I went shopping with a friend yesterday and saw a stunning crocheted lace top. It was made with cotton yarn and cost over a hundred dollars. My friend heard me make a noise of “humpf” when I looked at the tag and told her not to buy it. She asked me what on earth would make me turn something down that was so pretty. I gave her a few reasons:
- · The top was turquoise; it could be used with few other pieces of clothing.
- · The price was outrageous for me.
- · Holding it up to me, it appeared to only come to my waist. I like tops to come down to my hips.
- · The sleeves only came down to my mid-forearm. I like my sleeves to touch my wrists; my lace should cover the top part of my hands. (personal preference)
- ·. I started laughing, because I had taught her to crochet the year before. I told her she could make this top herself; crocheted lace isn’t that hard.
I’ll share how to make your own with you. The simplest top will be in a t-style; that is, a box-like top for the body, holes for the sleeves and the neck. This top will be see-through so it needs to be worn over a tank, camisole, t-shirt or other type of top. That makes it far more versatile. By changing the colors of the undershirt, weaving in ribbons here and there or using ribbons to make simple belts or gathers, you can wear the same top many different ways.
This article assumes the reader is familiar with crochet. Numerous websites, community classes and books teach crochet.
Since many different types of crocheted lace exist, you can create multiple tops quickly and easily. These make fantastic gifts.
You will need:
- ·. Experiment to find your favorite. Regular yarn and larger hooks can be used as well.
- · Notebook, pen and measuring tape.
Step One:
Measure yourself or the recipient for the top. Record your measurements. You will need:
- · Neckline
- · Armhole
- · Around your bust and hips – add four to six inches for ease. Your top will be made from the larger of the two measurements
- · From your shoulder to your hip or waist; decide where you want the bottom to be
- · Measure your shoulder length
Step Two:
This part is fun. Try different crocheted lace patterns to find the one that suits your project best. You can make the top in several different ways:
- · As a tube with the arms crocheted from the holes or sewn in.
- · In front/back/arm sections and sewed or crocheted them together.
- · Use squares sewn or crocheted together.
- · Make lace in different shapes and sew or crochet them together.
- · Use crocheted lace to embellish wristbands, hems and necklines
Myself, I’m partial to Irish crochet. I love the openness, the picots and the motifs such as flowers and leaves. It looks complicated, but is not. There are many other types of crocheted lace available. You can also use Irish crochet motifs as embellishments for other clothing, home decorations and more.
Step Three:
Make a swatch or two to find your gauge. Once you know how many inches high and wide your lace pattern is with your crochet style, hook and yarn, you will be able to figure how many stitches/chains you will need to make your top fit.
Wash and stretch your swatch. Only measure it when it is dry so you will have the true finished measurement for your lace.
Step Four:
Make your top according to your desired design. Hand wash gently and lay flat to dry; stretching the damp lace to open the spaces. You can pin the damp top to a taut sheet or lace-drying rack. When the top is dry, the lace will stay open.
If you are using hangers, ensure the use of padded hangers or fold the top using tissue paper to prevent creases.
You can wear your new top to the office or the finest parties.
Make lace scarves to accent other pieces in your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised how little effort there is in making something beautiful. With care, your lace can become a family heirloom.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.
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