Cresslyn is a beginner-friendly pattern that utilizes a simple drop-stitch technique to create an open, lace-like fabric. The cover-up is knitted sideways, in two rectangles, and seamed at the center back and front to create a V-neck opening. Sides are also seamed, leaving an exposed, side ruffle. A crocheted drawstring belt and a fringed hem make this cover-up a beach day staple.
Time: 25-30 Hours
Skill Level: Beginner
Size: Finished Bust Size 40 (54, 68)” to fit bust 32-38” (40-46”, 48-52”); 29” long
Shown in size 40”
Gauge: 17 sts x 30 rows = 4” [10 cm] in textured pattern
Materials
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima cotton; 220 yards [201 meters]/100 grams): 3855 Gingersnap (CC1, 1 (2, 2) skein(s)), 3753 Peach (CC2, 2 (2, 3) skeins), 3719 Buff (CC3, 2 (2, 3) skeins), 3859 Blue Fog (CC4, 2 (2, 3) skeins), 3838 Moonlight Blue (CC5, 1 (2, 2) skein(s))
Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles, 36” cord or longer
Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, tape measure, crochet hook
Special Stitches
Garter stitch:
Row 1 (RS): K across.
Row 2 (WS): K across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for patt.
Stockinette stitch:
Row 1 (RS): K across.
Row 2 (WS): P across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for patt.
Drop stitch pattern:
Row 1 (RS): *K1, yo; rep from * across to last st, k1.
Row 2 (WS): K1, *drop yo, k1; rep from * across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for patt.
Pattern Notes
When changing colors for the stripe sequence, carry the yarn along the bottom edge until the end of the section worked in a particular color. Cut yarn, leaving a 4” tail that will be incorporated into the fringe.
All the measurements in the pattern are based on the fabric after blocking. The weight of the yarn will open-up the stitches, and will give additional length to the finished piece. It can be helpful to block pieces with hot iron prior to seaming.
Pattern
Panel (make 2)
With CC1, using the Long-tail CO and holding the 2 needle tips together, CO 224 sts. (224 sts)
Pull one of the needle tips out, leaving all of the sts on the needle (this will create a looser CO, necessary for working with cotton yarn)
Begin working textured pattern as follows:
Rows 1-4: With CC1, Garter stitch.
Rows 5 & 6: With CC1, Drop stitch pattern.
Rows 7 & 8: With CC1, Stockinette stitch.
Rows 9 & 10: With CC2, Garter stitch.
Rows 11 & 12: With CC2, Drop stitch pattern.
Rows 13-18: With CC1, Garter stitch.
Rows 19 & 20: With CC2, Stockinette stitch.
Rows 21 & 22: With CC2, Garter stitch.
Rows 23 & 24: With CC1, Garter stitch.
Rows 25 & 26: With CC2, Drop stitch pattern.
Rep Rows 1-26 with CC2 and CC3, beginning the sequence with CC2.
Rep Rows 1-26 with CC3 and CC4, beginning the sequence with CC3.
Rep Rows 1-26 with CC4 and CC5, beginning the sequence with CC4.
Sizes 54 (68)” only:
Rep Rows 1-26 with CC4 and CC5, beginning the sequence with CC4.
Size 68” only:
Rep Rows 1-26 with CC4 and CC5, beginning the sequence with CC4
All sizes:
Rep Rows 1-6 with CC5 only.
Work 4 rows in Garter stitch.
BO all sts loosely.
Finishing
Closing seams:
Line-up panels along the BO stitches. Measure 22” from the bottom edges at the Center Front and Center Back, and place markers. Using a tapestry needle, whip-stitch the Center Back and Front seams, staring at the edge, and ending at the markers.
With wrong side facing, line-up the side edges of the cover-up. Measure 5” in from the CO edges, and place markers. Using a tapestry needle and working from the wrong side of the fabric, whip-stitch along the marked row of stitches to create side seams, starting from the bottom edge, and stopping 10” down from the shoulder. This will create a 10” Armhole depth, which can be adjusted based on preference. Repeat for the second side seam.
Belt
Using CC3, make two 4” tassels. Join yarn to one of the tassels and using a crochet hook, chain a cord that is approximately 60” long. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Starting waist heigh at the center front, weave the cord to the side seam, across the back to next side seam, and back to the center front to make a draw-string belt. Attach the second tassel to the second end of the cord.
Fringe
Make 8” long fringe pieces from leftover yarns. Using a crochet hook, attach fringe, 2 strands at a time, along the bottom edge.
Steam block with hot iron to even out the stitches and open up the Drop stitch detail.