Top in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7917 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Sweater Knitting Pattern 7917 – Close-Fitting Top with Short Sleeves

Pattern 7917 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for a close-fitting sweater top worked in Sirdar Cotton DK. Designed to stretch to fit, this garment is ideal for warmer seasons and showcases the natural breathability and stitch definition that cotton yarn provides. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping and working across multiple size variations.

Garment Overview

The design is a fitted sweater top with a short sleeve of just 10 cm (4 inches), giving it a casual, warm-weather feel. The body length ranges from 60 to 73 cm (23¾ to 28¾ inches) depending on size, and the actual bust measurement spans from 82 cm (32¼ in) up to 133 cm (52½ in). This generous size range — covering 81/86 cm through 132/137 cm bust (32/34 to 52/54 inches) — reflects Sirdar's inclusive sizing approach, with the pattern explicitly noting it includes larger sizes.

Sizes Available

• Size 1: To fit 81/86 cm (32/34 in) – Actual 82 cm (32¼ in)
• Size 2: To fit 91/97 cm (36/38 in) – Actual 93 cm (36¾ in)
• Size 3: To fit 102/107 cm (40/42 in) – Actual 104 cm (41 in)
• Size 4: To fit 112/117 cm (44/46 in) – Actual 113 cm (44½ in)
• Size 5: To fit 122/127 cm (48/50 in) – Actual 124 cm (48¾ in)
• Size 6: To fit 132/137 cm (52/54 in) – Actual 133 cm (52½ in)

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Cotton DK in shade F039 / 538, a 100g ball weight yarn. The number of balls required varies by size:

• Size 1 (32/34 in): 4 x 100g balls
• Size 2 (36/38 in): 5 x 100g balls
• Size 3 (40/42 in): 6 x 100g balls
• Size 4 (44/46 in): 6 x 100g balls
• Size 5 (48/50 in): 7 x 100g balls
• Size 6 (52/54 in): 8 x 100g balls

The pattern also notes compatibility with a wide range of other DK weight yarns from the Sirdar family, including Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Crofter DK, Toscana DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, and Cotton Prints DK, though yarn quantities may vary when substituting.

Needles Required

• 1 pair of 4mm knitting needles (UK 8 / USA 6) – used for the main body sections
• 1 pair of 3¼mm knitting needles (UK 10 / USA 3) – typically used for ribbing and edging details
• A stitch holder is also required for managing live stitches during construction

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting pattern worked flat on straight needles, with pieces seamed together on completion — a traditional construction