The Twisty Top

Lately, I have been feeling a little stuck on what to design next. After more than 10 years of nonstop designing and trying my hand at a wide variety of different projects, I have explored so many shapes and categories that I was unsure of where to go from here. Then, I realized that instead of following trends, it is much more honest—and better for my creative soul—to simply design what I actually want to make.

We’ve been experiencing a weird summer, with heat waves shifting to cold fronts every other day. But because summer is still on the horizon, I thought a small crochet top would fit perfectly into my garment collection. 

I was inspired by a modern silhouette featuring a square neckline and slim straps—it looks so gentle and feminine. Because I am obsessed with brioche crochet, I knew I had to add a small brioche detail to the top, too! 

In the spring, my Twisty Shawl became a popular accessory, and I fell in love with the tiny twisty detail along its edge. I had been looking for a way to incorporate it into a garment, and luckily, it worked beautifully here. 

Let me introduce my newest design: The Twisty Top. The pattern is available on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE]. 

Because it creates a double-layered fabric, brioche crochet can sometimes feel a bit thick and stiff. You might even think it isn’t a good choice for garments. However, if you use a small brioche accent and combine it with a mesh crochet stitch, the result is a fantastic drape. 

The Twisty Top is a perfect example of how brioche crochet can bring an elegant touch to a piece.

 Construction & Customization 

The Twisty Top is worked from the top down. First, the front and back are worked separately. They are then joined together at the underarms, and the lower body is worked seamlessly in the round. 

 The length and width are completely customizable: 

• To make it longer: Simply work more pattern repeats for the lower body. 

• To make it wider: You can either work more pattern repeats with increases on both the front and back, or simply add more underarm chains. 

The pattern includes plenty of step-by-step pictures and detailed video tutorials to help you along the way! 

Sizing & Materials 

The Twisty Top comes in 10 sizes, with a finished bust of 89–149 cm (35–58½ in). The garment is designed with 0–9 cm of ease, allowing you to choose whether you want a slim, fitted look or a bit of positive ease. 

• Yarn: You will need fingering-weight yarn in two colors. I have noticed that high-contrast colors look best for this design, though subtle tones can create a beautiful effect as well. I used Scheepjes Organicon, which is 100% organic soft cotton. 
• Hook: I used a 3.5mm hook, which is slightly larger than the recommended size for this yarn. I opted to size up to ensure the fabric isn't stiff and maintains a beautiful drape. 

A Quick Tip: I highly recommend making a gauge swatch before you start working on your Twisty Top. Be sure to wash it before measuring, as some yarns can grow after washing, which could result in incorrect sizing. Making a swatch beforehand will save you from having to remake the whole thing from scratch! 

Just a reminder, you can find the Twisty Top pattern on Ravelry [HERE] and Etsy [HERE]. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

Tatsiana