Discover this step-by-step technique complete with a video and chart, and craft your own handmade wardrobe - stitch by stitch 

09/15/2023

Experience a wealth of creativity with the Vento d’Estate Top crafted by Nancy Miscioscia, known as @polveredicolor. This season, revel in the comfort and style of this crochet pattern for a strappy top, utilizing the exquisite Dama yarn from Concept by Katia. Perfect for a casual day out or an elegant evening, the Vento d’Estate accentuates one's unique artistic flair.

Crafting the Strappy Top 

Embark on the journey of crocheting the Vento d’Estate top inspired by @polveredicolor. Nancy takes you step by step to craft this breezy top with a seamless side-to-side, horizontal construction. The pattern's uniqueness is accentuated by the vertical patterns formed by a harmonious blend of the brioche stitch and spike stitch. Learn to make short rows and select your desired shade of Dama from Concept by Katia. Dive into the comprehensive tutorial, complemented by a chart and video for clarity.

About the Designer: Vento d’Estate by @polveredicolore 

Nancy Miscioscia, widely known as @polveredicolore online, is an architect with a deep-seated passion for crochet. In her younger years, she cherished the moments watching her grandmother Nunzia masterfully crochet filet using delicate white threads. Those fond memories ignited a warmth in her heart, prompting Nancy to self-learn and master the art of crochet.

To Nancy, crochet transcends being a mere technique; it is a therapeutic ritual that brings peace and joy. She is on a perpetual journey of evolution, delving into novel techniques and stitches, and experimenting with diverse yarns. The pinnacle of her happiness stems from witnessing her creative concepts manifest into tangible crochet designs. Among her collection is the mesmerizing Vento d’Estate Top – a perfect combination of elegance, comfort, and lightness in a single piece.

Sizes or Measurements:

Woman: M/L 

Width: 48 cm 

Length: 46 cm 

Gauge Using G6/4-mm crochet hook, following chart 1: 14 sts x 10 rs = 10 x 10 cm or 4 x 4” 

Materials 

Dama by Concept by Katia : color87 (khaki):4 balls 

US G6/4-mm crochet hook 

Tapestry needle 

Scissors 

Stitches and techniques 

Chain 

Spike stitch 1 

*Insert the hook into the back loop of stitch, yarn over and pull through stitch, ch1, tension yarn and keep ch on hook*, rep ** until you have worked all the spike stitches 1 of the row, drop all loops from hook. There will be 1 loop per stitch. On the next row, these loops are worked as stitches. 

Spike stitch 2 

Insert the hook into the back loop of stitch, yarn over and pull through stitch, ch1, tension yarn, ch1, lengthen that loop 1 cm and keep on hook. When you have many loops on the hook, drop them, insert the hook into the last 2 loops you’ve worked and continue working the spike stitches 2 indicated in the row in this way. There will be 1 long loop per stitch. On the next row, these loops are worked as stitches. 

Closing half double crochet 

Yarn over, insert hook into back loop of stitch, yarn over and pull through stitch and all loops on hook. When you work over the spike stitches, insert hook into the only loop of stitch. 

Brioche stitch or slip stitch through the back loop 

Work 1 slip stitch inserting the hook into the back loop of the stitch. 

Slip stitch to close short rows 

Insert the hook into the chain up of the row indicated in chart 1 and the back loop of the stitch below, yarn over and pull through 3 loops on hook. 

Slip stitch join 

Place both sides that need joining facing each other. * Insert the crochet hook through loop of stitch on one of the sides, insert hook through loop of stitch on the other side, yarn over and pull through both loops of both stitches*, repeat ** to end of join. 

How to make a seamless top 

This top is worked seamlessly flat, using the short row technique to shape the top of the garment. Start on one side of the body and work horizontally until the end. Lastly, join the straps and the side. 

Abbreviations 

blo – back loop only 

ch – chain 

R and r(s) – row(s) 

rep – repeat 

sl st – slip stitch 

st(s) – stitch(es) 

Notes 

• To achieve the perfect result, make sure to count the stitches in each row. 

• The chain up at the end of each row doesn’t count as a stitch. Work the chains used to close the short rows loosely; work the rest more tightly. 

• Read the chart from right to left on odd rows and from left to right on even rows, from bottom to top. Odd rows correspond to the right side of the work. 

• When working the chain up at the end of the row, turn the work counterclockwise, the yarn must always be at the back of the work. 

Starting chain 

Using the G6/4-mm crochet hook and Dama by Concept by Katia color 87 (khaki), ch70 + ch1 up. 

R1-70: work following chart 1. 

Follow this video to not miss a single stitch. 

R71-138: rep R3-70 of chart 1. 

Cut yarn and pull through st. 

Finishes 

Seam the side with a slip stitch join from the hem of the top to the armhole. Sew the straps. 

Finally, weave in the ends and block. 

Washing and blocking the garment 

This type of garment needs a good blocking to even out the stitches and define the design. So, wash your strappy top with mild detergent, gently squeeze it out, lay it out on a towel and roll it to remove the excess water. Lay the top out flat, pin out the shape and leave to dry. 

Discover more summer crochet patterns ideas

Want to expand your summer wardrobe with handmade garments? Keep crocheting and creating with these additional resoources:

– Explore the full list of crochet patterns for summer wear. 

– Check out the 7 best crochet summer tops.