Burley Cardigan in Sirdar Sylvan - 7488 - Downloadable PDF

Burley Cardigan in Sirdar Sylvan Chunky – Pattern 7488

The Burley Cardigan is a classic, cosy knitted cardigan designed by Sirdar and worked in their Sylvan Chunky yarn. Pattern number 7488 is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters of all locations. Rated as a beginner level project, this cardigan is an ideal choice for those who are new to garment knitting or who want a straightforward, satisfying make that works up quickly thanks to the chunky weight yarn.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a full cardigan — a front-opening, sleeved garment suitable for everyday wear. The design is generously sized and includes an impressive range of sizes, from a 32/34 inch bust up to a 52/54 inch bust (81/86 cm to 132/137 cm), making it a truly inclusive pattern that celebrates a wide range of body types. The actual finished measurements range from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in) across the chest, offering comfortable ease for a relaxed, wearable fit.

The cardigan features a full length ranging from 64 cm to 77 cm (approximately 25¼ to 30¼ inches) depending on size, and set-in or drop sleeves with a sleeve length of 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 inches), noted as adjustable so knitters can customise the fit to their preference.

Techniques Used

As a beginner-friendly knitting pattern, the Burley Cardigan relies on fundamental garment construction techniques that are well within reach of a confident newcomer to knitting. Key techniques include:

• Flat knitting worked in separate pieces on straight needles, then seamed together
• Shaping through increases and decreases to form the body silhouette and sleeve taper
• Ribbing for neat, stretchy edges on cuffs and borders
• Use of stitch holders to keep live stitches secure while working other sections
• Seaming to join the finished pieces into a complete garment

The adjustable sleeve length is a particularly useful feature for beginner knitters, allowing easy customisation without complex pattern alterations — simply work more or fewer rows before beginning the sleeve cap shaping.

Stitches Used

The Burley Cardigan is worked primarily in two classic knitting stitches:

• Stocking stitch — the smooth, V-patterned fabric that forms the main body of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 ribbing) — used for the borders, cuffs, and edgings to provide elasticity and a tidy, professional finish

Both stitches are among the most fundamental in knitting, making this pattern an excellent project for building confidence and skill. The tension is set at 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch, and 15 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm over 2x2 rib, both measured on 6½mm needles. Achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is always recommended to ensure accurate sizing.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is specifically designed for Sirdar Sylvan Chunky, used here in shade 204. This is a chunky weight yarn sold in 50g balls, with the quantity required ranging from 9 balls for the smallest size up to 14 balls for the largest. The generous yardage requirements reflect both the inclusive sizing and the cosy, substantial nature of the finished garment.

Sirdar also notes that the pattern is also suitable for Click Chunky, Faroe Chunky, and Ophelia Chunky yarns, though yarn amounts may vary when