Hi everyone!
This post includes everything you need to know about the Gilmore Bralette!
This pattern was originally published in 2019, but was updated in 2022 for clarity and size-inclusivity.
Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:
- Find the PDF version on Ravelry here, on Etsy here, on LoveCrafts here, and on my website here.
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here.
- Shop the recommended yarn, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, here!
- Scroll down to see recommended yardage for all bust sizes!
- For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!
Shop my new book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!
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About the Gilmore Bralette
The Gilmore Bralette is a cropped festival top featuring a mesh neckline with a matching eyelet detail along the bottom front edge, and a lace-up back. Crocheted in a worsted weight cotton yarn, this piece is made for hot summer days and can be completed in just a day or two.
With plenty of helpful photos and instructions on how to achieve the perfect fit on any body type, you’ll be able to crochet your own Gilmore Bralette to fit you exactly the way you like. This piece is written in a tutorial-style for any body size; all you need are 3 body measurements.
How to wear: This bralette is crocheted with a small hook, creating a solid fabric that need not be worn with a bra. You may choose to wear your bralette with removable cups like the ones found in bathing suits for a more comfortable wearing experience. You can also sew in a fabric lining, if desired!
The Gilmore Bralette pattern was originally published in 2019. This is a fully re-written version of that same design.
Construction
First, you will crochet two identical triangular cups that will be turned so that the “tops” of the triangles touch one another in the center of your chest. Next, you will crochet along the bottom of the cups until reaching your desired length. Then, you will crochet vertically along the edge of your front panel on both sides, leaving plenty of space in the back (at least 10” / 25 cm) so that you have room to tighten the lace-up ties. Next, you will crochet the mesh detailing at the neckline. The neckline straps are chained directly onto the mesh section, and the back-ties are created and laced through the eyelets along the back panel.
Materials
Yarn: Worsted/Aran—Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in Black; orange sample shown in Goldenrod
- 100% Mercerized Cotton
- 186 yds (170 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
- Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes.
Estimated Yardage for Bust Sizes:
28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) [48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62]” or 71-76 (81-86, 91-97, 102-106, 112-117) [122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158] cm, measured at your fullest bust
2 (3, 3, 3, 4) [4, 5, 5, 6] skeins of Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or approximately
- 350 (375, 415, 475, 575) [625, 750, 875, 950] yds
- 320 (343, 380, 434, 526) [572, 686, 800, 869] m
Yardage is estimated assuming a final length ending at the belly button or the small of your waist.
Substitute Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton with any similar category 4 (worsted) medium weight cotton yarn that matches gauge. You can also try this pattern with a different yarn weight and corresponding hook since each section is simply worked to your desired measurements.
Hook: Size U.S. F/5 (3.75 mm) or size required to obtain gauge
Notions: Tapestry needle, 8-10 locking stitch markers, tape measure
Abbreviations
Written in U.S. Crochet terms
- ch: chain
- ch-sp: chain space
- dc: double crochet
- rep: repeat
- sc: single crochet
- sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
- sk: skip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
Gauge
4 x 4″ (10 x 10 cm) = 18 sts and 23 rows in single crochet
Schematic + Sizing Info
Sizing: This bralette is written tutorial-style in order to be customized to your exact body measurements. If making this bralette for somebody else, you will need these three measurements from them:
[A] Distance from nipple to side of body, directly beneath underarm
[B] Distance from underarm to center of chest
[C*] Total rib cage circumference, measured beneath your bust, minus 10” (25 cm)
*In other words, C should measure 10” (25 cm) smaller than the total rib cage circumference.
These three measurements (A, B, and C) will be referenced throughout the pattern.
Fit: This bralette is intended to fit with at least 10” (25 cm) of negative ease (or 10” [25 cm] of space in the back) since it will be pulled tight for a snug fit. It is meant to be fitted as close to your natural body measurements as possible to hug your curves.
Do I wear anything under it?
That’s up to you! Some people sew a lining, some people were this top as-is (that’s what I’m doing here) and some people take those little cups that come in bathing suits and sports bras and just lay them inside the top while you are wearing it. You don’t need to attach them if you don’t want – they can just sit there and will stay in place because you’ve got the top pulled tight against your body and they won’t be able to move around! This bralette is crocheted with a small hook that creates a tight fabric, so you don’t need to wear one if you don’t want to.
What does the back look like?
The back of this bralette is tied up like a corset, and the neck ties work like the ties of a halter top.
Tester Photos
Although this pattern is a tutorial-style, each bust size (XS through 5X) has been tested to ensure all body types are satisfied with the pattern and fit! Below you can see photos from the testing process to see how this bralette looks on different bodies with different modifications made using a variety of yarns! Thank you so much to all the testers who helped me to make this pattern as clear and easy-to-follow as possible – they all used their own time and resources to knit up a sample bralette for me, and it is much appreciated! xx
#GilmoreBralette
You can use code PATTERN10 for 10% off your purchase on Etsy, Ravelry, and my website!
Thanks so much for reading!
Find the pattern in these places:
x
Janine
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