Blossom Waistcoat in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7355 - Downloadable PDF

Blossom Waistcoat in Sirdar Cotton DK – Pattern 7355

Pattern 7355 from Sirdar is a knitted waistcoat design worked in Sirdar Cotton DK, offering a relaxed, wearable layer suitable for a wide range of sizes. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible for knitters of all levels who want to add a classic, versatile piece to their wardrobe.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a waistcoat — a sleeveless or short-sleeved knitted garment designed to be worn over a top or shirt. With a sleeve length of 5 cm (2 inches), the design features a very short cap sleeve rather than being entirely sleeveless, giving it a neat, structured finish. The waistcoat is shaped with a defined back and front, button fastening, and neat edging, making it suitable for both casual and smart-casual wear.

Sizes Available

This pattern is notably inclusive, covering six sizes ranging from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust (81/86 cm to 132/137 cm). The actual finished measurements span from 90 cm (35½ in) to 141 cm (55½ in), providing generous ease across all sizes. Full length ranges from 60 cm to 73 cm measured from the back of the neck, increasing gradually with each size. Knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on – used to begin the back section, providing a firm and elastic foundation edge
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric stitch used throughout the body of the waistcoat, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Shaping and increasing – stitches are increased at each end of the needle on alternate rows to shape the sleeve caps and body, requiring careful row counting
• Decorative stitch row – a special technique is introduced where stitches are worked by winding the yarn multiple times around the needle, creating elongated or drop-stitch effects for textural interest
• Working in the round (optional) – a circular needle is listed as an optional tool, suggesting that certain edging or neckband sections may be worked in the round for a neater finish
• Tension management – the pattern emphasises that achieving the correct tension is essential, with clear guidance to adjust needle size if the stitch count does not match

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the fundamental stitches forming the stocking stitch fabric
• Decrease (dec / tog) – used for shaping armholes, necklines, and other structural elements
• Increase (inc) – worked at specified intervals to shape the sleeve and body sections
• Yarn-wind stitch – a decorative technique where the yarn is wound around the needle multiple times during a knit stitch, producing a distinctive elongated stitch effect on the fabric

Materials Required

The pattern is designed for Sirdar Cotton DK shade 526, a smooth double knitting weight cotton yarn sold in 100g balls. The quantity required ranges from 4 balls for the smallest sizes up to 7 balls for the largest size (52/54 in). The pattern also notes compatibility with a wide range of alternative Sirdar DK yarns, including Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Country Style DK, Click DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Crofter DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, and Soukie DK, though yarn quantities may vary.

Needles and Notions

• 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles – used for the main body fabric
• 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles – used for ribbing, edgings, and finer detail sections
• 3¼mm (UK