Sweet Nothings Crochet: XMAS TREE CAMI

XMAS TREE CAMI

Continuing with my mock camisole cover patterns, here is another cute one, that reminded me of a Xmas tree - what does it look like to you?

These creations are to add a bit of oomph to the top have bought, but then found that the front dips a bit too much for your comfort ... and so that lovely top lies at the back of your wardrobe?

Add this little lacy bit in and you can wear that top with aplomb! 😀.

One small bit of laciness and your top is transformed into something even cuter. Come along and let's work on this together.

Oh, remember to read all the way to the end to see how to make this into a top or crop top too.

With all my patterns, you need to think just a wee bit - but that also allows you to be creative and to use this to make my patterns to any size, using any yarn and a suitable hook.

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Materials used : Today I’ve used 1 ball (60 gms) of Anchor knitting cotton with a 3 mm crochet hook

Note : Amount of yarn needed for individual project(s) depends on size of yarn / hook, size you are making it for as well as the tension with which you work. Amount given here is only for rough estimation for the size I’ve made it for.

For Indians : The yarn I’ve used is similar in thickness to our Laura knitting cotton. Our lovely Red rose or White rose knitting cotton yarns are a good substitute. I’d also suggest Alize cotton yarn

For Non-Indians : This yarn is similar in thickness to Lily Sugar n Cream cotton yarn. The other international yarns I’ve used of this thickness are Milford Satin knitting cotton, DMC Petra knitting cotton & Aunt Lydia Bamboo Viscose 10 knitting cottons.

You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

Size made : 8" x 10"

You can make this project to any size. Size here given only for rough estimation of yarn.

Difficulty level : Intermediate Skill level.

Stitches used :

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

How to hold your yarn in crochet : https://youtu.be/FwOlCbGdbqY

What is a crochet slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

trc : Treble / triple crochet

Instructions : (Using U.S terminology)

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.

Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.

Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement. This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project.

For today's cute pattern we will work a rectangle and then attach a strap and set of press buttons onto the top of this rectangle.

The strap will loop around your bra straps and then you can attach it to the bra strap with the buttons. (i.e. you loop it around the bra strap and then attach the button to secure the cami to the bra)

The lower part of the cami then slips into the neckline and adds a little laciness to your top while also making it demure.

The stitch count for our creation today is in multiples of 10 + 1

This means that you will work in multiples of 10 + 2 stitches for the width of the cami you want. I'd say that you measure the width of your bra straps and then work about 2" short of that. So if your bra straps are 10" apart, you will work a 8" starting row.

For the 'length' (from top to bottom), measure the dip of the neckline and see how much you need to overlap. I'd suggest a minimum of 4" under the neckline of your garment.

There is no button at the bottom to keep it in - so it is suggested to keep a longer length to prevent it slipping out of the neckline.

I am going to work a 10" x 10" square

This chart is for a top but we're tweaking it for a cami

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA

Foundation half double crochet (fhdc) : This is an easy way to start a row of hdc without the starting chain row.

Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/SEG2UCRfypA

Foundation double crochet (fdc) : This is a unique way of starting a project directly with a row of double crochet stitches. Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/hjNUYVvyU9k

I'd suggest starting with fhdc or fdc for the first row.

If you find that hard and prefer the fsc, then work the length of fsc and then work 1 row of hdc or dc all the way back and then start the pattern.

Starting Row : with as many fhdc or fdc as you need for the width of your cami (i.e. from side to side of your bra strap). Turn.

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps. One sc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

What is a chain stitch ? https://youtu.be/pXx5ukBjKkY

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);

[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Row 1 : sc in the 1st fhdc or fdc ;

*(ch 4, sk next 4 sts , 3 dc in the next st) ;

[ch 4, sk next 4 sts, sc in the next st]* ;

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Row 2 : dc in the 1st sc ;

*ch 3 ; (3 dc in the 1st dc ; dc in the next dc ; 3 dc in the next dc) ;

ch 3, dc in the next sc* ;

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Row 3 : dc in the 1st dc ;

ch 2, (3 dc in the 1st dc ; dc in the next 5 dc ; 3 dc in the next dc) ;

*ch 2, sk next dc, rep (to) once* ;

rep *to* till the last st ;

dc in the last st. Turn.

Row 4 : 2 dc in the 1st dc ;

*ch 4, sk next 5 dc, sc in the next dc ;

ch 4, sk next 5 dc, 3 dc in the next ch-2 sp*

rep *to* till the last dc ;

2 dc in the last dc. Turn.

