Berroco Summer Festival Starter Pack Splendour Crochet

Berroco Summer Festival Starter Pack Splendour Crochet Top

What Is Being Made

The Splendour is an intermediate-level crochet top designed by Mel Kennelly. This garment is a customizable bikini-style or bandeau top featuring separate cup construction with adjustable band sizing. The design offers extensive size range flexibility, with band sizes from XS to 5X and cup sizes from A to H, allowing makers to create a truly personalized fit. The top is shown in size XS with an A cup in the design sample.

Sizing and Fit

The Splendour accommodates a wide range of body measurements with under-bust circumferences ranging from 25 inches to 71 inches (64 to 180 centimeters). Band sizing is notably flexible, as the fit can be adjusted based on how tightly the straps are tied in back. Cup and band sizes can be mixed and matched according to individual preference, providing customization options beyond standard sizing conventions. Yarn quantities vary based on the specific band and cup size combination selected, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This top uses a two-part construction method where the two cups are created first, then attached together with a band. The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches to build structure and shaping. The intermediate skill level indicates that makers should be comfortable with basic stitch techniques and shaping methods, though the pattern is accessible to those with solid foundational crochet experience.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) – Used for sections requiring tighter gauge and more defined structure
• Half double crochet (hdc) – Incorporated for areas where slightly more drape or flexibility is desired
• Double crochet (dc) – Employed in portions of the construction for appropriate fabric weight and texture

Gauge and Blocking

Accurate gauge is essential for proper fit in this garment. Using the smaller E/3.5mm hook, single crochet should measure 19 stitches and 21 rows over a 4-inch (10 centimeter) square. With the larger G/4mm hook, half double crochet and double crochet should measure 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters), with row gauge being less critical for these stitches. The pattern specifies that gauge is measured after blocking, making blocking an important finishing step to achieve accurate measurements and proper garment dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Berroco Pima 100, a 100-gram hank yarn, is used throughout the pattern. The design calls for three coordinating colors: Sage (#8489) in C1, Aloha (#8474) in C2, and Powder Blue (#8480) in C3. Yardage requirements vary by size combination, with smaller band sizes paired with larger cup sizes potentially requiring additional yardage of the C3 color. One hank of C2 is consistent across all sizes.

Tools: Two crochet hooks are required – a size E/3.5mm hook and a size G/4mm hook, or substitutes that achieve the specified gauges. Stitch markers are also needed to track pattern sections and maintain consistent shaping throughout construction.

Pattern Features

The Splendour pattern is part of the Berroco Summer Festival Starter Pack collection, making it an ideal project for warm-weather garment creation. The use of Berroco Pima 100 yarn, a breathable cotton-based fiber, makes this top suitable for summer wear. The customizable sizing and color combination options allow makers to create a unique garment tailored to their specific measurements and color preferences.