Nixie Top

Nixie Top by Tricia Dodge

What is Being Made

The Nixie Top is a crocheted garment designed as a wearable top suitable for various sizes. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a fitted upper section with a bottom panel, allowing customization based on personal fit preferences. The design accommodates sizing from Small through X-Large, making it adaptable for different body types and fit preferences.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet construction methods appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The garment begins with a neckband worked in single crochet, which serves as both a foundational element and a gauge checkpoint for the maker. The pattern requires careful measurement and customization during the initial stages to ensure proper fit. Blocking is emphasized as an important finishing technique to achieve the desired drape and shape of the completed top.

Stitches and Construction

The primary stitch used in the Nixie Top is single crochet, which appears in the neckband section and likely throughout the garment for structure and definition. The pattern incorporates strategic measurements taken while working the neckband to establish proper gauge and fit. Makers are instructed to achieve a gauge of 4 single crochet stitches over 1 inch and 14 rows over 4 inches in the neckband section. This precise gauge measurement is critical for ensuring the finished garment matches intended dimensions.

Materials and Tools Required

The Nixie Top requires two crochet hooks in different sizes:

• I hook (5.5 mm)
• K hook (6.5 mm)

Yarn requirements include 500 to 800 yards of DK or light worsted weight yarn, depending on the chosen size. Additional supplies needed for construction and finishing include stitch markers for tracking stitches during work, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and a measuring tape for taking body measurements and checking gauge throughout the project.

Sizing and Customization

The pattern offers flexibility in sizing through two approaches. Makers can select from standard ready-to-wear sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large) if they typically purchase clothing in these sizes. Alternatively, the pattern provides a customization option by recording specific body measurements: upper arm circumference, distance from neck to around the shoulder, and hip or waist circumference depending on desired bottom panel placement. This measurement-based approach allows for personalized fit adjustments during construction.

Designer Information

The Nixie Top is designed by Tricia Dodge and published under Cuddlepie Crochet. The pattern permits makers to create items for personal use and to sell finished items made from the pattern when proper credit is given to the designer with a reference to her Ravelry profile at ravelry.com/designers/tricia-dodge.