Top in Sirdar Toscana DK - 7973 - Downloadable PDF

Top in Sirdar Toscana DK – Pattern 7973

This knitted top pattern from Sirdar, reference 7973, is a beautifully detailed design worked in Sirdar Toscana DK yarn. Featuring an elegant leaf and bud lace pattern throughout, this top is an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to develop their lace knitting skills while creating a wearable, stylish garment. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a women's knitted top with a relaxed silhouette. The back and front pieces are worked identically, simplifying construction. The finished garment is designed to be worn with a comfortable amount of positive ease, making it a versatile layering piece or standalone top suitable for a range of occasions.

Sizing and Fit

This pattern is notable for its inclusive size range, covering six sizes from a 32/34 inch to a 52/54 inch bust, equivalent to 81/86 cm through to 132/137 cm. Actual finished measurements range from 98 cm (38½ in) to 146 cm (57½ in), and the full length, measured from the back of the neck, ranges from approximately 55 cm (21¾ in) to 70 cm (27½ in) depending on the size chosen.

Techniques Used

• Leaf and bud lace pattern – the primary decorative technique used throughout the body of the top, creating an intricate, textured fabric with a botanical aesthetic
• Thumb method cast-on – used when beginning the pieces with the smaller needles
• Yarn forward (yfwd) increases – used to create the characteristic openwork eyelets of the lace pattern
• Decreasing techniques – including k2tog (knit two together), s1, k1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over), and s2, k1, p2sso (slip two stitches knitways, knit one, pass two slipped stitches over) for shaping and lace detailing
• Ribbing or border work on smaller needles before transitioning to the main lace pattern on larger needles

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) – the foundational stitches forming the base fabric
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – creates decorative eyelets integral to the lace motif
• k2tog – a right-leaning decrease used within the lace repeat
• s1, k1, psso – a left-leaning single decrease used to balance the lace pattern
• s2, k1, p2sso – a central double decrease that forms the pointed tips of the leaf motifs
• (k1, yfwd, k1, yfwd, k1) into next st – a multiple increase worked into a single stitch to create the bud or leaf base within the lace repeat

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The stated tension is 10 stitches measuring 6 cm (2½ in) and 32 rows measuring 13 cm (5¼ in) in the leaf and bud lace pattern on 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size accordingly.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Sirdar Toscana DK, shade 110 – quantities range from 4 balls to 7 balls of 100g depending on size. The pattern also notes suitability with a range of other Sirdar DK-weight yarns, including Amalfi DK, Beachcomber DK, Cotton DK, Cotton