Hooded Sweater and Cowl Neck Sweater in Sirdar Plushtweed - 7872- Downloadable PDF

Hooded Sweater and Cowl Neck Sweater in Sirdar Plushtweed

Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern from Sirdar presents two distinct sweater designs crafted from Sirdar Plushtweed yarn: a Hooded Sweater and a Cowl Neck Sweater. Both garments are intermediate-level knitting projects suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex shaping and finishing techniques. The patterns are available in six sizes ranging from 61/66 cm (24/26 in) chest/bust to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making these designs accessible for a wide range of body measurements.

Hooded Sweater Design

The Hooded Sweater is constructed using Sirdar Plushtweed in shade 253. This design features an integrated hood, a classic pullover construction, and adjustable sleeve lengths. The garment measurements range from 70 cm (27½ in) to 120 cm (47¼ in) in actual chest measurement across the size range. Full length, measured from the back of the neck, varies from 49 cm (19¼ in) in the smallest size to 70 cm (27½ in) in the largest size. Sleeve length is adjustable and ranges from 33 cm (13 in) to 48 cm (19 in) depending on size. This sweater requires between 5 and 9 balls of 100g Sirdar Plushtweed yarn, depending on the chosen size.

Cowl Neck Sweater Design

The Cowl Neck Sweater features a distinctive draped neckline and is worked in Sirdar Plushtweed shade 255. This design shares similar body measurements and proportions with the Hooded Sweater but distinguishes itself through its elegant cowl collar construction. The cowl neck detail creates a sophisticated, layered appearance at the neckline. This version requires between 4 and 9 balls of 100g Sirdar Plushtweed yarn, with smaller sizes requiring less yardage than the Hooded Sweater due to the simplified neckline construction.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both sweaters are primarily constructed using stocking stitch, the fundamental knit fabric that creates a smooth, classic appearance. Stocking stitch is formed by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the characteristic V-shaped pattern visible on finished knitwear. This stitch is ideal for showcasing the textured qualities of Plushtweed yarn.

The patterns incorporate essential intermediate knitting techniques including:

• Shaping through increases and decreases to create fitted armholes, sleeve caps, and body contours
• Neckline construction, which differs between the two designs—the Hooded Sweater requires hood shaping and seaming, while the Cowl Neck Sweater involves casting on stitches for the draped cowl collar
• Sleeve cap shaping to ensure proper fit at the shoulder and armhole junction
• Seaming techniques to join body pieces together, requiring careful finishing for a professional appearance

Materials and Needles

Both sweaters are worked exclusively with Sirdar Plushtweed yarn, a textured yarn available in multiple shades including shade 253 (Hooded Sweater) and shade 255 (Cowl Neck Sweater). The yarn is supplied in 100g balls, with yardage varying by size.

The knitting needles required are:

• 6½mm (UK size 3 / USA size 10.5) knitting needles for the main fabric
• 5½mm (UK size 5 / USA size 9) knitting needles for ribbed edgings or cuff sections that require tighter tension

Additional notions include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction, particularly useful when working the hood or neckline sections separately before joining to the body.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is critical for these projects. The specified tension is 8 stitches and 14 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 6½mm needles. Knitters must swatch and check their tension before beginning, as variations in tension will significantly affect the finished garment size. If your swatch produces fewer stitches than specified, you will need to use smaller needles; if it produces