inches) depending on size, and a consistent sleeve length of 46 cm (18 inches) across all sizes, this is a substantial and wearable garment. The width across the chest measures between 112–162 cm (44–63¾ inches), offering a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Sirdar Cashmere Merino Silk DK (F005), a premium yarn blending pure silk, extra fine merino wool, and the softest Himalayan cashmere. This exquisite fibre combination produces a yarn that is exceptionally soft against the skin, beautifully lustrous, and perfectly suited to sophisticated womenswear. The yarn comes in 50g balls and is used in three shades:

• Yarn A – Shade 420 Society Pink: the main colour, requiring between 11 and 18 balls depending on size
• Yarn B – Shade 416 Orchard Red: a contrast colour, requiring 2 balls across all sizes
• Yarn C – Shade 421 Meadow Green: a second contrast colour, requiring 2–3 balls depending on size

The shades are drawn from a palette described as grown-up and flattering, inspired by the grandeur of English country estates, giving the finished sweater a refined and luxurious aesthetic. Two pairs of knitting needles are required: 4mm (UK8 / USA6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) needles for the ribbing. Stitch holders are also needed to manage live stitches during construction.

Techniques Used

This sweater is constructed using classic hand knitting techniques well within reach of a beginner knitter. The pattern involves knitting the garment in separate pieces — typically a back, front, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Key construction techniques include:

• Shaping for the armholes, neckline, and the characteristic flared bell sleeve
• Colour work using multiple yarn colours (A, B, and C) to create the multi-colour design
• Working with stitch holders to hold stitches in reserve while other sections are completed
• Seaming to join the finished pieces into a complete garment

Stitches Used

The sweater fabric is worked using a combination of fundamental knitting stitches, making it accessible for those new to the craft:

• 4x1 Rib – used for the welts and cuffs, this ribbing stitch creates a neat, stretchy edge that helps the garment retain its shape at the hem and sleeve openings. It is formed by alternating four knit stitches with one purl stitch across each row.
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) – the smooth, classic knit fabric used for the main body of the sweater, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows