3/4 and Short Sleeved Tops in Sirdar Toscana DK - 7977 - Downloadable PDF

3/4 and Short Sleeved Tops in Sirdar Toscana DK – Pattern 7977

Pattern 7977 from Sirdar is a knitting pattern for two classic women's tops worked in Sirdar Toscana DK yarn: a three-quarter sleeved top and a short sleeved top. Both designs are worked at an intermediate level and are available as a downloadable PDF, making them immediately accessible. The pattern includes an impressive range of sizes, from a 32/34 inch bust right through to a 52/54 inch bust, making it genuinely inclusive for a wide variety of body shapes.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two separate but coordinating fitted tops. The three-quarter sleeved version features sleeves measuring approximately 31–32 cm in length, giving elegant coverage to the upper arm. The short sleeved version has a neat 4 cm sleeve, creating a more casual, warm-weather option. Both tops share the same body construction and decorative stitch panel detail, differing only in sleeve length and therefore yarn requirements.

• Three-Quarter Sleeved Top: Full length ranges from 55 cm to 69 cm depending on size; sleeve length 31–32 cm
• Short Sleeved Top: Full length ranges from 55 cm to 69 cm depending on size; sleeve length 4 cm
• Actual bust measurements covered: 81 cm (32 in) to 132 cm (52 in)

Techniques Used

Both tops are constructed using standard flat knitting techniques, worked in pieces and seamed. Key construction techniques include shaping through increasing and decreasing to achieve a fitted silhouette, and the use of stitch holders to hold stitches while working other sections — for example, during neckline shaping. The pattern makes use of yarn forward (yfwd) and pass slipped stitch over (psso) methods to create the decorative lace-effect panel that runs through the design, adding visual interest without excessive complexity.

Knitters will also work alternate row shaping and follow a structured pattern panel of 15 stitches that measures 7.5 cm on 4mm needles. This panel is a defining feature of both garments and introduces a delicate openwork texture that elevates the tops beyond a plain stocking stitch design.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch — the main fabric of both tops, worked on the right side as knit and on the wrong side as purl
• Lace pattern panel — a 15-stitch decorative panel incorporating yarn forward (yfwd), slip 1 knitways (s1), k2tog (knit two together), and psso (pass slipped stitch over) to create an eyelet or openwork effect
• Rib stitch — implied by the use of smaller 3¼mm needles for welts and cuffs, a standard construction detail in Sirdar DK patterns of this type
• Increases and decreases — including k2tog and yfwd/s1/psso combinations used both for shaping and within the lace panel

Materials Required

Both tops are designed for Sirdar Toscana DK yarn, a double knitting weight yarn available in 100g balls. The three-quarter sleeved top is shown in shade 112 and requires 4 to 7 balls depending on size. The short sleeved top is shown in shade 110 and requires 3 to 6 balls depending on size. The pattern notes that the yarn amounts are based on average requirements when the stated tension and yarn are used.

The pattern also confirms suitability with a wide range of alternative Sirdar DK yarns, including Country Style DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Crofter DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, Cotton DK, and