Twirling Top - Free Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK

Twirling Top – Free Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK

The Twirling Top is a women's knitted top designed and published by Paintbox Yarns as a free, downloadable PDF pattern. Rated intermediate in difficulty, it is a flattering, fashion-forward garment that makes excellent use of the subtle shimmer and drape of a metallic yarn, making it suitable for both casual wear and more dressed-up occasions. The pattern reference code is M-DK-006.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's fitted or semi-fitted knitted top. It is sized to fit a bust measurement ranging from 81 cm (32 in) up to 112 cm (44 in), covering seven sizes in total. The finished bust measurements run from 85 cm (33½ in) to 115 cm (45½ in), providing a small amount of positive ease across the size range. The length to shoulder sits between 48 cm and 52 cm depending on the size chosen, making it a cropped-to-standard-length top that can be styled in multiple ways.

Construction and Techniques

The Twirling Top is constructed using a seamed, worked-flat method. This means the individual pieces — typically a front and a back — are knitted flat on straight or circular needles and then joined together using a seaming technique such as mattress stitch or backstitch. Working flat is a traditional approach that many intermediate knitters are comfortable with, and it allows for precise shaping along armhole and neckline edges. Seaming the finished pieces together gives the garment structure and a clean, professional finish.

Because the pattern is worked flat, knitters will work in rows rather than rounds, alternating between right-side and wrong-side rows. Shaping is achieved through increases and decreases worked at specified intervals, which create the fitted silhouette suggested by the name Twirling Top.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the downloadable PDF, patterns of this construction type from Paintbox Yarns at the intermediate level typically incorporate a combination of the following:

• Knit and purl stitches – forming the fabric base, likely including a stocking stitch (stockinette) body
• Ribbing – commonly used at hems, cuffs, or neckbands for elasticity and a neat edge
• Decrease stitches – such as k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for armhole and neckline shaping
• Increase stitches – to shape the body and create the twirling or flared design elements

The pattern is written in UK terminology, with US terminology equivalents provided in italics within round brackets throughout the instructions, making it accessible to knitters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Materials – Yarn and Needles

The recommended yarn is Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK, sold in 50g balls. This is a DK weight (double knitting) yarn with a metallic finish that gives the finished top its distinctive shimmer and elevated look. The number of balls required varies by size, ranging from approximately 7 balls for the smallest size up to 11 balls for the largest size. Paintbox Yarns notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements.

Paintbox Yarns strongly advises using the recommended yarn — Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK — for this project, as they cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if a substitute yarn is used. The metallic fibre content and specific tension of this yarn are integral to achieving the stated finished measurements and the intended drape and appearance of the top.

Knitters will need needles appropriate for DK weight yarn; the specific needle size is detailed within the full PDF pattern. As with all knitting patterns, working a tension (gauge) swatch before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure the finished garment matches the stated measurements.

Pattern Format and Sizing Notes

The Twirling Top pattern is available as a free, downloadable PDF. Instructions are written for the smallest size first, with changes for larger sizes given