Verbena is a lacy, wide-neck tunic with a subtle open stitch detail at the front neckline and shoulder join. You can layer it over a tank, camisole, or sleeveless dress — or size it up for a beach cover-up. With its simple construction and use of only basic stitches and their variations, it’s an easy beginner garment.

The top is worked in two pieces, bottom-up, with only very subtle shaping at the front neckline, and is joined at the top when working the last row of the front panel. The side seams are sewn, leaving the last few inches unseamed to create the split-hem.

The shoulder join grows progressively wider with each size; the smaller three sizes are sleeveless, while the top two sizes have a dropped-shoulder cap sleeve.

The top’s wavy, ripply-textured fan stitch pattern is flexible in both directions. With its split-hem, the bottom portion of the top is generously accommodating. I’ve also included instructions for a “high-low” hem, and you can further customize your top by working either panel to any length you’d like (keeping in mind yardage requirements will change).

The 30” size in the primary photo is worn with about 4” of negative ease for a close fit. The Peony (pink) version is the 34 1/4” size with a boxier fit. The lace will “break in” and expand with wear.

The pattern includes a schematic and a partial stitch diagram, as well as a photo tutorial to aid with the join row.

The matching “mini scarf” (instructions included) uses just under one additional skein of yarn. You can also customize the scarf to whatever size you’d like.

Skill Level: Easy.

Finished Sizes (after blocking): 30 (34 1/4, 38 1/2, 42 3/4, 47)” finished bust circumference; 20 1/2 (21 1/2, 22 1/2, 23 1/2, 24 1/2)” length.

Yarn Forbidden Fiber Co. Proverbs sport-weight yarn (60% organic cotton / 40% linen; 336 yd 307 m / 4 oz 115 g): 2 (3, 3, 4, 4) skeins (shown at top in the color Verbena and in subsequent photos in the color Peony).

Hook Size: 7 (4.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge; size G (4 mm) for neckline.

Notions: Yarn needle; optional stitch markers to aid in sewing side seams.

This pattern uses American crochet terminology.

Technical editing by Amy Curtin (Amerz on Ravelry)

Feel free to send me a message with any questions you may have with the pattern. Thank you!