Sirdar 8137 Woman's Top Jumper Knitting Pattern

Sirdar 8137 Woman's Top in Summer Linen DK

What is Being Made

The Sirdar 8137 pattern provides instructions for creating two distinct woman's tops using Sirdar Summer Linen DK yarn. The collection includes a Lace Top and a Plain Top, each available in six size options ranging from 81/86 cm (32/34 in) bust to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) bust. Both designs are summer-weight garments suitable for warm-weather wear, with the lace version offering decorative openwork and the plain version featuring a buttoned front closure.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern accommodates a comprehensive size range:

• Lace Top: Actual measurements span from 96 cm (37¾ in) to 143 cm (56¼ in) across the bust, with full length ranging from 55 cm to 68 cm (21¾ in to 26¾ in) measured from the back of neck
• Plain Top: Actual measurements range from 100 cm (39½ in) to 149 cm (58¾ in) across the bust
• Sleeve length is consistent at 31–32 cm (12–12½ in) depending on size

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to construct the garments:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The pieces are knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for straightforward length adjustments during the knitting process
• Worked Flat: All components are created on straight needles rather than in the round, producing flat pieces that are subsequently joined
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front, back, and sleeves) are sewn together using mattress stitch or similar seaming methods to create the finished garment
• Lace Patterning: The Lace Top incorporates decorative openwork stitches that create a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for summer wear

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: Basic stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) forms the foundation of the Plain Top
• Lace Pattern Stitches: The Lace Top incorporates yarn overs (yon/yfwd) and decreases to create openwork motifs. Yarn overs add decorative holes and texture, while pass slipped stitch over (psso) decreases maintain stitch count
• Slip Stitches: Used for edge finishing and pattern shaping (s1 slip 1 stitch knitways)
• Increases and Decreases: Strategic shaping throughout the pattern to achieve proper fit at bust, waist, and armhole areas

Materials Required

The pattern specifies the following materials:

• Yarn: Sirdar Summer Linen DK (F040) in shade 200 for the Lace Top or shade 207 for the Plain Top. Yarn quantities range from 9–17 balls of 50g depending on size selected. The pattern notes that alternative DK-weight yarns are suitable, including Amalfi DK, Beachcomber DK, Colourwheel DK, Colourwheel Dazzle DK, Cotton DK, Cotton Prints DK, Country Style DK, Crofter DK, Dapple DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Sirdar No.1, Soukie DK, and Toscana DK, though yarn amounts may vary with substitutions
• Needles: One pair of 4mm (UK size 8, US size 6) knitting needles for main fabric and one pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10, US size 3) knitting needles for ribbed edgings or cuffs
• Notions: Eight to ten buttons (depending on size) required for the Plain Top front closure

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for garment success. The pattern specifies two tension gauges:

• Lace Pattern Tension: