Sweater in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK - 7946 - Downloadable PDF

Sweater in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK – Pattern 7946

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Sirdar produces a stylish, relaxed-fit sweater worked in Sirdar Cotton Prints DK. The design is notable for its generous size range, spanning 81/86 cm to 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 inches) bust, making it an inclusive pattern suitable for a wide range of body types. The actual measurement from cuff to cuff ranges from 102 cm to 131 cm (40 to 51½ inches), indicating a comfortable, roomy silhouette. Full length ranges from approximately 52 cm to 65 cm (20½ to 25½ inches) depending on size.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a drop-shoulder or panel-construction sweater, knitted flat in separate front and back panels that are then seamed together. The construction method involves placing the panels flat with cast-on edges together, marking the centre points, and joining front and back seams to carefully placed markers that define the neck depth. This straightforward seaming approach makes the construction accessible to confident beginners moving into intermediate knitting.

Construction and Techniques

• Panel construction: The sweater is worked as flat panels, joined at the seams rather than knitted in the round, giving the knitter clear, manageable sections to complete.
• Cuff ribbing: Cuffs are worked in 1x1 rib until they measure 8 cm (3 inches), ending on a wrong-side row before casting off in rib. This creates a neat, stretchy cuff finish.
• Lower border construction: Both the front and back lower borders are picked up and knitted separately after the panels are joined. Stitches are picked up along the side edges of both panels simultaneously — ranging from 115 to 177 stitches depending on size — and worked in 1x1 rib until the border measures 12 cm (4¾ inches), ending on a wrong-side row before casting off in rib.
• Neck shaping: Markers are placed at each side of the sweater to denote back and front neck depths, with specific measurements given per size ranging from 19 cm to 26 cm.
• Circular needle option: A 4mm 80 cm circular needle is recommended as an optional tool, likely for picking up and working border stitches comfortably across a large stitch count.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the main body fabric, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• 1x1 rib (k1, p1 ribbing) – used for cuffs and lower borders, providing elasticity and a tidy, professional finish

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished sweater matches the stated measurements. If your tension produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to a thinner needle; if more stitches, use a thicker needle.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Sirdar Cotton Prints DK, shade F085 / 359 — quantities range from 5 to 8 x 100g balls depending on size. The pattern also notes suitability with several alternative Sirdar DK-weight yarns, including Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Crofter DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, and Cotton DK, though yarn amounts may vary.
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles for the main body
• Needles: One pair of