When life is a series of riptides, yarn can be a life jacket. Delicate stitches and decadent fibers make it just a bit easier to withstand the current, so wrap yourself in the Riptide Top or gift one to a friend. It’s perfect for everything from everyday wear to elegant events and the drape makes it flattering on just about everyone.

The Riptide Top is a basic rectangle with armholes, which makes it super easy to customize. The pattern is available in a full range of sizes. It includes notes throughout the pattern for tweaking the fit as well as a section at the end of the pattern for adjustments and modifications. Make it longer or shorter, wider or narrower, add a bit of extra spacing in the bust, or change the direction or the stitches. There’s an optional edging (not pictured) and a border (pictured) and the pattern includes instructions for skipping the armholes to make a wrap instead of a top.

Sample
Sample uses Dragonfly Fibers Dharma, 340yds/80g in Poseidon (color A), 405yds/95g in Riptide (color B) to create a size XS/S that is two repeats shorter than pattern.
Thanks to Dragonfly Fibers for providing the yarn for the pattern sample!

Yarn and Colors
The pattern is designed to use two colors, approximately 20% more of color B. Color A can be any color style, but color B works best when it doesn’t have too much variegation. There’s lots of room to play - work one color as a gradient or using mini skeins, work it all in one color, or use a self-striping to add extra variation to the colors.
The sample uses Dharma for a lacy and light-as-air top. If you’re looking for a piece that’ll hold up well to extensive wear and tear, Dragon Sock is ideal. Djinni Sock can be used to create a snuggly top with fantastic stitch definition that’s cozy and warm.

Yardage
Yardage will vary with any modifications made
405yds/95g of color A and 470yds/110g of color B for size XS/S
470yds/110g of color A and 555yds/130g of color B for size M/L/XL
530yds/125g of color A and 640yds/150g of color B for size 2X/3X
550yds/130g of color A and 660yds/155g of color B for size 4X/5X

Other materials
The pattern uses 2-4 stitch markers. A front closure is optional as the top can be worn loose and open.

Gauge
1 pattern repeat = 2”/5cm high and 1.25”/3cm across. Be sure to check gauge! Gauge swatch is worked flat and measurements are taken after blocking. Specific instructions are given in the pattern.

Size
The pattern fits a full range of adult sizes, from XS to 5X. The Riptide Top hangs loose with lots of positive ease, so each size fits a range of chest sizes.
Measure around the fullest part of the bust to get the chest size.
XS/S fits chest size 28-36”/71-92cm
M/L/XL fits chest size 37-47”/93-120cm
2X/3X fits chest size 48-54”/121-138cm
4X/5X fits chest size 55-65”/139-165cm

Modifications & Adjustments
The fit can be easily adjusted following the notes in the pattern. Instructions are included for making the piece wider/narrower, longer/shorter, adjusting the armhole placement, making the armhole bigger/smaller, making the collar bigger/smaller, making the front pieces longer, adding room in the bust, and working it as a wrap.

Skills required
ch, sc, dc
Foundation crochet
Chainless starting double crochet (optional)
Working into the ch-space
Working flat
Changing colors
Seamless join (optional)

Construction
The top is constructed as a large rectangle worked in one piece. There is no shaping.

Copyright
This pattern and any associated images, schematics, and charts are copyright Rachy Newin Designs and may not be distributed in part or in whole without express written permission. Handmade objects created from this pattern are not subject to copyright and you can do as you please with your finished object.

Printing
The last 5 pages have large close-up images of various details. You may want to skip them when printing to save on ink.

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