Fainche

Fainche Crochet Top by Caroline Murphy

What is Being Made

Fainche is a crocheted top designed by Caroline Murphy, an independent designer. This garment is constructed from 14 individual motifs that are joined together as you work, creating a modular and customizable finished piece. The top measures 86.25cm (34 inches) around the bust with a length of 38.5cm (15.25 inches) from shoulder to hem, making it suitable for a range of sizes depending on desired fit and fabric drape.

Construction and Techniques

The top employs a join-as-you-go technique, meaning each of the 14 motifs is connected to its neighboring pieces during the crocheting process rather than being sewn together afterward. This method reduces finishing work and creates a more integrated, seamless construction. The pattern uses granny stitch as the primary stitch structure, a classic and versatile crochet technique that creates an open, lacy fabric with excellent drape and visual interest.

The design incorporates color work through the use of assorted yarn colors across the motifs, allowing crafters to create personalized color combinations and striped or variegated effects. The pattern includes finishing with edgings worked with a smaller hook, which provides a refined border and helps stabilize the outer edges of the completed garment.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundation stitch used to create the base circles and spacing throughout the motifs
• Double crochet (dc): The primary stitch forming the body of each granny stitch motif, creating the fabric structure
• Single crochet (sc): Used in edging work to create a tighter, more defined border finish
• Slip stitch (ss): Used to join rounds and connect motifs together seamlessly
• Chain spaces (ch-sp): The openings created between groups of stitches, characteristic of granny stitch patterns and providing the lacy appearance

Materials and Tools

The pattern requires approximately 450 metres (493 yards) of DK weight yarn in assorted colors, allowing for creative color blocking or a multi-colored aesthetic. Two crochet hooks are needed: a 5mm hook for the main motifs, worked to a tension of 16 stitches and 7 rows equaling 10cm (4 inches) in granny stitch, and a 4mm hook for the edging work to create a tighter, more refined finish.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for crocheters with foundational knowledge of basic stitches and techniques. The join-as-you-go construction requires attention to detail and understanding of how motifs connect, while the granny stitch itself is approachable for those with some experience. The pattern is written using US crochet terminology.