Tops in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7080 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Pattern 7080 – Knitted Tops in Sizes 32/34 to 52/54 Inches

Pattern 7080 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two classic women's tops worked in Sirdar Cotton DK: a V Neck Top and a Slash Neck Top. Both designs are sized inclusively, covering a wide range from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust, making this pattern an excellent choice for knitters of many body types. The actual finished measurements range from 93 cm (36¾ in) up to 144 cm (56¾ in), with generous positive ease built in for a relaxed, comfortable fit. Full lengths run from approximately 54 cm (21¼ in) to 67 cm (26½ in) depending on the size knitted.

Design One: V Neck Top

The V Neck Top is a timeless wardrobe staple featuring a classic deep or shallow V-shaped neckline that flatters a wide range of figures. This style is knitted in Sirdar Cotton DK shade 506 as shown in the pattern. The V neckline is typically achieved through careful shaping on the front piece, with stitches decreased symmetrically on either side of a central point to create the characteristic angled opening. Neckbands on V neck garments are often finished with a neat ribbed trim picked up around the shaped edge, giving a clean and professional finish.

• Yarn: Sirdar F039 Cotton DK, Shade 506
• Yarn amounts: 3 to 6 x 100g balls depending on size

Design Two: Slash Neck Top

The Slash Neck Top offers a contemporary, relaxed alternative with a wide, horizontal neckline that sits elegantly across the collarbone and shoulders. This style has a modern, minimalist appeal and is shown in Sirdar F039 Cotton DK shade 509. A slash or boat neckline is typically formed by casting off or placing a wide central section of stitches on a holder, with minimal additional shaping required, making it a straightforward construction that suits knitters who prefer a cleaner, less complex finish at the neckline.

• Yarn: Sirdar F039 Cotton DK, Shade 509
• Yarn amounts: 3 to 6 x 100g balls depending on size

Techniques and Construction

Both tops are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a front, a back, and sleeves or armhole shaping — and then seamed together. This is a traditional construction method well suited to DK weight knitting and allows each section to be worked and blocked individually before assembly. Shaping is worked through standard knitting increases and decreases to form the armholes, neckline, and any sleeve or shoulder shaping. Stitch holders and a safety pin are used to hold live stitches during neckline construction, which is a common technique when working V necks or picking up neckband stitches later.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch detail is contained within the pattern, tops of this style in DK yarn characteristically feature:

• Stocking stitch – the smooth, classic knit-side fabric used for the main body panels
• Rib stitch – typically 1x1 or 2x2 rib, used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to provide stretch and a neat edge
• Standard cast on and cast off methods for clean edges throughout

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 39 stitches and 60 rows to a given measurement (full tension details are within the PDF), worked on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is essential, particularly given the range of sizes available — even a small deviation can significantly affect the finished measurements of a garment.

Materials Required

• Primary yarn: Sirdar F039 Cotton DK (100g balls) in the specified shade for each design