Shawl Collar and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Aura - 7885 - Downloadable PDF

Shawl Collar and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Aura – Pattern 7885

Pattern 7885 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic cardigan designs: a Shawl Collar Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan, both worked in Sirdar Aura chunky-weight yarn. These are versatile, wearable garments designed with a raglan sleeve construction, making them a satisfying project for intermediate knitters who want to build their skills while creating something stylish and practical. The pattern includes a generous size range, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) chest/bust, making it accessible to a wide range of body types.

About the Two Designs

Shawl Collar Cardigan

The Shawl Collar Cardigan is a cosy, relaxed design featuring the distinctive rolled, wide shawl collar that frames the neckline beautifully. This collar style adds warmth and a luxurious drape, perfectly suited to the soft, fluffy texture of Sirdar Aura. The shawl collar is a classic finishing technique in knitwear, typically created by picking up stitches around the neckline and working additional rows to build the deep, folded lapel shape.

• Yarn: Sirdar Aura, shade F213 / colour 132
• Yarn quantity: 6 to 9 x 100g balls depending on size
• Actual finished chest measurement: 91 cm (36 in) to 142 cm (56 in)
• Full length: 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in)
• Sleeve length: 46 cm (18 in) to 48 cm (19 in), described as adjustable

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan offers a cleaner, more streamlined neckline, making it a versatile layering piece that works equally well dressed up or down. The V neck shaping requires careful decreasing on both sides of the front opening to achieve the characteristic angled neckline. Like its shawl collar counterpart, this cardigan uses the same raglan construction and shares the same size range and overall silhouette.

• Yarn: Sirdar Aura, shade F213 / colour 136
• Yarn quantity: 5 to 9 x 100g balls depending on size
• Actual finished chest measurement: 91 cm (36 in) to 142 cm (56 in)
• Full length: 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in)
• Sleeve length: 46 cm (18 in) to 48 cm (19 in), described as adjustable

Construction Method

Both cardigans are worked using a raglan sleeve construction. In a raglan design, the sleeves and body are shaped so that diagonal seam lines run from the underarm up to the neckline, rather than having a traditional set-in sleeve. This creates a comfortable, relaxed fit with excellent freedom of movement, and is a popular choice for chunky-weight garments. The pieces are worked flat (back and forth in rows) and then seamed together.

The garments are worked in separate pieces — back, left front, right front, and two sleeves — which are then joined. This construction approach is well suited to intermediate knitters who are comfortable with shaping, seaming, and picking up stitches for neckbands and button bands.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Main Stitches

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, worked by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Rib stitch (k1, p1 rib) – used for the welts, cuffs, and button bands, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a