Row 5 : dc in the 1st dc ;

3 dc in the next dc ;

*ch 3, dc in the next sc ;

ch 3, (3 dc in the 1st dc ; dc in the next 5 dc ; 3 dc in the next dc)* ;

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Row 6 : dc in the 1st 3 dc ; 3 dc in the next dc ;

*ch 2, (3 dc in the next dc ; dc in the next 5 dc ; 3 dc in the next dc) ;

*ch 2, sk next dc, rep (to) once*;

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Row 7 : sc in the 1st dc ;

*ch 4, sk next 5 dc, 3 dc in the next ch-2 sp ;

ch 4, sk next 5 dc, sc in the next dc ;*

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Rep Rows 2 & 7 till you have the length needed for your cami, ending with either Row 3 or Row 6.

You can end right here and work the joining ties or work the optional last row.

You can also decide whether or not you want the picot.

We will work the row of picot off a row of sc /hdc or dc. Choose which st you want.

I have worked sc - so I will write this row accordingly.

When working this row, I have counted the ch - 2 as 2 sts.

So when you come to the ch-2 sp, you will work 2 sc in it.

If the pattern reads sc + picot in the next st, you will work it that way even if you come to the ch-2 sp.

Optional Last Row : sc + picot in the 1st st ;

*sc in the next 2 sts ;

sc + picot in the next st* ;

rep *to* till the end . Turn.

Do not fasten off or cut yarn - continue straight to working the first tie.

Note : I have worked a ch-3 picot

How to work a picot stitch : Traditionally for a ch-3 picot, you work (ch 3, sl-st in 3rd ch from hook). For a ch-5 picot, you will do (ch 5, sl-st in 5th ch from hook).

If the video does not come on, please go to https://youtu.be/8s3zVaBcn4s

When you finish, do not fasten off yarn. Continue straight on to make the tie on one end

Part 2 : Making the tie

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA

What is a chain stitch ? https://youtu.be/pXx5ukBjKkY

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps. One sc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

If able, work a fsc chain at the end of the row.

I say if able as we usually start an fsc chain without having stitches in hand - but its almost the same principle. I started my fsc chain by working the first fsc in that last st - a bit fiddly but it got the job going.

I worked about 2" ; then turn around and work sc in each fsc back.

Note : For your convenience, keep a note of the number of stitches used.

If you find working a fsc difficult, work as many chains as you need (for the length to reach the bra strap) ; then turn and work sc or hdc all the way back.

Half Double Crochet : Hdc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;

yo, draw through all 3 lps. One hdc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

For the 2nd side : Re-attach your yarn at the other end of your cami and work the same number of stitches in the same way that you did for the 1st side.

Fasten off.

and it's clipped onto the bra ... how cool eh?

The final part is just in adding a press button to the ends of the ties. The buttons need just to be place such that they can go around the bra strap and hold the cami in place.

How to make this into a top : The simplest pattern I'd suggest is to make two rectangles - one each for the front and back.

So I'd start with the pattern and work as many sts as needed (in multiples of stitch count given) for half the round bust or round waist - as always, use the larger measure (i.e. if round bust and round waist are similar, use any measure - but if one of the measurements is higher, then use the higher one to ensure that the top is not too snug).

The first row will be the width of your top.

Then as with the cami, we will work as many rows as needed to get the length of the top.

Once you have the length needed, use one of the joining methods below, join shoulders, leaving a neck opening ; and join sides, leaving an armhole opening.

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

This pattern gives a boat-like neckline and a small magyar-like set of sleeves - or drop shoulder sleeves.

How to make this into a crop top : I'd follow the same instructions as given for the top. The only difference would be in the length of the top. A crop top would stop somewhere below the bottom of the bra.

Here again I offer ideas :

a) Leave the base bit without cinching - but leave it longer than the bottom of the bra (such that it does not go too far up when arms are raised)

b) If you want to cinch or tighten the base bit then you could either work a few rows of sc, decreasing (using sc 2-tog) along the round (ensuring that you keep the waist and bust measurements in mind when decreasing) ;

Single crochet 2-together : sc 2-tog :

Insert hk into st, yo and pull up a lp (2 lps on hk) ; insert hk into next sc, yo and pull up a lp (3 lps on hk); yo and draw through all 3 lps. One sc 2-tog complete. Visit this video tutorial at https://youtu.be/whlsMemDHLc

OR you add in elastic for the last round. This will cinch the base without decreasing the stitches.

How much elastic does one need : When adding the elastic the thumb rule is to use slightly over 2/3rd of the round measurement. This means that you will use at least 2/3rds of whatever round you are working on. BUT it also depends on the stretch of your elastic. If you elastic is not too stretchy, then I'd suggest you pull it around yourself and see what stretch works for you and then add 2" to that stretched elastic before you add it on.

Sew / join the two sides of your elastic and make it a round and then add it to your garment - the video below helps.

Working with elastic : https://youtu.be/T5Qc3q2N0ds

Loads of ideas.. several beautiful creations can follow.

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Here are some of my other top creations. Have fun with these free patterns too

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/06/chloe-crop-top.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/06/granny-square-mock-cami.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/06/lil-black-lacy-crop-top.html