This is a crochet pattern review of the Mithril Lace Tee designed by Mariana Muller for Sweet Crochet Dreams. Review done by Kami Jones for Cre8tion Crochet.
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Hi! This is Kami. Be sure to come join me over on Instagram and say Hi.
It seems no matter how long you have been crocheting there are always plenty of new things. With hundreds of stitches and techniques available and endless ways to combine them you will never have to stop learning.
Although broomstick lace has been around since at least the 1800s, I had never tried this stitch before. This stitch may look a little intimidating but it’s actually pretty simple. It’s a little awkward at first holding extra stuff and picking up stitches from the opposite direction. But once you get the hang of it will be just as easy as single crochet. Some prefer to leave all the stitches on their “broomstick” until they work the second row. I used a small dowel and didn’t have enough room for all my stitches. It’s safe and fine to take them off at any point. Just be sure to watch the tension because your working loop isn’t anchored.
The Mithril Lace Tee looked like the perfect project to learn broomstick lace. Having just a few rows of the broomstick lace seemed very doable. Pairing the lace with the moss (linen) stitch adds so much impact to this pattern. The moss stitch is the perfect combination of a solid fabric with a slightly lacy feel.
I chose to make a small size for my daughter. However, with nine sizes available it can be made to fit any body. This is an intermediate pattern so without good stitch knowledge you may find it a little more challenging.
What Materials Do You Need to Crochet a Lightweight Top?
- Lightweight #3 Yarn – I used 855 yards Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca in Silver for the Small size
- G6/4mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
- Measuring Tape and/or Gauge Ruler (gauge is essential)
- Mithril Lace Tee, Paid Crochet Pattern from Sweet Crochet Dreams on Ravelry
Material Notes:
The designer used and recommends a cotton blend for this project. Mariana used Himalaya Deluxe Bamboo, I hadn’t heard of this yarn before and it was a little difficult for me to find. Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca is the yarn I decided to use. Although the fibers in this yarn are very different from the designer’s choice it was very similar in yards per gram. This usually means that it will be easier to make gauge but doesn’t make any guarantees that the resulting fabric will be the same. I found that my top has less drape because of the difference in fibers. Bamboo tends to add quite a bit while acrylic (the main fiber in my choice) doesn’t usually add much. Therefore my top is a bit more sweater like instead of like a tee.
Lion Brand Feels Like Alpaca is an acrylic blend that includes nylon and polyester. It is a nice alternative for those who have sensitivities to animal fiber. I compared it to an alpaca based yarn that I had on hand and it was comparable in feel. This was my first time using this yarn. It splits a little but not too badly and is super soft. However it does have a slight halo so it may be a little more difficult for some to work with. Personally I think it makes a nice sweater yarn and I look forward to using it again.
For a yarn a bit more like Mariana’s choice, which is also better for warmer weather, you can try Lion Brand Coboo or Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo.
How Long Does it Take to Crochet a Lightweight Top?
I worked on this top over the course of about one week. Putting in a couple of hours per day, I estimate 15 hours as the total time it took.
Measurements:
My top measures 12 inches from the neckline to the end of the sleeve. 17 inches in total length. Sleeve is 11 inches circumference at the widest and 10 inches at the narrowest. Bust 32 inches circumference. Waist 30 inches circumference. Hips 34 inches circumference. I made the small size with adjustments to the sleeve width and length. Waist/Hip shaping is optional for this pattern. Adding it gives you a more fitted look.
Gauge:
22 stitches 22 rows equals 4 inches in the moss stitch (also known as the linen stitch).
Pattern Notes:
I made a few slight changes my top. First I decided to replace the back post single crochet with regular single crochet. Although I liked the way it looked with the back post single crochet I thought it felt a little bulky with my yarn choice.
Secondly I added a couple border type rounds to the bottom. I did a round of single crochet placing two stitches in each chain space. Then I finished with a round of slip stitch. I feel like these changes will help control the stretching that occurs with wear. Additionally I added these same rounds to the sleeves.
Because my top was had more of a sweater feel I opted for a 3/4 sleeve. I accomplished this by adding more rounds and tapering the sleeves. Using the same method as the waist shaping, decreases were made at the beginning and end of each round on the right side only. I used five decreases in this manner but this might be different for another size or body shape.
Finally I added a slip stitch round along the neckline.
A couple of minor notes on this pattern. The chart only includes measurements in metric with the exception of bust. If you’re accustomed to using inches you will either have to make the conversions or measure in centimeters for this pattern if you’re wanting to do the waist and hip shaping. No measurements are included for the sleeves or the neckline depth.
Overall I loved making this pattern, and I would definitely want to try it again in a cotton blend. I learned a new skill and had a lot of fun making this top. Plus I think my top turned out great!
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