Top, Vest & Skirt in Sirdar Cotton DK - 7082 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Cotton DK Pattern 7082 – Knitted Top, Vest and Skirt Set

Pattern 7082 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering three coordinating summer garments: a short-sleeved top, a sleeveless vest, and a lined skirt. All three pieces are worked in Sirdar Cotton DK, making this an ideal warm-weather knitting project. The pattern covers six dress sizes from a 32 to 42 inch bust (UK sizes 10 to 20), with the top and vest designed to be close fitting. Each garment can be knitted independently or combined to create a complete coordinated outfit.

The Top

The knitted top is a close-fitting, short-sleeved design with a full length ranging from approximately 54 cm to 62 cm depending on size, and a sleeve length of just 3 cm, giving it a neat cap-sleeve finish. The actual bust measurement across all sizes runs from 79 cm to 105 cm, reflecting the close-fitting nature of the design. It is worked in Sirdar Cotton DK shade 508, requiring 3 to 4 x 100g balls depending on size.

The Vest

The vest is a sleeveless version sharing the same close-fitting silhouette and length range as the top. It is knitted in Sirdar Cotton DK shade 516 and requires 3 to 4 x 100g balls. Stitch holders are required during construction for both the top and the vest, indicating that sections such as necklines and armholes are placed on hold and finished separately, a classic technique in fitted garment knitting that allows for neat, shaped edges.

The Skirt

The skirt is a separate, longer piece with an approximate length of 46 cm to 52 cm across the size range. It is knitted in Sirdar Cotton DK shade 504, requiring 3 to 4 x 100g balls. The skirt features a button fastening using 5 buttons and is finished with a ribbon waistband using 1½ metres of ribbon. It is also designed to be lined with fabric, giving it a polished, wearable finish. An 80 cm circular needle may be used for the skirt if preferred, making it suitable for knitters who like to work larger pieces in the round or flat on a longer needle for ease of handling.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of a combination of classic and textural knitting techniques across the three garments:

• Leaf panel pattern – a decorative stitch pattern forming the main fabric of the garments, adding visual interest and a delicate, summery texture
• Stocking stitch – used as a contrast or secondary fabric, worked in the conventional knit on the right side and purl on the wrong side method
• Decreasing and shaping – including techniques such as pass slipped stitch over (psso) and knit two together (k2tog) for neat, angled shaping at armholes, necklines, and other fitted areas
• Yarn over needle (yon) and yarn round needle (yrn) – used within the leaf panel pattern to create decorative eyelets and the characteristic lace-like leaf effect
• Slip stitch techniques – stitches slipped knitways as part of the decrease and pattern construction
• Working from stitch holders – sections of the top and vest are placed on stitch holders and returned to the needles later for finishing, a technique common in shaped necklines and shoulder seams
• Circular needle knitting – an optional approach for the skirt using an 80 cm circular needle

Materials and Needles

All three garments are worked in Sirdar Cotton DK (F039), a DK weight yarn, in three separate shades: shade 508 for the top, shade 516 for the vest, and shade 504 for the skirt. The