The Secret Garden top is a versatile and fun Spring and Summer staple. With an elegant neckline and leaf motif lace at the bottom, you can easily wear it tucked into high waisted skirts or over jeans; and it can also be made into a dress! The pattern comes with detailed charts, written instructions and photos to help you complete the project. The length is adjustable to taste and there are 2 modifications for the back cleavage: high and low.
#SecretGardenTop
This pattern is available in English and Spanish. / El patrón está disponible en Inglés y en Español.
Sizes + Measurements
This pattern comes in 9 different sizes. The instructions for each size are color coded and in the order shown here: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9).
These are the approximate measurements of the finished item:
Bust: 73.5 (82, 90, 98, 106.5) (114.5, 122.5, 131, 139, 147.5) cm / 29 (32¼, 35½, 38¾, 42) (45, 48¼, 51½, 54¾, 58) in
to be worn with 0 – 10 cm / 0 – 4 in of NEGATIVE ease around bust – – it is recommended to size down when making a low-back top for a fitted garment.
MATERIALS
YARN: Fingering weight yarn (size 1)
Approx 435 (475, 515, 555, 605) (645, 685, 735, 775, 815) m / 475 (520, 565, 605, 660) (705, 745, 805, 845, 895) yds for a cropped top.
Approx 575 (660, 690, 745, 805) (865, 920, 985, 1040, 1100) m / 630 (690, 750, 815, 885) (945, 1005, 1080, 1140, 1205) yds for a hip-length top.
For a dress, you will rep Chart 2 between 3 – 7 times depending on desired length – adjust yardage appropriately. Approx 140 (160, 175, 190, 205) (220, 235, 255, 270, 285) m / 155 (170, 190, 205, 225) (240, 260, 175, 295, 310) yds per each Chart 2 rep (13.5 – 16 cm/ 5¼ – 6¼ in are added with each rep).
Yardage provided includes a 5% extra for swatching and margin of error.
Purple samples used Pascuali, Cumbria (60% Pima Cotton, 40% Bamboo Viscose; 50g, 150 m / 164 yds) in color Rosenquartz 345.
Green dress sample used Knit Picks, Samia (80% Cupro, 20% Mulberry Silk; 50 g, 188 yds) in color Cove.
GAUGE
22 sts x 12 rows of dc worked flat with 3 mm hook = 10 cm x 10 cm / 4 x 4 in.
Be sure to block and check gauge before starting by making a big enough gauge swatch (at least 15 x 15 cm).
Alternative Yarn Options
Any fingering or light sport weight yarn will work, but here are some I recommend based on weight and composition:
- DMC Natura, Just Cotton (100% Cotton)
- Scheepjes, Bamboo Soft (50% Bamboo, 50% Cotton)
- MillaMia, Naturally Baby Soft (50% Cotton, 50% Soy Viscose)
- KnitPicks, Lindy Chain (70% Linen, 30% Pima Cotton)
- KnitPicks, Comfy Fingering (75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic)
- KnitPicks, Samia (80% Cupro, 20% Mulberry Silk)
- Lion Brand, Viscose Wrap Cone Yarn (100% Viscose)
