I am so thrilled to share this breezy summer staple with you! Named after the Latin word for summer, this top is designed for those warm, sun-drenched days when you want something light and breathable. It is worked completely seamlessly from the top down, so you can skip the tedious sewing at the end. The gorgeous openwork lace panels running down the sides add a touch of sophistication, while the solid front provides just the right amount of coverage for everyday wear.
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β 1. The Yoke (All Sizes) :
Foundation :
Work a foundation ch of 102 (108, 114, 120, 126). Join with a slst to the first ch to create a large ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1 :
ch 1 (this doesn't count as a st). Work 1 hdc into the back bump of every ch around. Join with a slst to the first hdc. (102 (108, 114, 120, 126) sts)
Round 2 :
ch 1 (not a st). sc in the first st. [ch 5, sk 2 sts, sc in the next st]. Repeat the bracketed instructions around. For the final repeat, ch 2 and work 1 dc into the first sc to close the round. (34 (36, 38, 40, 42) ch-sp)
Round 3 :
ch 1 (not a st). sc into the ch-sp you just completed. [ch 6, sc in the next ch-sp]. Repeat around. For the final repeat, ch 3 and work 1 tr into the first sc to close. (34 (36, 38, 40, 42) ch-sp)
Round 4 :
ch 1 (not a st). sc into the current ch-sp. [ch 3, sc in the next ch-sp]. Repeat around and join with a slst to the first sc. (34 (36, 38, 40, 42) ch-sp)
Round 5 :
ch 1 (not a st). hdc in the first sc. [Work 3 hdc into the next ch-sp, then 1 hdc in the next sc]. Repeat around and join with a slst to the first hdc. (136 (144, 152, 160, 168) sts)
β 2. Back Short Rows (Sizes XS & S) :
Row 1 :
With RSF, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc into the back loops only of the next 36 (41) sts. Work 1 dc through both loops of the following st and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 2 :
With WSF, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 3 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 4 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 5 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 6 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 7 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Row 8 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (38 (43) dc)
Info :
Do not cut the yarn. Pull up a long loop or use a stitch marker to secure it while you work the front.
β 3. Back Short Rows (Sizes M, L, XL) :
Row 1 :
With RSF, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc into the back loops only of the next 44 (50, 54) sts. Work 1 dc through both loops of the following st and turn. (46 (52, 56) dc)
Row 2 :
With WSF, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every st across the row and turn. (46 (52, 56) dc)
Row 3-10 :
Repeat Row 2 until you have completed a total of 10 rows for the back section. (46 (52, 56) dc)
Info :
Keep the working loop live but secure it with a marker so it doesn't unravel while you move to the front.
β 4. Front Short Rows (All Sizes) :
Info :
Lay your yoke flat. From the end of the first back row, skip 33 (32, 33, 31, 31) hdc sts on the yoke. Attach a new ball of yarn to the next st.
Row 1 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in the same st to increase. dc into the back loops only of the next 30 (35, 38, 44, 48) sts. Work 2 dc into the next st and turn. (34 (39, 42, 48, 52) dc)
Row 2 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in the same st. dc in every st across until the final st. Work 2 dc into the top of the turning chain and turn. (36 (41, 44, 50, 54) dc)
Row 3 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in the same st. dc in every st across until the final st. Work 2 dc into the top of the turning chain. (38 (43, 46, 52, 56) dc)
Info :
Fasten off the yarn from the front section. Return to the live loop left at the back section.
β 5. Joining the Bodice :
Round 1 :
With RSF, turn your work. ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in each st across the back. ch 13 (13, 16, 16, 19) for the underarm. dc in each of the 38 (43, 46, 52, 56) sts across the front. ch 13 (13, 16, 16, 19) for the second underarm. slst to the first dc. (102 (112, 124, 136, 150) sts)
Round 2 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc in every dc and sc in every ch around. slst to the first dc to close. (102 (112, 124, 136, 150) sts)
Round 3 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc across the back. At the underarm: [ch 2, 2trtog into the 1st and 4th sc, ch 2, 2trtog into the 4th and 7th sc, and continue this sequence across the underarm sc sts]. dc across the front and repeat the lace sequence for the other underarm. slst to close.
Round 4 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc across the back. In the underarm lace section: [Work 2 sc in the first ch-sp, 3 sc in the middle ch-sps, and 2 sc in the final ch-sp]. dc across the front and repeat for the other side. slst to close.
Round 5 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc across the back. At the underarm: [sk 2 sc, tr in the 3rd sc, ch 2, 2trtog into the 3rd and 6th sc, ch 2, and continue until 1 sc remains. tr in the penultimate sc, sk the last sc]. dc across the front and repeat for the other side. slst to close.
Round 6 :
ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). dc across the back. At the underarm: [Work 3 sc in every ch-sp, then 4 sc in the very last ch-sp, skipping the 2trtog sts]. dc across the front and repeat for the other side. slst to close.
Info :
Continue repeating Rounds 3 through 6 until your top reaches the length you like, or roughly 28 to 35 cm from the underarm.
β 6. Optional Waist Shaping :
Note :
If you want a more fitted look, you can add decreases and increases as follows.
Rounds 10, 12, 14 :
Work 1 dc2tog at the start of both the front and back dc sections.
Rounds 11, 13, 15 :
Work 1 dc2tog at the end of both the front and back dc sections.
Rounds 22, 24 :
Work 1 increase (2 dc in one st) at the start of both the front and back dc sections.
Rounds 23, 25 :
Work 1 increase (2 dc in one st) at the end of both the front and back dc sections.
There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling on a garment you made with your own two hands! This Aestas Top is such a rewarding project because it combines simple stitches with just enough lace detail to keep things interesting. Whether you chose a classic cream or a vibrant summer blue, I hope you feel amazing wearing it. Don't forget that blocking is your best friend with cottonβit really makes those side panels sing! I can't wait to see your finished tops out in the wild. Happy crocheting! π§Άβ¨