Women's Top in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7503 - Downloadable PDF

Women's Top in Sirdar Cotton DK – Pattern 7503

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar provides full instructions for a close-fitting women's top worked in Sirdar Cotton DK yarn. The design features a classic silhouette with set-in sleeves and a neat neckline, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for warmer months. The pattern is graded across six sizes to fit bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in), corresponding to dress sizes 10 through 20, so knitters of many shapes can achieve a tailored fit.

Garment Overview

The top is described as close fitting, with a full length ranging from 53 cm (21 in) for size 10 up to 61 cm (24 in) for size 20. Sleeve length is approximately 29–31 cm (11½–12 in) across the size range, giving the finished piece a short-to-three-quarter sleeve appearance. The design incorporates a two-colour scheme, using a main shade and a contrast shade of Sirdar Cotton DK, with a single button as a finishing detail at the neckline or opening.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Sirdar Cotton DK – Main shade (colour 512): 4–5 x 100 g balls depending on size; Contrast shade (colour 518): 1–2 x 100 g balls depending on size.
• Needles: One pair of 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles for the main body fabric; one pair of 3¼ mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles for ribbing and edging details.
• Notions: Stitch holders and 1 button.

The pattern notes that Sirdar Cotton DK can be substituted with several other compatible yarns, including Country Style DK, Click DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, Soukie DK, and Harrap Tweed DK, though yarn quantities may vary when substituting.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is emphasised as essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated measurements. Knitters are advised to swatch carefully and adjust needle size accordingly — using a thinner needle if fewer stitches are obtained, or a thicker needle if more stitches are obtained.

Techniques and Construction

The top is constructed in the traditional flat knitting method, working the Back and Front as separate pieces before seaming. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with a cast-on on the smaller 3¼ mm needles before switching to the larger 4 mm needles for the main body fabric. Shaping is achieved through decreasing techniques worked at regular intervals to create the close-fitting silhouette, with stitch holders used to hold stitches in reserve during neckline and shoulder shaping.

A key design feature is the introduction of the contrast colour (C) at a specific point in the pattern, adding a colour-block or stripe detail that distinguishes the top from a plain design. The contrast section involves its own shaping rows, including decrease rows worked in a structured repeat to reduce the stitch count smoothly before the colour transition.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, flat surface ideal for showcasing the cotton yarn.
• Knit stitch (k) and Purl stitch (p) – the foundational stitches used throughout.
• k2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping throughout the body and neckline.
• p2tog (purl two together)