Long and Short Sleeved Tops in Sirdar Toscana DK - 7974 - Downloadable PDF

Long and Short Sleeved Tops in Sirdar Toscana DK – Pattern 7974

Pattern 7974 from Sirdar is a versatile knitting pattern offering two classic women's top designs: a long sleeved top and a short sleeved top. Both versions are worked in Sirdar Toscana DK weight yarn and share the same elegant, relaxed silhouette, making this an excellent pattern for knitters who want a wardrobe-ready garment with options. The pattern is a downloadable PDF, making it immediately accessible after purchase.

Notably, this pattern includes larger sizes, spanning a generous range from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) through to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust measurement, with actual finished measurements ranging from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in). This inclusive sizing makes the pattern suitable for a wide range of body types, and the graduated full length — from 55 cm (21¾ in) to 68 cm (26¾ in) — ensures a flattering fit across all sizes.

The Long Sleeved Top

The long sleeved version of this design is worked in Sirdar Toscana DK shade 112. The sleeves are generously sized, with a length ranging from 46 cm to 48 cm (18 in to 19 in) depending on size, and the pattern notes that sleeve length is adjustable, giving knitters the flexibility to customise the fit to their personal preference. This is a particularly useful feature for knitters who prefer a slightly shorter or longer sleeve.

Yarn requirements for the long sleeved top range from 5 to 9 balls of Sirdar Toscana DK (100g balls), depending on the size being knitted.

The Short Sleeved Top

The short sleeved version is worked in Sirdar Toscana DK shade 114 and features a neat, minimal sleeve of just 4 cm (1½ in) across all sizes — a clean, contemporary finish that makes this top ideal for warmer weather or layering. Yarn requirements for the short sleeved version are slightly lower, ranging from 4 to 8 balls of Sirdar Toscana DK (100g balls).

Materials and Yarn

Both designs are knitted in Sirdar Toscana DK, a DK weight yarn, using 100g balls. The pattern also notes compatibility with a number of other Sirdar DK weight yarns, including Amalfi DK, Beachcomber DK, Cotton DK, Cotton Prints DK, Country Style DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Soukie DK, and Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting. This flexibility makes the pattern a great canvas for exploring different textures and fibres within the DK weight category.

The required needles are a pair of 4mm (UK8 – USA6) knitting needles for the main body of the garment, along with a pair of 3¼mm needles, which are typically used for ribbed or more tightly tensioned sections such as welts, cuffs, and neckbands in patterns of this style.

Techniques and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the fundamentals of garment construction and are ready to develop their skills further. Knitted tops of this style typically involve techniques such as:

• Flat knitting worked in separate pieces — typically a front, back, and sleeves — that are seamed together on completion
• Shaping through increases and decreases to form armholes, sleeve caps, and necklines
• Rib stitch (commonly a knit 1, purl 1 or knit 2, purl 2 rib) for welts, cuffs, and neckbands, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Tension/gauge management, which is essential when working a fitted garment across multiple sizes
• Seaming and finishing, joining the completed pieces neatly for a professional result