Hello, my delightful daisy! This week, I have a lovely, summer top pattern to share with you. As promised, it’s the long-awaited, crochet sister pattern to our Keziah top. Read on to learn more!
Mandisa was designed by CheVon Bell. She says, “Mandisa means ‘sweet’ in South Africa. The word is of African-Xhosa origin and epitomizes both the style and color of this crocheted top. I created this top as a sister pattern to my knit Keziah top. I hope you enjoy crocheting it as much as I did!”
This garment is worked from the bottom up. It begins with the waistband, which is crocheted back and forth length-wise and seamed. Then, stitches are picked up and worked around the side edge – once in the round and then in back and forth rows.
There are four main sections: the waistband, front panel A, front panel B, and the back panel. Each is worked separately and then seamed at the shoulders and sides.
This is an Intermediate level pattern. This pattern is for those who feel comfortable with crocheting and have made a few projects, using various skills and techniques. Skills/concepts include special stitches, garment shaping, and seaming.
Our Resilient Sock yarn is the perfect choice for this top. The 100% Superwash Wool gives the yarn remarkable softness, and it is bouncy and elastic with a high twist that resists pilling.
Mandisa is offered in the following sizes: XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2X, 3X): 28 (32, 36, 40) (44, 48, 52)” / 71 (81, 91, 102) (112, 123, 132 cm). It is designed to be worn with 0-4″ (0-10 cm) of positive ease. The sample shown was worked in a size S and is shown on a 34” (86 cm) bust with 2” (5 cm) of positive ease.
The sample is shown in colors: A) Spanish Moss, B) Meringue, and C) Alabaster. You will need 1-2 skeins of each color based on the size selected: [Color A: 1 (1, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2); Color B: 1 (1, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2); and Color C: 1 (1, 1, 1) (1, 2, 2)].
Please refer to the chart on page 7 of the pattern for actual yardages needed.
We made a video demonstrating how to work the special stitches that you will encounter in this pattern. Take a look!
Download Mandisa today. We hope you LOVE it!! Let us know what you think in the comments below.
I appreciate you reading, and if you’d love to get brand new, premium knit and crochet patterns weekly, just hop onto our email list there on the site. We list new patterns most Fridays, and many are free for a limited time. I hope to see you there.
Talk to ya soon.
XOXOXO Chandi
Hi
I love this pretty pattern and making one size medium.
Pattern doesn’t specify which side to work the 19th stitch (straight or decreased edge) to start Panel B but assumed 19th stitch from seam edge.
I’m 3/4 way up in length and see that Panel B width measures 11” and Panel A measures 8” width.
Is it normal to have a difference in widths?
Stitch count seems correct as i have 75 stitches left for back panel as per pattern.
Hi Sheryl,
thank you for your message. I hope I can help you with your questions.
Actually, the pattern does specify where to start panel B. You’re starting on the Right Side of the work beginning at stitch 19 of Panel A, counted along the decreased edge. So 19 stitches offset where panel A ended. Panel A is the right panel when looking at it from the top. Panel B is the left one.
Regarding your second question about the width of each panels. I’ve reached out to our tech editor and will let you know once I hear back from them.
I hope this is helpful so far. I’ll be in touch. Have a nice weekend. – Johanna 💕
Apologies but still having issue with the B Panel Medium size and think the pattern needs some clarification. The pattern B section doesn’t actually specify which side to work into the 19th stitch….decrease or side edge.
I started in 19th stitch from decreased edge of Panel A , as you mentioned previously, but this leaves only 58 stitches for the back instead of 75. I’ve tried starting in 19th stitch from side and that gives too many stitches therefore making the panel wider. Can you make this clear once and for all please? Thank you kindly.
Hi Sheryl,
thank you for your message. Before I reach out to the designer could you please do me a favor and make sure have downloaded the newest version of the pattern? Thank you! I’ll get in touch with Chevon to clarify as soon as I hear back from you.
Have a great weekend! – Johanna 💙
Thank you Johanna. I look forward to hearing back.
Hi Sheryl,
I’ve reached out to CheVon and will get back to you as soon as I have a reply.
Have a great weekend! – Johanna 💕
Hi Johanna,
I’ve been away sorry for the delay in responding.
I note your responses to my queries.
Initially I mistakenly started in 19th stitch from seam edge of panel A which made panel B wider before realising it needed to be from decreased edge.
All seems “tickety boo” now. I enjoy making these wraps and have made 3 so far.
Thank you.
I see. No problem at all. I’m glad you figured it out! 💕 Have a great weekend! – Johanna
Hi Johanna,
I love this pattern. It’s so unique! But, as a left-handed crocheter, I find myself having to rewrite the pattern so that I can reverse the sequence in the front panels so that it will turn out correct. I’ve finished the first panel and I’m starting on the second one. It’s a challenge, but one I’m willing to take. Could you please remind your fellow designers that there are left-handed crocheters who would benefit from guidance?
Thank you,
Mary Muniz
Hi Mary, thank you for your message. I’ll pass on your message to our design team. Thanks for pointing that out.
I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the Mandisa top.
Have a nice day! – Johanna 🩵