Merezhka Top

Merezhka Top by Lena Fedotova

What is Being Made

The Merezhka Top is an advanced-level crocheted garment designed by independent designer Lena Fedotova. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated women's top featuring a V-neckline, narrow 3/4 sleeves, and an intentionally over-sized body silhouette. The garment takes its name from a Ukrainian traditional embroidery stitch known as hem-stitch (merezhka), which historically involves pulling out strands of thread to create lacy lines in fabric.

Design and Construction Technique

The Merezhka Top employs a geometric motif-based construction method that allows for creative garment shaping without disrupting the overall pattern integrity. The design utilizes a primary hexagon motif along with its variations, including partial hexagon and pentagon motifs, to build the structure of the garment. This modular approach means that only one motif layout is provided across all available sizes. Crafters can adjust the finished garment dimensions by selecting thinner or thicker yarn, or by using smaller or larger hook sizes relative to the pattern specifications, making this design adaptable to individual preferences and yarn availability.

Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations

This advanced crochet pattern incorporates the following stitches and techniques:

• ch – chain stitch, the foundational crochet stitch
• ch-sp – chain space, the gap created beneath chain stitches in previous rows
• cl – cluster, constructed as (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc), creating textured, dimensional elements
• dc – double crochet, a standard tall stitch used throughout the pattern

The lacy aesthetic of the finished top is achieved through the strategic use of chain spaces and clusters, which echo the traditional merezhka embroidery technique by creating open, airy passages within the crocheted fabric.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, 100% merino wool, with yardage of 470 yards (430 meters) per 50-gram skein. The pattern requires 4 skeins total, making this a lace-weight yarn project ideal for creating the delicate, open-work appearance characteristic of the design.

Hook: US Size B (2.25mm) crochet hook, a small hook size appropriate for working with lace-weight yarn and achieving the fine detail required for this advanced pattern.

Additional Tools: A yarn needle is needed to sew and weave in all yarn ends upon completion of the garment.

Skill Level

This pattern is classified as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced crocheters who are comfortable working with lace-weight yarns, reading complex stitch abbreviations, and executing geometric motif-based construction techniques. The combination of fine yarn, small hook size, and intricate motif work requires precision and familiarity with intermediate to advanced crochet methods.