Astraea Top by Meghan Haughton

Astraea Top

Knitting
July 2025
Light Fingering ?
30 stitches and 35 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
2.0 mm
547 - 1367 yards (500 - 1250 m)
1, 2, 3, 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
English
This pattern is available from pearlbyrae.bigcartel.com for C$15.00.

PDF KNITTING PATTERN - NOT A PHYSICAL PRODUCT

The Astraea Top is a lace knit tank top perfect for a warm spring day and the summer sun. Named after the star maiden goddess of divine justice, this design features two intricate repeating lace motifs across the entire piece, a scalloped crochet edge and a delicate picot hem. This pattern is highly customizable to your unique preferences and needs, with options for an open front, closed front top, or bralette, with numerous options for the hem and edge details to match your style. The construction of this top is knit top down by working two front panels and connecting them by casting on stitches for the back with the option to work flat or in the round for an open front or closed front, respectively. The hem is worked once the desired length of the body has been reached. The straps are picked up along the front panel cast on edge and double knit to your preferred length and seamed to the back. Finally, the optional crochet edge is worked along your preferred edges - the button band, front panel edges, and back cast on edge. Modification options for fit adjustment, length adjustment, strap width, and different yarn weights are included.

The model is wearing the Open Front Version in Size 2 in white and Closed Front Version in Size 2 in Soft Blue with a bust circumference of 81 cm 32 inches.

Difficulty: 3.5/5 - Suitable for knitters with an intermediate or greater skill level. You should be able to read knitting charts and complete basic lace sts. You do not need to know how to crochet to complete this pattern.

Pattern Disclaimer: This pattern provides significant opportunities for personal customizability. Therefore, there are instances in the pattern where direct instructions are not provided, such as row counts or length measurements. Instead, the pattern indicates when it will be up to you to assess and determine the ideal length and coverage based on your individual needs. There are direct instructions provided as an example for a Size 2 sample.

Sizes: 1, 2, 3, 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Finished Chest Circumference:
71.5, 79.5, 88, 96 (104, 112, 120.5, 128.5, 136.5) 145, 153, 161, 169, 177.5 cm
28, 31¼, 34½, 37¾ (41, 44, 47½, 50½, 53¾) 57, 60¼, 63½, 66½, 70 inches

Gauge:
27 stitches x 30 rows = 10 x 10 cm 4 x 4 inches in the blocked lace stitch pattern on 3 mm US 2.5 needles
30 stitches x 35 rows = 10 x 10 cm 4 x 4 inches in stockinette stitch on 3 mm US 2.5 needles

Suggested Needles:
Lace stitch: 3 mm US 2.5 circular or straight needles
Crochet edge: 2 mm US 4 crochet hook

Suggested Yarn:
The amount of yarn required depends on the desired length of the Astraea Top. The following suggested amounts refer to an approximate length of 43 cm 17 inches for a top and 15 cm 6 inches for a bralette.
100, 100, 100, 150 (150, 150, 150, 150, 200) 200, 200, 200, 200, 250 g fingering weight yarn

White Open Front version:
100, 100, 100, 150 (150, 150, 150, 150, 200) 200, 200, 200, 200, 250 g
Knitting for Olive Merino (50 g = 250 m / 273 yds)
Pale Blue Closed Front version:
100, 100, 100, 150 (150, 150, 150, 150, 200) 200, 200, 200, 200, 250 g
Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (50 g = 250 m / 273 yds)
Black Bralette version:
50, 50, 50, 50 (50, 100, 100, 100, 100) 100, 100, 100, 100, 100 g
Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (50 g = 250 m / 273 yds)

Additional Materials:
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Stitch holders or scrap yarn
Measuring tape
Scissors
Optional: 6-8 8mm buttons
Optional: Elastic band for straps, and underband for bralette

Modification Options:
Fit adjustment
Length adjustment
Wider straps
Different yarn weight

Size Guide
The Astraea Top is designed with 0-2 cm 0 - ¾ inches of positive ease. Positive ease means the finished garment will be larger than your body measurements.
Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are based on a chest circumference of 69.5 - 71.5, 77.5 - 79.5, 86 - 88, 94 - 96 (102 - 104, 110 - 112, 118.5 - 120.5, 126.5 - 128.5, 134.5 - 136.5) 143 - 145, 151 - 153, 159 - 161, 167 - 169, 175.5 - 177.5 cm 27½ - 28, 30½ - 31¼, 33¾ - 34½, 37 - 37¾ (40¼ - 41, 43¼ - 44, 46¾ - 47½, 49¾ - 50½, 53 - 53¾) 56¼ - 57, 59½ - 60¼, 62¾ - 63½, 65¾ - 66½, 69¼ - 70 inches.

To choose your Size:
1. Measure your chest at its widest circumference, making sure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger underneath the measuring tape.

  1. Add 0-2 cm 0 - ¾ inches to this measurement to account for positive ease.

  2. Use the resulting measurement when selecting your size. For example, if your chest circumference measures 100 cm 39 inches, knit a Size 5. If you are in between sizes, it is recommended to size down. Alternatively you can choose the size your measurement is closest to, or the size with your preferred ease.