This easy project can be made in a couple of hours and can be embellished as you wish. The double-layer and sewn in pads will keep you covered in all the right places.
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Ready for more summery crochet patterns? Check out my favorites below!
- Frances Skirt Pattern 2. Mellow Yellow Crop Top Pattern 3. Watermelon Beach Bag Pattern 4. Escalante Lace Wrap Pattern
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DESCRIPTION
Wear this easy top swimming, layering, or lounging. The padded inserts and doubled layer keeps your chest covered; wear it as a swimsuit, crop top, or bandeau!
MATERIALS
- Cascade Yarn Ultra Pima Cotton (Weight: 4/medium – 204 yds, 4 oz) 1 skein all sizes (I used half a skein in two different colors)
- Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
- Pair of bra pad inserts
ABBREVIATIONS
- ch: chain
- st: stitch
- dc: double crochet
- cord: Romanian cord (tutorial)
SIZING
This top is so easy to customize! I have included instructions for extra small/small, medium/large, and extra-large, which are listed respectively in the parentheses. However, instructions are provided to customize the top in the instructions below.
GAUGE
4 inch by 4 inch square = 15 st by 10 rows of dc with size H (5 mm) crochet hook.
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DIRECTIONS
The bandeau is crocheted as a flat tube with the ends closed. The pads are then sewed on, the tube twisted, and a cord added at the end!
This piece is started in the round with joining and no turning. To achieve an invisible and straight seam, work your first stitch of the next round into the same stitch as your chain and end the round slip stitching into the first stitch of the previous round.
Pattern stitch counts and rows for extra small/small. Medium/large, and extra-large listed in parentheses.
ch 40 (50, 60) and sl st into a ring without twisting (make sure that this flattened loop will cover your chest adequately – vertically, from the top of your chest to under your chest – otherwise increase or reduce the number of st.)
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Do not fasten off. Turn, fold your bandeau flat, sc the opening closed and turn inside out. Sew the opposite end closed and fasten off. Sew on the bra pad inserts during the assembly stage.
ASSEMBLY
Sew the bra pad inserts to the top, using a needle and thread. Sew one insert on the front and one on the backside of the bandeau so that you can twist it before you wear it.
STRAP
Crochet a cord 60 inches long, or long enough to reach around your neck, under your armpits, and tie in the back. I used the Romanian cord technique (tutorial), but you can use an icord if that is preferable.
Twist your bandeau and thread your strap along each side of your top, near your armpits with a loop at the top for your neck and the loose ends on the bottom. Put it on and tie in the back.
You’re finished!
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