Top in Hayfield Fiesta DK - 7949 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Fiesta DK Top – Pattern 7949: A Beginner-Friendly Knitted Top in Sizes 32/34 to 52/54 Inches

Pattern 7949 from Hayfield is a beautifully simple, easy knit top worked in the brand's popular Fiesta DK yarn. Designed with accessibility in mind, this pattern is ideal for beginner knitters who want to create a wearable, stylish garment without complex shaping or advanced techniques. Notably, the pattern includes larger sizes, making it an inclusive design that spans a wide range of bust measurements.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted top suitable for everyday wear. The finished garment is generously sized with a relaxed, comfortable fit — the actual measurements are notably larger than the stated bust sizes, providing ease and a casual silhouette. The top has a straightforward construction that makes it an excellent project for those building their knitting confidence.

Sizing and Measurements

• Bust sizes covered: 81/86, 91/97, 102/107, 112/117, 122/127, and 132/137 cm (32/34 to 52/54 inches)
• Actual finished measurements: 106, 117, 127, 137, 147, and 157 cm (41¾ to 62 inches) — offering generous positive ease
• Full length: 52 to 65 cm (20½ to 25½ inches), varying by size
• The top length is measured after the cast-on row, ranging from approximately 53 to 78.5 cm (21 to 31 inches) depending on size

Techniques Used

As an easy knit pattern, this top relies on fundamental knitting techniques that are well within reach for beginners. The primary construction method is straightforward flat knitting worked in rows, making it approachable for anyone who has mastered basic knitting skills. Key techniques include:

• Casting on — the foundation of the garment
• Increasing (inc) — used for shaping
• Decreasing (dec) — used for shaping necklines or armholes
• Tension/gauge checking — essential to achieving the correct finished size; the pattern strongly emphasises working to the stated tension
• Working alternate rows (alt) as part of shaping sequences

Stitches Used

The main fabric of this top is worked in stocking stitch (stockinette), one of the most classic and widely used knitting stitches. Stocking stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric on the right side with a neat, uniform appearance — perfect for showcasing the colour and texture of the Fiesta DK yarn. The simplicity of this stitch makes the pattern highly suitable for beginners while still producing a polished, professional-looking result.

• Stocking stitch — the primary stitch pattern throughout the garment
• Knit (k) stitches — fundamental to the stocking stitch construction

Materials Required

This pattern is worked in Hayfield Fiesta DK yarn, specifically shade 508 (colour reference F038). The yarn is a DK (double knitting) weight, which is one of the most popular and versatile yarn weights for garment knitting — light enough for comfortable wear but substantial enough to knit up at a satisfying pace.

• Yarn: Hayfield Fiesta DK, shade 508
• Yarn quantity: 4 to 6 x 100g balls depending on size (4 balls for sizes 32/34–40/42; 5 balls for sizes 44/46–48/50; 6 balls for size 52/54)
• Needles: 1 pair of 4mm knitting needles (UK size 8 / USA size 6)
• Tension: