The DAMAS top is a visually striking mixed media summer top combining knitting, crochet and sewing.

This design elevates the granny square to create an elegant and cool summer garment. To achieve this, the motif is shrunk to resemble filigree jewelry, replicated in high contrast colors and set on a diagonal lattice. The work is framed in delicate knit edges and embellished with dainty buttons.

The top has a boxy, generously cropped cut. It was designed to have approximately zero ease around the bust, ±6%. The recommended yarn creates a lightweight top with a lovely drape, qualities one doesn’t always associate with crochet fabric. Go bold with multiple colors, or tone it down with a unicolor look - have fun playing checkers!

“Damas” is Portuguese for “checkers” (board game). It also means “ladies”, “dames”, and “queens” in a game of cards!

CONSTRUCTION

This garment will take you on a true marker’s journey. You’ll start by crocheting a given number of tiny granny squares, to be assembled like a puzzle and then joined together. Once the crochet part is finished, you’ll do the knitted finishes, including the button bands. Finally, you’ll attach the buttons and crochet button loops. For the most part, it’s a very portable project, and it’s often possible to alternate between steps. While the pieces look seamed together, seaming is only used to attach finish the edges, not to join the pieces.

The pattern includes modification and personalization ideas to better suit different bodies and preferences. This design is reversible and can also be worn with the buttons to the back.

CROCHET AND KNITTING LEVEL

Crochet: Beginner to Advanced beginner.
Knitting: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
This pattern might be ideal for you if you’re an adventurous knitter dreaming of dabbling into crochet, but the knitting techniques are a little trickier to get right for an absolute knitting beginner. You should have some experience reading crochet or knitting patterns. The pattern includes step-by-step instructions with photos and schematics, explains the used techniques and includes links to video tutorials.

TECHNIQUES:
Crochet, US terms: Chain stitch (CH), single crochet (SC), double crochet (DC), slip stitch (SL ST), skip (SK), fastening off (FO).
Knitting: Stockinette stitch worked flat (K/P), pick-up-and-knit (PUK), RS increases and decreases (M1R, M1L, K2tog, SSK) for some sizes, regular bind-off, modified mattress stitch.

AVAILABLE SIZES

1 (2, 3, 4) 5 (6, 7, 8), corresponding to my usual sizes
0-1 (2-3, 4-5, 6-7) 8-9 (10-12, 13-14, 15-16+)

graded for bust circumferences (cm / inch):
71-80 (81-90, 91-100, 101-110) 111-120 (121-135, 136-145, 146-160) cm / 28-32 (32-36, 36-40, 40-44) 44-48 (48-54, 54-58, 58-64))“

The pattern includes an extensive size chart and schematics. Follow the pattern’s size guide to choose your size.

My bust circumference is 90 cm (36”), my shoulder width is 38 cm (14¼“) and I am wearing size 2.

GAUGE

The recommended gauge depends on the chosen size. Please check the pattern’s size guide to select a size before swatching.

To optimize the fit and the proportions of the different elements, some sizes work 3-R and others 4-R granny squares.

SUGGESTED YARN

Knitting for Olive “Pure Silk” (250 m / 50 g)
100% Bourette Silk
MC “wheat” 3 (3, 4, 4) 4 (6, 6, 7) balls
plus
CC “deep petroleum blue” 2 (2, 2, 3) 3 (4, 4, 5) balls

HABERDASHERY

8 (7, 7, 7) 7 (7, 7, 7) 9 mm buttons with a round metal shank
in a similar color to your CC yarn
e.G. Atelier Brunette “Jewel” in “forest”

HOOKS, NEEDLES AND NOTIONS

Use the necessary hook and needle sizes to get the indicated gauge for your size. You’ll need different sizes circular needles.
For the granny squares and seams, I used a 2.5 (3, 3, 3.5) 3.5 (3, 3, 3.5) mm hook. For the buttons and button loops, I used a 1.5 mm hook. For the knitted edges, I used 2 mm (US 0) needles.

stitch markers, removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, measuring tape, scissors

Need help at any point? Make sure to check the last pattern pages for tips, abbreviations, tutorials, and a contact

Disclaimer: The pattern will read as “DAMA top” on your Ravelry cart and receipt.