Sirdar Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Top in Summer Linen DK

What is Being Made

This is a knitted summer top designed for warm-weather wear, available in six sizes ranging from 32/34 inches to 52/54 inches bust measurement. The garment features a classic pullover construction with a full length measured from the back of neck ranging from 23¾ to 28¾ inches depending on size. The actual bust measurements range from 82 cm (32¼ inches) to 134 cm (52¾ inches), providing a comfortable fit across multiple body sizes.

Techniques Used

This top is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and a logical progression through the pattern.
• Worked flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together for a finished appearance.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces are joined together using seaming techniques to create the complete garment.
• Lace detailing: Lace elements are incorporated into the design, adding texture and visual appeal to the summer top.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques:

• Stocking stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the garment, providing a smooth, classic fabric base.
• Increases: M1 (make one) increases are used to shape the garment, created by picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into the back of the loop.
• Decreases: Decreasing techniques are employed for shaping, including pass slipped stitch over (psso) methods.
• Yarn forward and yarn over techniques: These are utilized in the lace sections, created using yfwd (yarn forward) and yon/yrn (yarn over needle) techniques to create the characteristic eyelets and openwork patterns of lace knitting.
• Slip stitches: Used for edge finishing and pattern integration.

Materials and Gauge

The top is designed to be worked in Sirdar Summer Linen DK yarn in shade 207, with yardage requirements ranging from 6 to 12 balls of 50g depending on size selected. The pattern notes that this yarn is also suitable for alternative DK-weight yarns including Country Style DK, Crofter DK, Soukie DK, Beachcomber DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, Cotton DK, Cotton Prints DK, Toscana DK, Dapple DK, Sirdar No.1, Colourwheel DK, and Colourwheel Dazzle DK, though yardage amounts may vary with different fiber content.

The pattern requires two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for the ribbed or edging sections. Stitch holders are also needed for holding stitches during construction.

Tension is critical: The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit and finished measurements. Knitters should adjust needle size accordingly—using thinner needles if achieving more stitches than specified, or thicker needles if achieving fewer stitches.

Pattern Structure

The pattern includes shaping at the shoulders with cast-off instructions that vary by size, with the smallest sizes casting off 6 stitches and the largest sizes casting off 15 stitches at the beginning of rows. This graduated sizing system ensures proper fit across the full range of available sizes. The cast-on method specified is the thumb method, a fundamental technique for beginning knitted pieces.