A top that'll withstand time and trends!
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ABOUT
Whether you're heading to the office, meeting your friends for a drink, or going to church, the Unfailing V is the top for the occasion!
This beautiful, crochet garment is filled with waistcoat stitches, giving it a classic, knit-like look, and features a raised, vertical line that draws eyes from the hip-hugging ribbing to the flattering, V-neckline. Plus, thoughtful shaping was added throughout the garment to ensure it fits in all the right places and has no awkward bulging fabric.
And best of all, there is a custom gauge option which gives you the freedom to choose whatever weight yarn (fingering, sport, worsted, etc.) and hook you wish. Plus, it uses YOUR measurements for the perfect fit!
As usual the pdf includes easy to follow, row-by-row instructions for sizes XS-5X and includes helpful photo/video tutorials for specific stitches.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Believe it or not, a lot of thought went behind this simple design! I wanted so much from just one top.
My goal was to design a garment that could withstand time and trends. Something I could wear anywhere and could pair with anything. A top that was polished enough for the office but could also be casual enough for day-to-day life. A wardrobe staple piece!
I also knew that I didn't want to wear an undershirt. (Georgia be too hot for that!)
To achieve all of those things, I quickly decided that I would use the waistcoat stitch since it creates a clean, classic look. But, if you've ever made that stitch before, you know it can get dense really quick! Which is what led me to my next decision.
Yarn and hook size. I personally chose Sweet Delight (a light size 3 yarn found at Hobby Lobby) because I loved how it worked up for a previous make. (Double Take Tunisian Tank) It's so soft, drapes well, and is really easy to clean! (Machine washable, in fact!) The only downside, in my opinion, is that there are not very many rich, "mature" colors.
As for the hook size, I ignored the recommended hook size of 4.5 mm on the label and jumped up nearly 4 hook sizes to achieve the drape and thickness I wanted.
However, after working up a swatch, I thought it still needed a little something. A simple detail that could be seen without adding complicated colorwork.
Front post stitches. Ya'll know I'm obsessed with these and for good reason! They add so much texture and can be used in such a variety of ways to create unique details. For this design, though, I stuck with a simple vertical line to keep it timeless. And I kept it centered to draw eyes to the flattering V neckline.
A bit of shaping from the hips to bust and around the arms and VOILA! The #UnfailingV was born.
SIZES: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
GAUGE: 17 knit sts x 17 rows = 4” (with 7 mm hook)
NOTE: Since this pattern uses measurements for length and not a specific set # of rows, the gauge width is far more important to match than the length. Also, if you can’t meet gauge or if you want to use different weight yarn, I've included detailed instructions to make your own custom gauge!
MATERIALS NEEDED (if using MY gauge)
HOOKS: 5 mm & 7 mm crochet hooks (or hook needed to obtain gauge)
YARN: Approx. 400 (440, 485, 550,600) (660, 730, 805, 865) yards of Baby Bee by Sweet Delight (or any sport/dk weight yarn.)
NOTIONS: tape measure, threading needle, stitch markers, scissors
TESTERS
Below are the talented, beautiful makers who tested this pattern! They each gave up time, used up yarn, and shared their knowledge to help make this pattern what it is and for that, I'm truly grateful. Scroll down to meet each amazing lady and don't forget to click on each photo to give some love on Instagram!
I hope you love wearing this top as much as I do! Happy making ❤
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