Women's Top in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7239 - Downloadable PDF

Women's Crochet Top in Sirdar Cotton DK – Pattern 7239

This downloadable PDF crochet pattern from Sirdar provides full instructions for a women's fitted top worked in Sirdar Cotton DK. The design is available in six sizes, covering dress sizes 10 through 20 and fitting bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 95 cm (37½ in) to 119 cm (47 in). The full length, measured from the back of the neck, runs from approximately 50 cm (19¾ in) to 58 cm (22¾ in) depending on size, and the pattern also includes sleeve shaping with sleeve lengths from 41 cm (16 in) to 45 cm (17¾ in).

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a women's crochet top with shaped armholes and set-in sleeves. The construction follows a classic approach, working the back as a separate piece before joining and completing the garment. Armhole shaping is achieved through slip-stitch decreases at the beginning of rows and stitch reductions at the ends, giving the top a neat, tailored silhouette suited to a range of everyday occasions.

Techniques Used

• Foundation chain construction – the back begins with a foundation chain of up to 120 chains, establishing the full width of the garment from the outset
• Armhole shaping – worked by slip-stitching across stitches at the start of rows and working to a reduced stitch count at the end, gradually tapering the fabric toward the shoulder
• Stitch pattern repeats – the body fabric is built on a structured repeat using treble crochet stitches separated by chain spaces, creating an open, lace-influenced mesh texture
• Tension checking – the pattern strongly emphasises working a tension swatch before beginning; if fewer stitches than stated are achieved, a thinner hook is recommended, and if more stitches result, a thicker hook should be used
• Row turning with chain counts – a 3-chain turning chain is used throughout to count as the first treble of each row, a standard crochet convention that maintains consistent row height

Stitches Used

• Treble crochet (tr) – the primary stitch forming the main body fabric, worked in combination with chain spaces to create the repeating pattern
• Half treble crochet (htr) – used at the edges of armhole shaping rows to create a smooth, stepped decrease without abrupt changes in height
• Double crochet (dc) – employed at the very edges of shaping rows, providing a firm, close stitch at the innermost decrease point
• Chain (ch) – integral to the stitch pattern, with single chain spaces separating treble stitches throughout the body; also used as the turning chain at the start of each row
• Slip stitch (ss) – used at the beginning of armhole shaping rows to move the working position inward without adding height, a technique that creates clean, angled shaping

Materials

The pattern calls for Sirdar Cotton DK in shade 520 (colour reference F039). Depending on the size being made, between 4 and 5 balls of 100 g are required. A single 4.00 mm crochet hook (UK size 8, US size F/5) is used throughout, though the pattern advises adjusting hook size up or down as necessary to achieve the correct tension.

Tension

The stated tension is 20 stitches and 10 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over the stitch pattern using a 4.00 mm hook. Achieving this tension is described in the pattern as essential to the success of the finished garment, ensuring that the actual measurements match those stated for the chosen size.

About Sirdar Cotton DK

Sirdar Cotton DK is a double knitting weight yarn, a category that sits in the light-to-medium weight range and is well suited to crochet garments intended for warmer weather or year-round wear. Cotton yarns are valued in c