Tops in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK - 10002 - Downloadable PDF

Tops in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK – Pattern 10002: Two Knitted Top Designs

Pattern 10002 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct women's top designs: a Round Neck Top and a V Neck Top. Both garments are worked in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK, a self-striping, colour-pooling yarn that creates a unique random colour effect with every skein, meaning no two finished garments will look exactly alike. The pattern is rated intermediate difficulty and includes a generous size range to suit a wide variety of figures.

Size Range and Fit

Both tops are designed to fit a wide range of bust measurements, making this pattern particularly inclusive:

• To fit bust: 81–86 cm / 32–34 in through to 122–127 cm / 48–50 in, across five sizes
• Actual (finished) bust measurement: 101 cm / 39¾ in up to 141 cm / 55½ in, providing a relaxed, comfortable fit with positive ease
• Full length (measured from side of back neck): 57 cm / 22½ in at the smallest size, up to 68 cm / 26¾ in at the largest

The inclusion of larger sizes up to 48–50 inches makes this an excellent choice for knitters seeking stylish, wearable garments across an extended size range.

Design One: Round Neck Top

The Round Neck Top is a classic, wearable knitted top with a neat, finished round neckline. It is shown in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK in shade Norwegian Fjord 3781, a colourway that showcases the yarn's signature blended, variegated tones beautifully.

Construction and Techniques

• The back is cast on using the thumb method, a reliable and stretchy cast-on well suited to ribbed edges
• The lower edge is worked in 1×1 rib (knit one, purl one alternately) for 18 rows, creating a neat, elasticated hem that sits close to the body
• After the ribbed border, stitches are decreased on the first right-side row to shape the body — for example, at the smallest size: K12, k2tog, (k4, k2tog) 17 times, k13 — reducing the stitch count before continuing in stocking stitch
• The main body fabric is worked entirely in stocking stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side), which allows the colourwork of the Batik Swirl yarn to take centre stage without interruption

Yarn and Needles

• Yarn: Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK, 200g balls — 2 balls for sizes 32–34 and 36–38 in; 3 balls for sizes 40–42, 44–46, and 48–50 in
• Needles used: 3.25mm needles for the ribbed border and 4mm needles for the main stocking stitch body

Design Two: V Neck Top

The V Neck Top is the second design included in this pattern, offering a slightly different neckline style that is universally flattering and easy to style. It is shown in Stylecraft Batik Swirl DK in shade Sand Dunes 3777, a warm, earthy colourway that highlights the yarn's flowing colour transitions.

Construction and Techniques

• Like the Round Neck Top, the V Neck Top is constructed using standard flat knitting techniques, working the back and front pieces separately before seaming
• The V-shaped neckline requires shaping on the front piece, typically achieved through regular decreases worked on either side of a central stitch or divide, creating the characteristic angled neckline
• The lower edges and