New Crochet Pattern - Rad in Red Tank May 9, 2016 06:00

The June issue of I Like Crochet is out! If you subscribe (which I would recommend—they publish bi-monthly, and each issue is PACKED with a ton of great patterns), you can access my Rad in Red pattern. Or, if you can endure waiting, I'll be self-publishing this eventually on this website and Ravlery. But who can wait, really? This top is just too awesome.

About the Pattern:

Crochet motifs are a really fun way of creating fabric—especially when they are joined as you go. Changing hook sizes is an easy way to create shaping with smaller motifs at the waist, and larger, looser ones at the hips. Make your Rad in Red as shown, or customize the length into an airy summer dress!

The motif-skirt is crocheted first, then the stitches for the bodice are worked around the top edge of the skirt, with straps growing up off the front, going over the shoulder then sewn to the bodice on the back.

About the Yarn:

I choose Quince & Co.'s Willet for this top because it's such a perfect yarn. It's 100% cleaner cotton, which isn't organic, but not conventional either. Quince & Co. has written up a great blog post all about this cleaner cotton.

Willet is great to crochet with—it's a sport weight, is super soft, but I don't suspect it will pill at all. The stitch definition is beautiful. I would really recommend trying it, but if you want to substitute, I think this top will look great in a cotton, cotton blend or even wool—if you're up for wool in warmer weather. You'll need about 750 (910, 1240, 1450, 1690) yards of a sport-weight yarn.

Leave a Comment

What do you love about this top? In what yarn and color would you make your Rad in Red Tank? Would you make this as a gift? Perhaps your daughter, niece or mom would love it! Leave a comment below—I love to hear from you!