Storia D'Amore

Storia D'Amore Crochet Tunic by Brandi Isham

What is Being Made

The Storia D'Amore is an advanced crochet tunic designed for a romantic, elegant look perfect for date night occasions. This garment features a lacy yoke paired with a form-fitting bodice, combining delicate openwork with a flattering silhouette. The tunic is constructed in three main sections: a rectangular bodice worked first, followed by a skirt attached to the bottom, and sleeves added to the top.

Construction Method and Techniques

This tunic employs the Corner to Corner (C2C) crochet pattern as its foundational technique, beginning with a rectangle that forms the bodice. The C2C method creates a diagonal construction that builds the fabric from corner to corner, resulting in a structured yet flexible base.

The bodice is intentionally designed with approximately 7 inches of ease, meaning the unblocked fabric will measure significantly smaller than the finished bust measurement and is engineered to stretch substantially during blocking and wear. For example, an unblocked Size S/M bodice measures approximately 29 inches around but stretches to fit a 34–36 inch bust. This stretch capacity makes the tunic form-fitting while maintaining comfort.

After the rectangular bodice is completed, one seam is sewn in the back to close the bodice. The skirt is then worked directly onto the bottom edge of the bodice, and sleeves are subsequently worked on the top edge. Seams are sewn at the shoulders and underarms to complete the garment structure.

The romantic lacy yoke is created using a Shell pattern with increases. Increases in the Shell pattern begin in the center treble of the shell before the marked stitch, creating the decorative openwork characteristic of the design.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) – forms the foundation of the C2C pattern
• Treble crochet (tr) – used in the Shell pattern for the lacy yoke
• Chain stitch (ch) – used for pattern foundation and spacing
• Shell stitch – creates the romantic lacy yoke with decorative increases

Materials and Yarn Considerations

The pattern accommodates yarn substitution, though material choice significantly affects the garment's ease and drape. Wool or acrylic yarn provides excellent stretch and ease in the fabric, making them ideal choices for achieving the intended fit and flexibility. Cotton thread is approximately the same weight as alternative yarns but may not provide as much ease as wool or acrylic options, potentially affecting the garment's stretch and form-fitting properties.

Because yarn substitution impacts the fabric's behavior, a gauge swatch is essential to ensure the substitute yarn will produce the desired ease and stretch characteristics before committing to the full project.

Finishing and Blocking

Wet blocking is recommended as the best finishing method for this tunic. Wet blocking helps set the stitches, enhances the stretch properties of the fabric, and ensures the garment achieves its intended measurements and drape.

Sizing

The Storia D'Amore is available in two size ranges: Size S/M to fit 32–36 inch bust and Size L/XL to fit 36–40 inch bust.