This stitch holds a special place in my memories. My mother and my aunt taught me how to crochet when I was very young, long before knitting became such an important part of my life.

As a child, I spent countless hours watching them work on small crochet projects. I especially remember the little jackets and shawls they decorated with this same simple and delicate edging. Every time I use this stitch, those sweet memories come back to me.

When I began designing Serena Top, I knew I wanted to include a small crochet detail. Not because the garment needed it, but because it reminded me of where my journey with yarn began. I chose this crochet detail because it gives the top a more personal and feminine character. When I thought about the feeling I wanted the design to have, this was the stitch that immediately came to mind. It is practical and easy to work, yet it has a softness and delicacy that reminds me of a small flower resting along the edges of the garment.

NOTES
The Serena Top is worked seamlessly from the top down. First the back is cast on, short rows are worked to shape shoulders, and back is worked to underarms. Fronts are picked up from back and the shoulders and neckline are shaped. The front and back are then joined and the body is worked in the round. Increasing at the sides and short-row shaping on the lower back give the top a more relaxed fit.

YARN
Sandnes Garn Tynn Line (Light Fingering Weight; 53% Cotton, 33% Viscose & 14% Linen; 220m / 241 yds per 50g)
3 (4, 4, 4, 5) (5, 6, 6, 7) skeins, in colourway 1015 Putty

SIZES
S I Z E S
XXS (XS, S, M, L) (XL, 2X, 3X, 4X).
To be worn with approx 0 - 2” / 0 - 5 cm positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust Circumference:
30½ (32, 34¼, 38½, 42¼) (46½, 50¼, 54½, 58¼)”
77 (81.5, 86.5, 97.5, 107) (118, 127.5, 138, 147.5) cm

Body Length from Centre Back Neck to Centre Front Hem:
20 (21, 21½, 22½, 23) (23½, 24, 24½, 25)”
51 (53.5, 54.5, 57, 58.5) (59.5, 61, 62.5, 63.5) cm

Armhole Depth:
6½ (7, 7¼, 7¾, 8¼) (8½, 9, 9½, 9¾)”
16.5 (17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 21) (21.5, 23, 24, 25) cm

Back Neck Width:
9 (9¼, 9½, 9¾, 10¼) (10½, 10¾, 11, 11¼)”
23 (23.5, 24.5, 25, 25.5) (26.5, 27, 28, 28.5) cm

TECHNIQUES USED
Long-tail cast on
Backward loop cast on
Increasing and decreasing
Picking up and knitting stitches
German Short Rows
Working flat and in the round
Basic crochet skills
Italian bind-off (optional)