Size: XL (BR 46)

Abbreviations: accomp: accompany, hk: hook or hooks, r: rows, sc: single crochet, sl st: slip stitch, diag: diagram, st: stitch, skn: skein, rep.: repeat, w: work, x.: times, inc: increase, un: unit.

Stitches used: ch: chain, sl st: slip stitch, sc: single crochet, Single crochet (sc): yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Double crochet (dc): yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook. Pattern stitch: follow the diagram.

Gauge: a 3.94 in (10 cm) square in double crochet with a B/1 (2.5 mm) hook = 22 sts x 12 rows

Instructions:

Cropped: the cropped top is worked in two pieces. First part – Using Cléa Double yarn in Bijoux Blue, chain 187 sts plus 3 turning ch, and work in pattern stitch following the chart, repeat from * to * across the stitches (31 x) plus 1 edge stitch on each side. At 3.54 in (9 cm) from the beginning of the work, fasten off and set aside. Second part – Using Cléa Double yarn in Bijoux Blue, chain 209 sts plus 3 turning ch and work in dc. At 6.30 in (16 cm) from the beginning of the work, fasten off.

Finishing: place a stitch marker on each side of the central 4.72 in (12 cm) of the first part (pattern stitch). Sew 14.96 in (38 cm) from the last row of the first part to the starting chain of the second part. Work one round on the second part to shape the bust, then sew 14.96 in (38 cm) from the other side of the central 4.72 in (12 cm) of the first part (see template). To make it easier, start sewing from the edge toward the center. Work 6 rows of sc along the edges of both parts. On the 3rd row of the left edge, make 5 buttonholes (ch 3, skip 3 sc from the previous row, in the next row work 3 sc in the chain). Place the first buttonhole 0.39 in (1 cm) from the beginning, and space the others 1.57 in (4 cm) apart. Cut the latex in half. Work 1 row of sc over 12.6 in (32 cm) on each side, inserting the folded latex between the stitches. Secure the ends of the latex firmly to prevent it from coming loose. Straps – Attach Cléa Double yarn in Bijoux Blue 2.36 in (6 cm) from the right edge (1st stitch in red on the template) and work 4 sc, then continue in sc for 12.6 in (32 cm). At this point, attach the strap 10.24 in (26 cm) from the beginning (2nd stitch in red on the template). Make the other strap the same way. Sew the buttons 4 sts from the right edge, aligning them with the buttonholes on the left edge.

Designer by: Samara Varela