Sensual Set in Adriafil Rafia - Downloadable PDF

Sensual Set in Adriafil Rafia and Color Yarns – Free Knitting and Crochet PDF Pattern

The Sensual Set is a downloadable PDF pattern by Adriafil that includes two complementary designs: a knitted top worked in Adriafil's Color yarn and a crocheted wide-brim hat worked in Adriafil's Rafia yarn. Together they form a coordinated warm-weather ensemble that showcases the natural texture and visual interest of raffia-style fibers. This pattern is available as a free downloadable PDF, making it an accessible project for knitters and crocheters looking to expand their warm-season wardrobe.

The Knitted Top

Overview and Sizing

The top is a fitted, sleeveless garment with shaped side seams, armhole shaping, and a distinctive ribbed collar finish. It is sized for IT 42 (44–46) / US 8 (10–12) / UK M (L–XL), making it suitable for a range of adult figures. The construction follows a classic flat-knitting approach, working the back and front pieces separately before seaming and finishing the neckline in the round.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 250 g of Adriafil Color, shade no. 83 — a chunky weight yarn
• Needles: Knitting needles no. 6
• Notions: 2 buttons, tapestry needle

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15 stitches and 21 rows over 10 cm × 10 cm in purled stitch using knitting needles no. 6. Checking gauge before casting on is strongly recommended, as even small differences can significantly affect the fit of a garment.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Elastic rib — used at the beginning and end of ribbed sections, and as a shell-stitch finish
• K1/P1 rib stitch — used for the lower border and the collar
• Purled stitch — the main body fabric, creating a smooth, reverse-stockinette-style surface
• Knitted stitch — used as a selvedge along the first and last 4 stitches during armhole shaping
• Shell stitch — used to finish the elastic rib sections decoratively
• Shaping techniques: waist decreases (1 stitch every 6 rows, 5 times per side), waist increases (1 stitch every 6 rows, 3 times per side), and armhole shaping via bind-offs and internal decreases

Construction Details

The back begins with a cast-on of 81 (84–87) stitches and works through an elastic rib and k1/p1 rib border of approximately 6.5 cm before transitioning to the purled stitch body. Side shaping creates a fitted silhouette with decreases followed by increases before the armhole begins at 27 (28–29) cm from the cast-on edge. Armhole shaping involves binding off 2 stitches on each side, then decreasing 1 stitch every 2 rows 23 times, keeping the outer 4 stitches on each side in knitted stitch as a neat selvedge. The back is completed when the armhole depth reaches 21 (22–23) cm.

The front mirrors the back through the armhole setup but uses fewer decrease rows — 16 times rather than 23 — leaving live stitches on hold at the center front. These held stitches are worked for an additional 5 cm before being bound off, creating a subtle front opening or layered neckline detail.

The neckline finishing is a key design feature: the held front stitches are picked up, additional stitches are cast on for each shoulder section, the back stitches are picked up, and further stitches are cast on to complete the collar circuit. The collar is then worked in k1/p1 rib for 6 cm, followed by elastic rib, and finished with the shell st