Paintbox Yarns Twin Lakes Top Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Twin Lakes Top

What is Being Made

The Twin Lakes Top is a crocheted garment designed as an intermediate-level project. This top is available in six sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81cm to 107cm (32 to 42 inches), with finished lengths between 44cm and 47cm (17 to 18½ inches). The garment is constructed to provide a comfortable, fitted silhouette suitable for various body sizes.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs multiple construction techniques to create the finished garment. The Twin Lakes Top is worked flat, meaning pieces are crocheted in rows rather than continuously in the round, allowing for easier stitch counting and adjustments during construction. However, the pattern also incorporates worked in the round sections for specific design elements. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together to form the final garment, creating professional-looking seams that join the flat-worked sections.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Twin Lakes Top utilizes fundamental crochet stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The primary stitch used throughout the garment is UK treble crochet (referred to as US double crochet in American terminology), which creates a fabric with good drape and structure. The pattern also incorporates UK double crochet (US single crochet) stitches, particularly in alternating rows that establish the garment's texture and density. Additional stitch abbreviations referenced include half treble crochet (UK terminology; US half double crochet), chain stitches for foundation and shaping, and slip stitches for joining rounds and finishing edges. The pattern specifies working through the back loop only in certain sections to create specific textural effects.

Materials: Yarn and Tools

The Twin Lakes Top is designed to be worked with specific Paintbox Yarns products. The primary yarn is Paintbox Cotton DK, a lightweight yarn weight, with one 50g ball required in the colorway Washed Teal for all sizes. To add visual interest and shimmer, the pattern incorporates Paintbox Yarns Metallics DK, a metallic-finish yarn in the Sea Breeze

The recommended tool is a 4mm crochet hook (UK size 8 / US size G6). The pattern emphasizes the importance of achieving the correct tension (gauge) of 20 stitches and 16 rows measured over 10cm (4 inches) when working alternating rows of UK treble crochet and UK double crochet using the Metallics DK yarn and 4mm hook, or a hook size adjusted as needed to obtain proper gauge.

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Twin Lakes Top is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern. Instructions are written using UK crochet terminology with US terminology equivalents provided in italics and round brackets throughout. The pattern uses standard crochet abbreviations and includes important notes that turning chains do not count as stitches. Size variations are clearly marked, with instructions for the smallest size given as the primary text, and changes for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. The pattern specifies that yarn quantities are approximate based on average requirements, and Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified yarn to ensure the finished garment matches the intended design and fit.