3/4 and Short Sleeved Boat Necked Tops in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7081 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Boat Necked Tops – Pattern 7081: Full Summary

Sirdar pattern 7081 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern for two classic boat-necked tops worked in Sirdar Cotton DK. The two designs share the same elegant, wide boat neckline silhouette but differ in sleeve length: one features a short-sleeved version with a neat 5 cm (2 in) sleeve, and the other offers a three-quarter sleeved version with a more substantial sleeve. Both tops are designed to be relaxed, wearable, and flattering across a wide range of sizes, making this pattern an excellent choice for knitters of varying experience levels who want a versatile wardrobe staple.

Sizes and Fit

This pattern is notably inclusive, covering six sizes from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) bust up to a 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust. The actual finished measurements range from 86 cm (34 in) to 139 cm (54¾ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed ease across all sizes. The full length of the garment ranges from 54 cm (21¼ in) to 64 cm (25¼ in) depending on size, giving a neat, hip-grazing fit suitable for everyday wear.

• Short sleeve length: 5 cm (2 in) across all sizes
• Three-quarter sleeve length: 30–33 cm (11¾–13 in) depending on size
• Width at underarm: approximately 43–69.5 cm (17–27½ in)

The Short Sleeved Boat Neck Top

The short-sleeved version of this boat neck top introduces a subtle but eye-catching design detail: it is worked in two colours. The pattern calls for Sirdar Cotton DK shade 501 as the main colour (M) and shade 514 as a contrast colour (C). This two-tone approach adds visual interest without requiring complex colourwork techniques, making it accessible to confident beginners and intermediate knitters alike.

The yarn quantities for the short-sleeved top are as follows:

• Main colour (shade 501): 3–4 x 100g balls depending on size
• Contrast colour (shade 514): 1–2 x 100g balls depending on size

The contrast colour is likely used for the neckband, cuffs, or a stripe detail, creating a clean, contemporary finish that suits the boat neck style beautifully.

The Three-Quarter Sleeved Boat Neck Top

The three-quarter sleeved version is worked as a single-colour design, using Sirdar Cotton DK shade 510 throughout. The longer sleeve adds a touch of elegance and practicality, making this version ideal for transitional seasons or knitters who prefer a little more coverage. The yarn requirements range from 4 to 7 x 100g balls depending on size, reflecting the additional fabric in the sleeves.

• Yarn (shade 510): 4–7 x 100g balls depending on size

Techniques and Construction

Both tops are knitted flat using standard knitting techniques, making them approachable for a wide range of skill levels. The boat neckline is a key design feature: it sits wide and shallow across the collarbone, requiring minimal shaping and no complex neck decreases, which simplifies construction considerably. Seaming the pieces together finishes the garment neatly.

Typical techniques used in this style of Sirdar DK top include:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) for the main body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Rib stitch (likely 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing) for the welts, cuffs, and neckband, providing stretch and a neat finish
• Increasing and decreasing for sleeve shaping
• Two-colour knitting in the short-sleeved version, using separate yarn supplies for the contrast sections