Nova Top

Nova Top by madebyJORI

What Is Being Made

The Nova Top is a lightweight, open-structure crochet top designed with an airy front and back. This garment features negative ease, meaning it is intentionally sized smaller than standard bust measurements to take advantage of the natural stretch of the crocheted fabric. The pattern is constructed from the top down, allowing for customizable fit adjustments and waist shaping options to accommodate different body types and personal style preferences.

Construction Method

This top is worked using a top-down construction technique, which allows crocheters to try on the garment as it progresses and make real-time adjustments to fit. The negative ease design means the finished bust measurement will be smaller than your actual measurement, relying on the inherent elasticity of the yarn and stitch structure to stretch comfortably across the body. The pattern includes guidance on selecting the correct size based on bust measurement and offers options to make the garment slightly larger or smaller, as well as instructions for accentuating or minimizing the waistline.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The Nova Top employs open-structure crochet stitches that create an airy, lacy appearance on both the front and back panels. This openwork design is characteristic of garment patterns that prioritize breathability and visual interest. The specific stitch patterns used throughout the top create the negative ease properties while maintaining structural integrity. The pattern utilizes two different crochet hook sizes during construction to achieve proper gauge and fabric characteristics.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Recommended Yarn: Nako Estiva, a sport-weight yarn composed of 50% cotton and 50% bamboo manufactured fiber, offered in 375-meter (410-yard) skeins weighing 100 grams (3.53 ounces). This fiber blend provides breathability and stretch suitable for the negative ease design.

Yarn Quantity: The pattern requires 2 to 3 skeins depending on size, totaling between 500 and 1,100 meters (550 to 1,200 yards) across eleven size options.

Yarn Alternatives: The pattern accommodates several similar sport and fingering-weight yarns, including Drops Baby Alpaca Silk (recommended with a 3.5 mm hook), Scheepjes Whirlette, and Søstrene Grene's 50% bamboo and 50% cotton blend. Any fingering-weight yarn capable of achieving the required gauge is suitable.

Crochet Hooks: The pattern calls for both a 3 mm (size D) and 3.5 mm (size E) crochet hook, with the option to adjust hook size as needed to obtain proper gauge. Hook size adjustments are permitted to achieve the correct fabric density and drape.

Additional Supplies: Stitch markers, scissors, and contrasting yarn for seaming or marking are required to complete the project.

Difficulty Level

The Nova Top is rated as an intermediate-level crochet pattern, suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction and shaping techniques. The top-down method and customization options require comfort with reading pattern instructions and making adjustments, making it an ideal project for developing garment-making proficiency.