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CRIOSTAL BLOUSE
 


A mesh v-neck top with simple drop-shoulder construction, the Criostal Blouse can function as a 
t-shirt, a beach coverup, a thermal layer, or a dressy statement piece - depending on the sleeve length, colour, and yarn you choose. Perfect for the height of summer in plant-based yarns, it is equally wearable as a lacy winter pullover when knitted up in a rustic wool. Choose a neutral colour or an undyed yarn for an organic, minimalist look. Or consider a jewel tone for a fun colourburst effect.

Note: This pattern is part of the Criostal Collection. See also: the Criostal Shawl and the Criostal Collar.

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

SIZING
finished &blocked garment in Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
measures as follows around Chest Circumference:

90cm/ 36” (100cm/ 40”, 110cm/ 44”, 120cm/ 48”, 130cm/ 52”, 140cm/ 56”, 150cm/ 60”, 160cm/ 64”)



GAUGE

13 sts x 17 rounds/ rows = 10cm x 10cm,
in lace pattern for main fabric

YARN

suitable for DK-Aran weight yarns or equivalent
(approximately 160-200m/ 100g)

short sleeve version requires 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7) 100g skeins
3/4 or long sleeve version requires up to 1-2 additional skein(s)

NEEDLES

circular needles, 5mm in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric 


NOTIONS

stitch markers, measuring tape, tapestry needle, scrap-yarn



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

basic lacework, simplified short rows (no special skill required), 3-needle bind-off, picking up stitches from selvage edge

CONSTRUCTION
Worked bottom-up, with drop shoulder construction. The Bodice is worked in the round up to the underarms; then the Yoke is divided into front and back and each section is worked flat. Shoulders and integrated vertical neckband are connected with 3-needle bind-off.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This seemingly intricate pattern is in fact fairly basic. It is suitable for novice garment knitters with some experience in lacework. The lace repeat is easy-to-memorise, and the construction is very simple, with minimal shaping. There is no increasing-in pattern. How to handle instances of decreasing-in-pattern is described in detail.

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SAMPLES INFO

green sample:
knitted in Rowan Cotton Lustre
Size 2, shown with short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves
modelled with -5cm/ -2”, 10cm/ 4” and 20cm/ 8” of ease

beige sample:
knitted in Drops Bomull-Lin
Size 3, shown with long sleeves
modelled with 15cm/ 6” of ease

mauve sample
knitted in Honer och Eir Nutiden
Size 4, with long sleeves
modelled with 15cm/ 6” of ease

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NOTES ON YARN SELECTION

I have tested this design with a variety of yarns. It seems to work with pretty much anything that suits the gauge - however, you will get completely different looks and ‘vibes’ depending on the type of yarn you use.

Some factors to consider:

. yarn content: for wearing next to skin, opt for a plant fibre or silk. Being mesh, the blouse is of course transparent - but not as much as I expected, and looks completely acceptable worn in public over a skin-tone undergarment.

. yarn colour: this design tends to look organic and minimalist in a neutral colour, and pop-arty (and a bit 1980s?) in a vibrant colour. Consider also how much contrast there is between the yarn colour and your skin tone. The more contrast, the more ‘naked’ you will look underneath the mesh if wearing over bare skin (which is neither good or bad - just be aware, depending on the effect you are going for).

. yarn texture: consider whether you prefer a matte, fuzzy, smooth or shiny yarn. This will change the look of the lace completely. For example - with smoother and shinier yarns, the top looks more dressy. With matte and textured yarns, the top looks more relaxed and casual. For a truly beachy look, consider a ‘ropey’ yarn, such as a linen blend. Notice that in fuzzy yarns, such as Nutiden, the mech tends to close up a bit more.