Sweet Nothings Crochet: DIAMANTE CAMI

Diamante Cami - free crochet pattern info from Sweet Nothings Crochet

Have you ever bought a top that you just loved, 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?

No more will you have that problem.. not when you make one of these cute little cami covers 😀. 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. In case you want to look at more camis or yokes, come here

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.

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”. Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.

All my blogs can be printed. Find the printer friendly (green) link on the right hand side and at the bottom of this blog. You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential. Save paper – Save Our Earth.

Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation.

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.

To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon. While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well.

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me. Cheers.

Materials used : Today I’ve used 1 ball (60 gms) of Anchor knitting cotton with a 2.5 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 11 + 2

This means that you will work in multiples of stitch count 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.

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

Start Row 1 : with as many fsc as you need for the width of your cami in multiples of 11 + 2 (width means from side to side of your bra strap). Turn.

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 2 : dc in the 1st fsc ; ch 1, dc in the same 1st fsc ;

*ch 1, sk next 5 fsc, (4 dc ; ch 2, 4 dc all in the next fsc) ;

ch 1, sk next 5 fsc, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next fsc]*

rep *to* till the end. Turn.

Double crochet 4-tog as a decrease stitch : dc 4-tog : Here is an easy video tutorial for working a dc 4-tog over 4 sts at https://youtu.be/WjSNi7ithIU

Row 3 : dc in the 1st dc ;

ch 1, dc in the next ch-1 sp ;

*ch 1, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc ;

ch 4, sc in the next ch-2 sp ;

ch 4, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc ;

ch 1, sk next dc, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next ch-1 sp]* ;

rep to* till end ; dc in the last dc. Turn.

ch 1, [dc ; ch 1, dc] all in the next ch-2 sp

Row 4 : dc in the 1st dc ;

ch 1, 4 dc in the next ch-1 sp ;

*ch 1, sk next dc, [dc ; ch 1, dc] all in the next sc ;

ch 1, sk next dc, (4 dc ; ch 2, 4 dc all in the next ch-1 sp)* ;

rep *to* till last ch-1 sp ;

4 dc in the last ch-1 sp ;

ch 1, dc in the last st. Turn.

Row 4 : dc in 1st dc ; ch 1, 4 dc in next ch-1 sp

ch 1, sk next dc, [dc ; ch 1, dc] all in the next sc

ch 1, sk next dc, (4 dc ; ch 2, 4 dc all in the next ch-1 sp)

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

Row 5 : sc in the 1st st ;

ch 4, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc ;

*ch 1, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next ch-1 sp] ;

ch 1, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc ;

(ch 4, sc in the next ch-2 sp ;

ch 4, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc)* ;

rep *to* till the last st ;

ch 4, sc in the last dc. Turn.

Row 5 : sc in the 1st st ; ch 4, dc 4-tog over the next 4 dc ;

ch 1, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next ch-1 sp]

Row 6 : dc in the 1st sc ; ch 1, dc in the same 1st sc ;

*ch 1, sk next dc, (4 dc ; ch 2, 4 dc all in the next ch-1 sp) ;

ch 1, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next sc]*

rep *to* till the last sc ;

dc ; ch 1, dc all in the last sc. Turn.

Row 6 : dc in the 1st sc ; ch 1, dc in the same 1st sc

ch 1, [dc ; ch 1, dc all in the next sc]

and that completes our four row repeat pattern.

Rep Rows 3 - 6 for the length you want for your cami

At the end of this row we will make our tie (that go around the bra strap).

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

1) Work as many fsc as you need to go around your bra strap.

2) Turn and work sc or hdc all the way back to the 1st sc at the end of the cami.

If unable to work a fsc chain, please work as many chain as you need + 2 ; then work hdc in the 3rd chain from hook, and work hdc all the way back tot he 1st sc at the end of the cami.

the fsc chain and the picots along the top

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

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

3) We will now work along the top of the cami and let's work picot stitches

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

4) Work 1 sc + picot in the 1st sc (at the end of the cami) ;

*[sc in the next ch-3 sp ; sc + picot in the same ch-3 sp ;

sc in the same ch-3 sp] ;

sc + picot in the next sc* ;

rep *to* till the other end of the cami ;

then work the fsc at this end of the cami (ensuring you work the same number of sts as you did for the other end) ;

Turn and work hdc all the way back to the 1st st.

the picot top and the two straps on either side

work sc + picot all the way along the top to the other end

Work the fsc chain at the other end and work hdc all the way back to finish. Fasten off and weave in ends.

5 ) 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.

MORE IDEAS :

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.

You can decide to leave this just as it finishes, or look at finishing ideas in any of my top blogs. .....and if you are wondering where to find my tops, come here

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.

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

How to make this into a kurti or kurta : I'd follow the same instructions as for the top and then work in the decrease for shaping sleeves.

If adding sleeves : I'd work a round of sc around the armhole opening ensuring I have sts in multiples of 8. I would then join to the 1st st with a sl-st.

I would then work the pattern as given but in rounds joining with a sl-st at the end of every round. I would work the pattern for the length I wanted for my sleeve.

Remember that when working that first round of sc, work 2 sc in each horizontal bar of dc and also keep a count of how many sts you work around the first armhole.

Now wasn't this just so much fun?

Loads of ideas.. several beautiful creations can follow.

Have fun and do remember to share my blog post when you show off your creations.

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation. Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/

OR just my free patterns at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/free-patterns-made-by-me/

Join me on YouTube at http://youtube.com/shyamanivas

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas

Do follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sweetnothingscrochet/

Have a great day and see you soon.

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

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/04/shahateer-top.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/04/jade-crop-top.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/04/clam-shell-top.html