Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply - 7887 - Downloadable PDF

Long and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply – Pattern 7887

Pattern 7887 from Sirdar is a crochet pattern offering two classic cardigan designs — a long-sleeved version and a short-sleeved version — both worked in Sirdar Country Style 4Ply. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to tackle more structured garment shaping. Notably, the pattern includes larger sizes, spanning a generous range from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement, with six sizes in total to ensure an inclusive fit.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two wearable, elegant cardigans suitable for everyday wear. Both share the same fundamental construction and stitch structure, differing primarily in sleeve length. The finished garments feature a neat ribbed edging, a structured body, and button fastenings. Each cardigan is designed to be a wardrobe staple, combining a refined texture with a flattering silhouette.

• Long Sleeved Cardigan: Sleeve length ranges from approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is noted as adjustable, allowing for personalisation. Full garment length ranges from 57 cm to 70 cm (22½ to 27½ in) across the six sizes.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan: Features a short sleeve of approximately 6 to 8 cm (2½ to 3 in), creating a lighter, more versatile garment suitable for layering across seasons.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern covers six sizes with the following actual (finished) measurements:

• 91 cm / 36 in
• 101 cm / 39¾ in
• 111 cm / 43¾ in
• 121 cm / 47¾ in
• 132 cm / 52 in
• 141 cm / 55½ in

These actual measurements include ease, so the finished garment will be slightly larger than the stated bust-to-fit measurements, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

This is a crochet pattern worked using UK crochet terminology throughout, with US equivalents provided in the abbreviations section for international crocheters. The construction involves working the body and sleeves in a treble crochet fabric (known in US terms as double crochet), which creates a light, airy yet structured textile ideal for 4ply yarn. The pattern also incorporates a rib pattern for borders and cuffs, achieved using raised treble stitches worked around the stems of previous stitches — specifically Tr/rf (treble raised from the front) and Tr/rb (treble raised from the back). These post stitches create the elasticated, textured ribbing that gives the cardigan its polished, professional finish.

Raised or post stitches are a hallmark of more advanced crochet work: rather than inserting the hook into the top of a stitch as usual, the hook is inserted around the vertical stem (post) of the stitch in the row below, either from the front or the back. Alternating front and back raised trebles produces a ribbed effect that closely mimics knitted rib, offering both stretch and visual interest.

Additional techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Cluster stitches (cl) — groups of partially completed trebles joined at the top, used for decorative or shaping purposes
• Half treble (htr) — a transitional stitch between double crochet and treble, used for shaping or edging
• Double crochet (dc) — the shorter, denser stitch (US single crochet) used in finishing and edging sections
• Slip stitch (ss) — used for joining and neat finishing
• Increasing and decreasing — for sleeve shaping and armhole construction
• Chain spaces