Cardigan in Sirdar Dapple DK - 8081 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Dapple DK Cardigan – Pattern 8081: Full Summary

Pattern 8081 from Sirdar is a knitted cardigan designed for a wide range of sizes, making it an inclusive and versatile project for knitters of varying builds. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, offering instant access so you can cast on right away. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, it suits knitters who are comfortable with shaping techniques and working from a multi-size pattern but are not yet at an advanced level.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic knitted cardigan with set-in or shaped sleeves, worked in DK weight yarn. The design is practical and wearable, featuring a button band closure with 7 or 8 buttons depending on the size chosen. The cardigan has a neat, structured silhouette with a defined length and adjustable sleeve length, making it suitable for everyday wear across multiple seasons.

Size Range

• To fit bust: 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) — six size groupings in total
• Actual finished measurement: 90 cm (35½ in) up to 141 cm (55½ in)
• Length: 55 cm (21¾ in) to 69 cm (27¼ in) depending on size
• Sleeve length: 31–32 cm (approximately 12–12½ in), noted as adjustable

The inclusion of larger sizes — up to a 52/54 inch bust — is highlighted prominently on the pattern cover, reflecting Sirdar's commitment to size-inclusive design.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Sirdar Dapple DK, shade 086, used in 100g balls. The quantity required ranges from 3 balls for the smallest sizes up to 5 balls for the largest sizes, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn consumption.

Sirdar Dapple DK is a softly textured, speckled or variegated DK yarn that adds subtle visual interest to a simple knitted fabric without the knitter needing to introduce complex stitch patterns. Its tonal variation gives the finished cardigan a contemporary, artisan feel.

Alternative Yarn Options

The pattern notes that the following Sirdar yarns are also suitable substitutes, though yarn amounts may vary:

• Country Style DK
• Crofter DK
• Soukie DK
• Harrap Tweed DK
• Amalfi DK
• Cotton DK
• Cotton Prints DK
• Toscana DK
• Sirdar No.1

This flexibility means the pattern can be adapted to suit different fibre preferences, from wool-rich blends to cotton options, ideal for warmer climates or those with sensitivities to animal fibres.

Needles Required

• 4mm knitting needles (UK 8 / USA 6) — main body fabric
• 3¾mm knitting needles (UK 9 / USA 5)
• 3¼mm knitting needles (UK 10 / USA 3) — likely used for ribbing and edging
• 7 or 8 buttons depending on size (7 for smaller sizes, 8 for larger sizes)

The use of three needle sizes is characteristic of garment knitting where a finer needle is used for welts, cuffs, and button bands to create a tighter, neater edge that holds its shape, while the larger needle produces the main fabric at the correct tension.

Tension

The stated tension is 22