Ladies Tops in King Cole Cotton Top DK - 5370 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies Tops Knitted in King Cole Cotton Top DK – Pattern 5370

Pattern 5370 from King Cole is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for ladies tops, designed to be worked in King Cole Cotton Top DK yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes, from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in) bust, making it a versatile choice for knitters of varying body types. Rated as an intermediate level project, this pattern is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to develop their skills further with garment construction.

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What Is Being Made

This pattern produces ladies tops knitted in a classic double knit weight cotton yarn. The finished garments are designed to be comfortable, breathable, and suitable for warmer weather, thanks to the natural fibre content of King Cole Cotton Top DK. The pattern includes multiple size options, and knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning work.

Materials Required

• Yarn: King Cole Cotton Top DK – a double knit weight yarn, ideal for lightweight tops and warm-weather garments
• Needles: 4 mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

Because achieving the correct tension is essential to producing a garment that matches the stated measurements, King Cole recommends working a tension swatch before beginning. The stated tension is 21 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. If your swatch produces fewer stitches than stated, switch to thinner needles; if it produces more stitches, switch to thicker needles.

Techniques Used

This is a knitting pattern worked flat using standard knitting needles. The construction involves classic garment-making techniques appropriate for an intermediate knitter, including:

• Shaping through increasing and decreasing – the pattern references working increases and decreases across rows, including shaping worked every following 4th row, which is a standard method for creating smooth, gradual curves at armholes, necklines, or side seams
• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric of the tops is worked in stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, flat surface on the right side and a textured purl surface on the wrong side
• Tension management – knitters are guided to adjust needle size to match the stated tension, a fundamental skill in garment knitting

Stitches Used

The following stitches and techniques are referenced within the pattern:

• Knit (k) – the foundational stitch used throughout
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to form stocking stitch and any ribbed or textured sections
• Stocking stitch – alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, forming the main fabric of the garment
• Slip 1 stitch (s1) knitways – a technique used in decrease sequences to create neat, directional shaping
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – used in conjunction with slip stitch to form a left-leaning decrease
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – used to create a decorative eyelet or to assist in certain stitch constructions
• Increase (inc) and decrease (dec) – standard shaping methods used to contour the garment to fit the body

Pattern Structure and Sizing

The pattern is presented across multiple sizes, spanning bust measurements from 81 cm to 127 cm (32 in to 50 in). Stitch counts are given in brackets for each size, for example referencing figures such as 23[28:32:36:41] stitches at key shaping points, allowing the knitter to follow the appropriate numbers for their chosen size throughout. Knitters are encouraged to circle or highlight their size at the outset