Top in Sirdar Soukie DK - 7210 - Downloadable PDF

Knitting Pattern Summary: Top in Sirdar Soukie DK (Pattern 7210)

This knitting pattern from Sirdar provides instructions for a classic knitted top, designed to suit a wide range of sizes from a 32-inch to a 42-inch bust (dress sizes 10 through 20). The finished garment has an actual measurement of 87–113 cm (34¼–44½ inches) across the chest, with a full length of 56 cm for sizes 10–16 and 61 cm for sizes 18–20. It is a versatile, wearable wardrobe staple that combines a neat ribbed edging with a decorative lace-style panel for visual interest.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a knitted top with both the back and front worked identically, simplifying the construction process. The design features a textured lace panel running through the body of the garment, flanked by areas of smooth stocking stitch, creating an elegant contrast between structure and openwork detail. The identical back and front construction makes this pattern particularly accessible for knitters who are building their confidence with lace-style techniques.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on — used to begin the ribbed edging sections, giving a neat and elastic lower edge suitable for a fitted garment.
• Tension checking — the pattern strongly emphasises working to the stated tension before beginning, with clear guidance on adjusting needle size if the stitch count is off. This is essential to achieving the correct finished measurements.
• Lace panel knitting — a 55-stitch pattern panel measuring 27 cm (10¾ inches) wide forms the central decorative feature of the top. This involves working yarn-forward increases and paired decreases to create an openwork, lace-like effect.
• Shaping with increases — the pattern uses simple increases (inc in 1st st) at the edges to shape the body of the garment.
• Needle switching — the pattern begins on smaller 3¼mm needles for the ribbed border and then changes to 4mm needles for the main body, a standard technique in knitting to ensure the edging is firmer and the body has the correct drape and gauge.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the fundamental building blocks of the pattern, used throughout.
• K1, P1 rib — worked on the smaller needles to create the stretchy, tidy edging at the lower hem of both the back and front pieces.
• Stocking stitch — used for the side sections of the body, providing a smooth, flat fabric. Tension is measured over stocking stitch at 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm on 4mm needles.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — a key stitch in the lace panel, creating a deliberate eyelet hole by bringing the yarn to the front before a knit stitch, forming the open, decorative loops characteristic of lace knitting.
• Slip 1, k1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) — a left-leaning decrease used in the lace panel to pair with yarn-forward increases, maintaining the stitch count while creating the angled lines of the lace design.
• K2tog (knit two together) — a right-leaning decrease also used within the lace panel, working in opposition to the s1, k1, psso to create the symmetrical lace motif.

Materials Required

The pattern is written for Sirdar Soukie DK in shade 178, a double knitting weight yarn. The quantity required ranges from 5 to 7 balls of 50g depending on the size being made. The pattern also notes compatibility with several alternative Sirdar yarns, including Country Style DK, Click DK, Wash 'n' Wear Double Crepe DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, and Cotton DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required:

• 4mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) — for