Create the whimsical Melia Slouch Top for yourself with this 14 Page pattern! This pattern includes a mixture of written instructions, photos and a supporting stitch diagram. This pattern does not require use of the stitch diagram- all the information is included in the written steps. The stitch diagram is simply there for additional support!

This pattern, unlike most of my designs, is not made to measure. It is available in six sizes. Please be sure to read the Sizing information below, and look at the Pattern Features slide (second image on this listing).

The Melia Slouch Top feature lots of gorgeous leafy lace gathered at a simple wide ribbed waist which hugs and flatters. Semi-open shoulders and optional beading make this design summery and whimsical- perfect for frolicking through the nearest forest!

Using repeating steps, this pattern is meditative and works up beautifully and surprisingly quickly in any colour!

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Yarn -
(Information on substitutions is given in the pattern.)

Ribbed Waist:
70g DK yarn, or LIKELY MORE or LESS more depending on your size.
I used Utopia Crafts Perfect DK in colour Woodland Green (approx. 210m/230yds) for the piece depicted in this pattern, which was Size 26.

Leaf Lace:
150g 4 Ply yarn, or LIKELY MORE or LESS more depending on your size and how long you decide to make your top (see Sizing below).
I used King Cole Simply Footsie 4 Ply in colour Olive (approx. 645m/705 yds) for the piece depicted in this pattern, which was Size 26.

Hooks: 3.5mm and 4mm.
Essential notions: Yarn needle, scissors, flexible measuring tape, at least four locking stitch markers.
Optional: Small wooden beads, or any other beads you like the look of! (Exact number will vary based on your top’s size and whether you want to use one or two beads at each connection point of the shoulders. You may need anywhere from 6-20.)
Advised: Tools for blocking.

SIZING:

The Melia Slouch Top is not quite made to measure, because there are some limitations as to the possible circumference of the ribbed waist portion. This is because the columns of the leaf lace of the top have a fixed width which must be accommodated. This means the ribbed waist portion must be made with a certain number of rows to accommodate the columns of leaf lace which will be worked off of it.

If the following gauge is met, these set sizes will correspond to the waist sizes in inches given in the size chart in the second image of this listing. These sizes cover a waist range of 22-43 inches. Please note that these are the waist sizes of the garment, not your body. These measurements are for the waist of the garment when unstretched. Because the waist portion is ribbed, it is very stretchy and the top is designed to fit snuggly/stretched around your waist. Because of this, err on side of the option that is on the smaller side if you find yourself right between sizes. This also means these sizes truly accommodate body waist sizes of approximately 24-45 inches- though this is highly dependent on the stretchiness of the yarn fibre you choose and could be lower or higher!

GAUGE: 2 x 2 inches or 5 x 5 cm = 10 hdc BLO x 6 rows.
(This gauge is for half double crochet stitches worked in the back loop only.)

Once you have begun to work an appropriate set size of the top, you can then make the top any length you like, meaning any body height/torso length can be accommodated!