Aster

Aster Crochet Top by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

Aster is a lightweight crochet top designed by Marie Wallin, featured in the Filigree collection. This garment is a versatile summer piece available in four sizes to fit bust measurements from 81–97 cm (32–38 inches) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 inches), making it suitable for sizes S through XXL. The design creates an elegant, openwork aesthetic ideal for warm-weather wear.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is worked entirely in crochet, making it an excellent choice for crocheters seeking an intermediate-level garment. The construction method involves working the back and front pieces identically, which streamlines the pattern and reduces complexity during assembly. The openwork design relies on strategic spacing and stitch placement to create visual interest while maintaining breathability—a key feature for a summer top.

Stitches Used

The Aster pattern employs a range of fundamental and decorative crochet stitches to build its structure and texture:

• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation rows and creating open spaces within the pattern
• Treble (tr) – A tall stitch that forms the primary vertical elements of the fabric
• Double treble (dtr) – An even taller stitch used to add height and dimension to the openwork
• Triple treble (ttr) – The tallest stitch in the pattern, contributing to dramatic vertical lines
• Double crochet (dc) – A shorter, denser stitch used for structure and definition
• Slip stitch (ss) – Used to join rounds and secure stitches without adding height
• Dtr3tog (double treble 3 together) – A specialized decrease technique that combines three double trebles into a single stitch, creating shaping and texture variation

The pattern features repeating stitch sequences that create a cohesive, symmetrical design. Tension is critical: the pattern requires 2 stitch pattern repeats (32 stitches) to measure 11 cm (approximately 4.3 inches) and 2 row pattern repeats (16 rows) to measure 14 cm (approximately 5.5 inches).

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Aster top is designed to be worked with Rowan Summerlite, a 4-ply weight yarn ideal for creating lightweight, breathable garments. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size (S) requires 5 x 50-gram balls, the medium size (M–L) requires 7 x 50-gram balls, and the largest sizes (XL–XXL) require 9 x 50-gram balls. The photographed sample is shown in Pale Grey 418, though the yarn is available in other colorways.

The pattern calls for a 2.50mm crochet hook (UK size 12, US size B1/C2). This smaller hook size is essential for achieving the specified tension and creating the delicate, refined openwork characteristic of the Filigree collection. Maintaining consistent tension throughout the project ensures that the finished garment will fit correctly and drape as intended.

Pattern Structure and Difficulty

Rated as an intermediate project, Aster requires solid foundational crochet skills and comfort working with multiple stitch types. The pattern includes detailed abbreviations and instructions for specialized techniques such as the dtr3tog decrease, which adds shaping and visual complexity. The symmetrical construction of identical back and front pieces makes this pattern accessible for intermediate crocheters while still offering enough technical interest to engage experienced makers.