Rosa Häkeltop in Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine Cotton 120 - 4803 - Downloadable PDF

Rosa Häkeltop in Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine Cotton 120 – Pattern 4803

This free downloadable crochet pattern (Design 4803) from Schachenmayr guides you through creating the Rosa Häkeltop, a charming crocheted top featuring decorative floral motifs. Published under the Schachenmayr brand by Coats PLC, this pattern combines structured stitch panels with delicate flower appliqué work, resulting in a feminine, textured garment suitable for warm-weather wear.

What Is Being Made

The Rosa Häkeltop is a crocheted women's top worked in two main sections: a front piece and a corresponding back piece. The design is distinguished by the integration of floral motifs — specifically rose-inspired blooms — that are crocheted separately and applied to the garment. The pattern includes three different motif shapes, with their placement clearly indicated on the schematic diagram included in the pattern. A half-bloom motif (Motiv 2) is worked in rows and used to finish specific edges of the garment, giving the neckline and armhole areas a decorative, organic finish.

The top is shaped with armhole shaping and a rounded neckline, making it a proper fitted garment rather than a simple rectangle. Two sizes are provided throughout the instructions, with stitch counts given in the format smaller size (larger size).

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The front piece is worked flat, beginning with a foundation chain. The pattern specifies:

• 84 (96) foundation chain stitches, producing a working stitch count of 83 (95) stitches
• A small textured stitch pattern (kleines Strukturmuster) is worked from the cast-on edge upward
• After 34 cm, armhole shaping begins on both sides simultaneously, with stitches left unworked in a stepped decrease sequence: twice 3 stitches, twice 2 stitches, and twice 1 stitch per side, reducing the stitch count to 59 (71) stitches
• After 45 cm, neckline shaping begins by leaving the central 11 stitches unworked, then decreasing on both sides: once 4 stitches, three times 2 stitches, and twice 1 stitch
• The front piece is completed at approximately 50 cm total length

The neckline curve is neatened with 2–3 rows of single crochet (feste Maschen) worked around the opening to create a clean, stable edge. Similarly, the upper edge of the floral motif sections is straightened using a combination of single crochet, chain stitches, and double crochet worked according to a written or charted crochet diagram (Häkelschrift).

Floral Motif Work

A key feature of the Rosa Häkeltop is its three distinct floral motif shapes, each crocheted separately. These motifs are a hallmark of traditional European decorative crochet and require working in the round for full blooms and in rows for the half-bloom (Motiv 2). The placement of each motif type is shown on the included pattern schematic, allowing the crafter to arrange the floral elements accurately before seaming and finishing.

This technique — crocheting motifs independently and then assembling them — is known as motif or medallion crochet, and it adds both visual interest and dimensional texture to the finished garment.

Finishing

The finishing process involves blocking (spannen) each piece to the measurements shown on the pattern schematic before seaming. This step is particularly important when working with a cotton-blend yarn, as blocking helps the stitches settle evenly and the garment hold its intended shape. The pieces are then assembled, and the decorative floral motifs are positioned and attached according to the layout diagram.

Stitches Used

• Feste Maschen