Cardigan and Top in Sirdar Toscana DK - 7975 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Top in Sirdar Toscana DK – Pattern 7975

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar includes instructions for two separate garments: a classic cardigan and a coordinating top, both knitted in Sirdar Toscana DK yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes, from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), making it an inclusive and versatile choice for knitters of varying experience levels who are comfortable working with stitch patterns beyond basic knit and purl.

About the Yarn and Materials

Both garments are worked in Sirdar Toscana DK, shade 113, a DK-weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The DK weight gives the finished pieces a light, wearable drape suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece across multiple seasons.

• Cardigan yarn requirement: 5 to 8 x 100g balls of Sirdar Toscana DK shade 113, depending on size
• Top yarn requirement: 3 to 5 x 100g balls of Sirdar Toscana DK shade 113, depending on size
• Knitting needles: One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) needles and one pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) needles
• Notions for the cardigan: 7 or 8 buttons (quantity varies by size)
• Notions for the top: Stitch holders

The smaller needle size is typically used for ribbed or neatened edges and bands, while the larger 4mm needles are used for the main body fabric. Knitters are strongly advised to check their tension before beginning, as achieving the correct gauge is essential to accurate sizing.

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 in) over Eyelet Pattern, and 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 in) over stocking stitch, both measured on 4mm needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch before casting on and adjust needle size accordingly — a smaller needle if too few stitches are achieved, and a larger needle if too many.

The Cardigan

Design and Fit

The cardigan is a classic, structured design with set-in or shaped sleeves and a button front opening. It features a full length ranging from 60 cm (23¾ in) to 73 cm (28¾ in) depending on size, and an actual bust measurement of approximately 91 cm (36 in) to 141 cm (55½ in), providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit across all sizes. The sleeve length is noted as adjustable, with a standard measurement of approximately 46 to 48 cm (18 to 19 in).

Techniques Used

• Eyelet Pattern: The main fabric of the cardigan incorporates an eyelet stitch pattern, which creates a delicate, lace-like texture. Eyelets are formed by yarn-over increases paired with decreases, producing small decorative holes arranged in a repeating motif across the fabric.
• Stocking Stitch: Sections of the garment are also worked in standard stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), providing smooth, flat areas that contrast with the textured eyelet sections.
• Shoulder Shaping: The pattern includes shaped shoulder construction, worked by casting off stitches in pattern at the beginning of successive rows to create a neat, angled shoulder seam.
• Button Band: The cardigan requires buttons — between 7 and 8 depending on size — indicating a worked button band or button band picked up along the front edges, a common finishing technique in intermediate-level cardigans.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) — the