Top in Sirdar Stories DK - 10574 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Stories DK Top – Pattern 10574: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 10574 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a stylish top, designed to be worked in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting yarn. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who are comfortable with standard shaping techniques and are ready to move beyond beginner-level projects. The design is shown in shade 811 and is part of the broader Graffiti collection — a trend-led fashion range inspired by urban landscapes and city living.

About the Design

This top is a contemporary, fashion-forward knitted garment designed with a flattering silhouette that reflects current urban style trends. The pattern is sized to fit a wide range of bodies, covering UK sizes 6 through 28 (equivalent to US sizes 2 through 24), making it an inclusive and versatile pattern choice for knitters of many shapes and sizes. The generous size range means this top can be knitted as a fitted piece or with added ease depending on personal preference.

The design is part of Sirdar's Graffiti collection, which draws inspiration from urban landscapes and city living, giving the finished garment a modern, wearable aesthetic that suits contemporary wardrobes. The clean lines and relaxed styling make it a practical yet stylish addition to any hand-knitted collection.

Yarn: Sirdar Stories Double Knitting

Sirdar Stories is a cotton-rich blend yarn that delivers a cool cotton look and feel while remaining lighter in weight than many pure cotton yarns. This lighter weight is a key advantage for garments like tops, as it helps even longer or more substantial pieces retain their shape over time without drooping or stretching. The yarn is classified as Double Knitting (DK) weight, which strikes a balance between fine-gauge and chunky knitting — producing a fabric that is detailed enough for stitch definition while still knitting up at a satisfying pace.

The cotton-rich composition of Sirdar Stories DK makes it particularly well-suited to warm-weather garments and tops, offering breathability and a pleasant drape. The yarn is available in a range of shades, with the featured colourway for this design being shade 811. The pattern notes that additional colour inspiration is provided on the back page of the pattern booklet, suggesting that knitters may wish to explore alternative colourways within the Sirdar Stories palette.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern is worked entirely in knitting — no crochet elements are involved. As an intermediate-level pattern, it is expected to include techniques that go beyond basic knit and purl, such as:

• Garment shaping — including increases and decreases to create the fitted or semi-fitted silhouette of a top
• Armhole and neckline shaping — standard construction elements for any knitted top or sweater
• Seaming — joining front and back panels using mattress stitch or a similar finishing technique
• Tension/gauge management — essential for achieving the correct fit across the wide size range offered
• Reading and following a multi-size pattern — a key intermediate skill when working from a pattern covering UK 6–28

Stitches Used

While the PDF excerpt does not list every stitch explicitly, a DK weight top of this style from Sirdar at intermediate level typically incorporates:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the primary body stitch, creating a smooth, flat fabric ideal for showcasing the cotton-rich yarn
• Rib stitch — commonly used at hems, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat, professional finish
• Decrease stitches such as k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for shaping
• Increase stitches such as M1 (make one) for adding width where required
• Cast on and cast off techniques — standard elements of any complete garment pattern

Need