A NOTE ON SIZING: This pattern is made-to-measure. For cup size, chain until the length reaches from the bottom of your breast to your nipple. For the band, work the lace pattern until it wraps comfortably around your ribcage.
Size guidelines (approximate):
- **Small:** Cup foundation ch 12-14.
- **Medium:** Cup foundation ch 16-18.
- **Large:** Cup foundation ch 20-22.
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SECTION 1: THE CUPS (Make 2)
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Row 1: Foundation ch (see sizing). Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Hdc in each st across. In the last st, work (hdc, ch 2, hdc) to form the point of the cup. Now, working down the other side of the foundation ch, hdc in each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Hdc in each st until you reach the ch-2 sp at the point. In the ch-2 sp, work (hdc, ch 2, hdc). Hdc in each st down the other side. Ch 1, turn.
Repeat Row 3 until the cup is your desired size (it should fully cover one breast from side to side). Do not fasten off after the second cup.
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SECTION 2: THE LACE BAND
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After completing the second cup, ch 1 and turn your work. We will now connect the cups and start the band.
Row 1 (Connection): Sc evenly along the bottom of the second cup. Ch 1 (or 2-3 for more space between cups). Sc evenly along the bottom of the first cup. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2 (Band Setup): Hdc in each sc across the bottom of both cups and the ch(s) between them. Ch 1, turn.
Lace Pattern:
Row 3 (Lace): Ch 3 (counts as dc). Sk first st. [*dc in next st, ch 1, sk 1 st*]. Repeat across, ending with a dc in the last st. Ch 3, turn.
Row 4: Dc in the first ch-1 sp. [*ch 1, sk next dc, dc in next ch-1 sp*]. Repeat across. Ch 1, dc in the top of the turning ch. Ch 3, turn.
Repeat Row 4 for the desired band length (typically 3-5 inches). Fasten off.
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SECTION 3: STRAPS & TIES
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Attach yarn to the point of one cup.
Chain a long length for the neck strap (approx. 120-150 chains, or long enough to tie comfortably). Sl st back down the chain to reinforce it. Fasten off. Repeat for the other cup.
For the back tie, attach yarn to one end of the lace band.
Chain a long length (approx. 200-250 chains). Weave this chain through the spaces in the last row of the lace band (like lacing a corset). This creates an adjustable tie-back. Fasten off and weave in all ends.