Sirdar Top Of The Bill Tabard Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Top Of The Bill Tabard

What Is Being Made

The Top Of The Bill Tabard is an intermediate-level knitted sleeveless top designed for a wide range of sizes, from UK 6 to UK 28 (US 2 to US 24). This garment is part of Sirdar's Festival collection and features a contemporary tabard silhouette that celebrates the current fashion trend for textured, crochet-inspired knit designs. The tabard style offers a relaxed, layered aesthetic perfect for summer wear.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive look. The design incorporates textured stitch patterns that create a crochet-like appearance, making it accessible to knitters who love the current crochet aesthetic but prefer to work with knitting needles. The pattern requires working with multiple needle types and sizes to create different sections of the garment, demonstrating intermediate-level construction skills. Circular needle work is utilized for certain sections, and the pattern includes finishing techniques using stitch holders to manage active stitches during assembly.

Stitches Used

While the specific stitch abbreviations are detailed within the full pattern instructions, the tabard employs a combination of fundamental knitting stitches arranged to create textured, visually interesting surfaces. The stitch patterns are designed to mimic crochet effects, giving the finished garment a contemporary, fashion-forward appearance. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters will encounter more complex stitch combinations and shaping techniques beyond basic knit and purl stitches.

Materials Required

This pattern is worked in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting (DK) yarn, a cotton-rich acrylic blend that creates lightweight, breathable garments ideal for summer wear. The yarn maintains its shape beautifully while offering the comfort of natural cotton properties. Depending on your size, you will need between 6 and 11 balls of 50g yarn (shade 809 Hot is featured, with alternative colorways including 816 Carnival, 818 Surf, and 812 Sunseeker available).

The pattern requires a comprehensive needle set to accommodate different construction stages:

• One pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) knitting needles
• One pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) knitting needles
• One 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) circular needle, 40cm length
• One pair of 4mm (UK size 8 / US size 6) double-pointed knitting needles
• Stitch holders for managing stitches during construction

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Top Of The Bill Tabard is available in six size ranges to accommodate diverse body types. Chest measurements range from 81/86 cm (32/34 inches) for the smallest size up to 132/137 cm (52/54 inches) for the largest size. Full length varies from 54 cm (21¼ inches) to 64 cm (25¼ inches), ensuring appropriate proportions across all sizes. Width measurements at the widest point range from 96 cm (37¾ inches) to 146 cm (57½ inches).

Pattern Quality and Design Heritage

Sirdar, established in West Yorkshire in 1880, is a respected British yarn company with generations of hand knitting heritage. Every Sirdar pattern, including this design (Design No. 10538), is triple-checked to guarantee successful results when using the recommended Sirdar yarns and following the specified tension requirements. The pattern reflects Sirdar's commitment to combining classic knitting traditions with contemporary fashion trends, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking modern, stylish designs with reliable construction guidance.