Top in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7912 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Women's Top – Pattern 7912 – Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 7912 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a women's top, designed to be worked in Sirdar Cotton DK. This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines classic stocking stitch construction with a decorative lace pattern panel, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more intricate detailing. The design includes a short sleeve and is available in a generous range of sizes, making it accessible to a wide range of body types.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a women's fitted top with short sleeves, worked in Sirdar Cotton DK yarn. The garment features a prominent lace pattern panel as a decorative focal point, set against a background of smooth stocking stitch. The top is designed to be comfortable and breathable — qualities well suited to a cotton yarn — making it ideal for warmer weather or layering.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern covers six sizes, ranging from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust (81/86 cm to 132/137 cm), with actual garment measurements spanning 90 cm to 141 cm in circumference. Full length ranges from 54 cm to 67 cm, and sleeve length from 10 cm to 12 cm, depending on size. This inclusive size range makes the pattern suitable for a broad spectrum of knitters.

Techniques Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary background fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic finish
• Lace pattern panel – a 56-stitch decorative panel that forms the visual centrepiece of the design; the panel measures approximately 27 cm (10¾ inches) in width and introduces an openwork texture through the use of yarn-over increases paired with decreases
• Ribbing or edging – worked on 3¼mm needles to create neat, fitted edges at the cast-on and cuff areas
• Shaping techniques – including decreasing and increasing to shape the garment body and sleeves
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on holders during construction, a common technique for managing neckline or shoulder stitches

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the foundational stitches used throughout
• Yarn forward (yfwd) and yarn over needle (yon) / yarn round needle (yrn) – used to create the decorative eyelets within the lace panel
• Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease used within the lace pattern
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – a decrease worked on purl stitches, also part of the lace panel construction
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a standard right-leaning decrease used in shaping
• Alternate row working – the pattern specifies working certain sequences on alternate rows to build up the lace motif correctly

Materials Required

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Cotton DK in shade F039 / 537. The quantity required ranges from 4 balls to 7 balls of 100g, depending on the size being knitted. The pattern notes that it is also suitable for a number of other DK-weight yarns from Sirdar's range, including Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK