Pattern Rome Top

The item is knitted from the bottom up as a rectangular piece, from which straps are knitted, followed by edging of the armholes, neckline, and knitting of a button band.

Sizes

• S (Bust circumference 84-86 cm)
• M (Bust circumference 88-92 cm)
• L (Bust circumference 92-96 cm)

Materials and Tools

• Jody Long Flora yarn (100% cotton, 270 m/100 g) – 3 skeins
• Or BC Garn Allino yarn (50% Linen, 50% Cotton; 50 g-125 m) – 4 skeins
• Crochet hooks: No. 3 for the main fabric and No. 2.5 for edging, bands, and buttons
• Stitch markers
• Scissors, needle
• Buttons (6 pcs), if you do not plan to use knitted ones

Finished Item Measurements

• S (circumference 89 cm, height 49 cm)
• M (circumference 95 cm, height 50 cm)
• L (circumference 99 cm, height 51 cm)

Gauge

Knitting density in double crochet stitches in a 10*10 cm square: 21.5 stitches * 12 rows (after blocking). A tolerance of +/- 1 stitch is acceptable.

Abbreviations

• Ch – chain stitch
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Sc – single crochet
• Hdc – half double crochet
• Dc – double crochet

Instructions Overview

Begin by casting on a chain of 191/203/211 stitches and crochet, starting from the 3rd stitch from the hook, a row of double crochet stitches. The row will consist of 190/202/210 stitches, considering the first stitch made of two lifting stitches. Continue knitting upwards 38 rows, corresponding to approximately 31.5 cm. Adjust length as desired.

Knit the front straps by marking the fabric and decreasing stitches on armhole sides over several rows, finishing with shoulder slope shaping.

Knit the back straps similarly by working decreases and shaping shoulder slopes, leaving long ends for sewing.

Seaming and Edging

Sew shoulder seams using a needle or crochet with single crochet stitches.

Edge the armholes with single crochet stitches using a smaller crochet hook, including decreases at corners.

Edge the neckline with single crochet stitches and add a decorative border of double crochet and single crochet stitches, finishing with a placket.

Knitting the Placket

Pick up loops left after neckline edging and work single crochet rows along vertical edges and front pieces, incorporating button loops as specified.

Lower Edge Edging

Join yarn at one bottom edge and knit a single crochet row from placket to placket.

Buttons

Knit buttons in a magic ring with increasing single crochet stitches over three rounds, then finish and sew or tie buttons to the fabric.

Wet Heat Treatment (WHT)

After weaving in ends, wash gently in cold water with mild soap, wring slightly, and dry flat. Sew on buttons after drying.

Your top is ready! Wear it with pleasure!

Recommended Yarn

• DROPS Flora – needle size 3.0 mm (US 2½)
• BC Garn Big Bio Balance GOTS 100g – wool-cotton blend, gauge 20-21 sts per 10 cm, needles 3.5 mm (US 4) to 4.5 mm (US 7)