Sweater & Tank Top in Sirdar No.1 - 8126 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar No.1 Sweater & Tank Top Knitting Pattern (8126) – DK Weight, Intermediate Level

Pattern 8126 from Sirdar is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two separate designs: a classic long-sleeved Sweater and a sleeveless Tank Top. Both garments are worked in Sirdar No.1 DK yarn and incorporate colourwork detailing using three coordinating shades, making them visually striking yet approachable projects for intermediate knitters. The pattern covers an impressive size range, from a chest measurement of 61/66 cm (24/26 in) right through to 112/117 cm (44/46 in), making it suitable for children through to adults.

Design 1: The Sweater

The Sweater is a full-length, long-sleeved knitted garment with a structured silhouette. Actual chest measurements range from 70 cm (27½ in) to 121 cm (47¾ in) across the six sizes, with a full length of approximately 48 cm to 74 cm (19 in to 29¼ in) depending on size. The sleeve length ranges from 33 cm to 50 cm (13 in to 19¾ in) and is noted as adjustable, allowing knitters to customise the fit.

The Sweater is worked in three shades of Sirdar No.1 DK:

• Shade A – 203: the main colour, requiring 4 to 9 x 100g balls depending on size
• Shade B – 217: a contrast colour, requiring 1 x 100g ball across all sizes
• Shade C – 209: a second contrast colour, requiring 1 x 100g ball across all sizes

Design 2: The Tank Top

The Tank Top is a sleeveless version that shares the same size range and general construction principles as the Sweater but is worked without sleeves, making it a quicker knit and a versatile layering piece. It uses the same three-colour approach with different shades of Sirdar No.1 DK:

• Shade A – 213: the main colour, requiring 2 to 5 x 100g balls depending on size
• Shade B – 220: a contrast colour, requiring 1 x 100g ball across all sizes
• Shade C – 219: a second contrast colour, requiring 1 x 100g ball across all sizes

Techniques & Stitches

Both garments are knitted flat on straight needles and are typical of classic DK-weight colourwork construction. As an intermediate-level pattern, knitters should be comfortable with standard shaping techniques such as increasing and decreasing, as well as working with multiple yarn colours. The colourwork element — using three distinct shades — is a key feature of both designs and likely involves stranded or intarsia knitting techniques to create the patterned sections.

Common stitches found in garments of this style include:

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch used across the body and sleeves
• Rib stitch – typically used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands to create neat, elasticated edges
• Colourwork patterning – worked using the contrast shades (B and C) to create decorative motifs or stripes

Materials & Needles

Both designs are worked in Sirdar No.1 DK yarn, a DK (double knitting) weight yarn. The pattern notes that the designs are also suitable for several alternative Sirdar yarns, including Country Style DK, Harrap Tweed DK, Amalfi DK, and Cotton DK, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting. This flexibility makes the pattern a great