Top in Hayfield Illusion DK - 8110 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Illusion DK Top – Knitting Pattern 8110

This Hayfield Illusion DK Top (Pattern 8110) is a stylish, versatile knitted top designed for women, available in a generous range of sizes from a 32/34 inch bust right up to a 52/54 inch bust. The pattern is an intermediate-level knitting project, making it a rewarding challenge for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to explore more textured and decorative stitch techniques. It is offered as a downloadable PDF, so you can get started immediately after purchase.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a fitted knitted top with short sleeves, worked in Hayfield Illusion DK yarn. The design features a central decorative panel running down the front and back, set against a background of reversed stocking stitch, giving the finished garment a beautifully tactile, textured appearance. The top is constructed with a back and front worked identically, and sleeves are shaped by casting on stitches at the sides rather than being set in separately, creating a clean, integrated look.

Sizes range generously to accommodate bust measurements from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in), with actual finished garment measurements spanning from 97 cm (38 in) to 148 cm (58¼ in). Full length ranges from 55 cm to 68 cm measured from the back of the neck, and the sleeve length is a consistent 16 cm (6¼ in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast on – used to begin both the back and front pieces, as well as to cast on sleeve stitches during shaping
• Sleeve shaping by cast-on – sleeves are added by casting on 35 stitches at the appropriate point in the pattern rather than being knitted separately and sewn in
• Working back and front alike – both pieces follow the same instructions, simplifying construction
• Tension swatching – the pattern strongly emphasises checking tension before beginning, which is especially important when working with a combination of stocking stitch and reversed stocking stitch
• Reading a multi-size knitting pattern – knitters are instructed to circle their chosen size, a useful intermediate skill when working from a pattern with six size options

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side; used within the central decorative panel
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) – purl on the right side, knit on the wrong side; forms the main body fabric of the top, giving it a distinctive textured surface
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – used within the central lace-effect panel to create decorative eyelet increases
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used in the central panel to shape the decorative motif
• S1, k1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) – a left-leaning decrease used in the central panel, paired with k2tog to create a symmetrical, pointed lace effect
• Knit (k) and Purl (p) – the fundamental stitches forming the foundation of the entire garment

The central panel is worked over an alternating row sequence, with the decorative motif repeated on right-side rows and the wrong-side rows worked to correspond. The combination of yarn forward increases and paired decreases creates a classic knitted lace-style column that draws the eye and adds visual interest without being overly complex — making this pattern an excellent stepping stone for intermediate knitters looking to build confidence with lace techniques.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Illusion DK, shade 300 – a DK weight yarn, sold in 100g balls. You will need between 3 and 6 balls depending on your size (3 balls for the smallest size, up to 6 balls for the largest size)
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles