Cardigans in Sirdar Cotton DK - 8258 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Sirdar Cotton DK – Pattern 8258: Complete Summary

This Sirdar pattern 8258 is a downloadable PDF offering two classic women's cardigan designs knitted in Sirdar Cotton DK. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and covers an impressively wide range of sizes, making it accessible to a broad range of knitters. Both cardigans share a refined, feminine aesthetic with delicate eyelet detailing, and differ primarily in their sleeve length — one features a three-quarter sleeve and the other a short sleeve. Together they provide versatile wardrobe options suitable for layering across different seasons.

Designs Included

Design One: Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardigan

The first cardigan features elegant three-quarter length sleeves, measuring approximately 31–32 cm (12–12½ inches) depending on size. This sleeve length makes it an ideal transitional-season piece — smart enough for cooler evenings yet light enough for warmer days when knitted in cotton. The finished garment has an actual bust measurement ranging from 91 cm (36 inches) up to 142 cm (56 inches), with a full length of approximately 55–68 cm (21¾–26¾ inches) across the size range.

This version is worked in Sirdar F039 Cotton DK shade 543 and requires between 4 and 8 x 100g balls depending on the size being knitted.

Design Two: Short Sleeve Cardigan

The second cardigan is a short-sleeved version, with sleeve lengths of just 5 cm (2 inches) — a neat, cap-style sleeve that gives the garment a lighter, more summery feel. It shares the same body measurements and sizing range as the three-quarter sleeve version, making it equally inclusive. This design is worked in Sirdar F039 Cotton DK shade 542 and requires between 4 and 6 x 100g balls depending on size — slightly less yarn than the longer-sleeved version due to the reduced sleeve length.

Both cardigans are fastened with Sirdar Elegant Buttons, code BS600-0097, with 7 to 8 buttons required depending on the size.

Sizing Information

The pattern is designed to fit the following bust measurements:

• 81/86 cm (32/34 in)
• 91/97 cm (36/38 in)
• 102/107 cm (40/42 in)
• 112/117 cm (44/46 in)
• 122/127 cm (48/50 in)
• 132/137 cm (52/54 in)

The inclusion of larger sizes up to 52/54 inches is a notable feature of this pattern, ensuring that knitters of many body types can enjoy these designs. The garments are worked with a small amount of positive ease built in, giving a relaxed and comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

Both cardigans are constructed using a combination of classic and decorative knitting techniques. The body fabric is primarily worked in stocking stitch, which creates the smooth, clean surface characteristic of well-finished knitwear. Decorative interest is introduced through an eyelet pattern, a technique that involves deliberate yarn-over increases paired with decreases to create small, regular holes in the fabric. Eyelet patterns are a popular choice in cotton knitwear as they add a delicate, lace-like texture without requiring complex lace knitting skills, making them well-suited to an intermediate knitter.

Additional techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Increasing — using the M1 method, which involves picking up the loop between the last and next stitch and knitting into the back of it to avoid a hole
• Decreasing — including standard decreases and the psso (pass slipped stitch over) and p2sso (pass 2 slipped stitches over together) methods for shaping
• Slipping stitches