Maraska was published in 2019, seven years ago, but it remains one of my most popular sweaters and I still love it very much. ♡

Construction

Maraska is worked seamlessly from the top down and includes lots of little details to make it as comfortable and polished as possible.

• The yoke begins in a lace stitch pattern, where the lace elements gradually grow larger and smoothly increase the yoke circumference.

• To create a beautiful transition between the lace and the linen stitch, there is a textured dividing round.

• From there, the yoke continues in a raglan construction, with four increase lines between the front, back, and sleeves.

• The extra rows are worked across the back to raise the back neckline.

• Then the body is joined in the round and extra stitches are added to each underarm.

• From this point, the body and sleeves are worked in the round to the desired length, and finished with the bold textured hem and sleeve edgings.

The only thing I would now change in its construction is replacing the starting chains with a foundation cord, as it immediately gives you a perfect, polished neckline and is much easier to work than starting with chains.

Sleeves

The sleeve length is completely adjustable; you can simply stop working once you have reached your desired length. The pattern includes yardage requirements for three sleeve options: short, elbow-length, and long.

Stitch Pattern

Maraska combines three stitch patterns:

• lace for the yoke,

• plain linen stitch for the body and sleeves,

• and a textured pattern for the hem and sleeve cuffs.

I think, Maraska was the first design where I explored this texture. Later, it grew into an entire technique, earned its own chapter in my stitch book, and became the foundation for many more published patterns!

I love these raised double crochet stitches so much that, if I had to stick with just one crochet technique for the rest of my life, this would be it. ◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍

Ease

The pattern includes seven sizes, and in future updates, I will replace the traditional XS–3X labels with simple numbers (Size 1, Size 2, etc.) to avoid linking them to specific body measurements, bacause the amount of ease is entirely your choice.

The pattern provides the finished garment measurements, so you can compare them with your favorite sweater and choose the fit you like best.

The photos below show the same Maraska sample worn at different times. With more ease, it becomes a relaxed and cozy sweater, and with less ease now, it has a more fitted look.

Length

Funny how things change! In the past, when I was wearing jeans, Maraska felt a little too short for me. But my current wardrobe calls for shorter lengths, and I was about to frog Maraska’s hem three times... but I just couldn't. :D

So instead, I’ll make another version: with more ease for a relaxed fit, no textured hem, and even with short sleeves, as a summer top. It is very lightweight with just the lace yoke and body!

At the same time, there is one more idea that I still can't let go of.

I once made a striped version of Maraska in Photoshop, and I love how the solid-color yoke and hem make the whole design look so balanced. This version, with stripes, the textured hem, and more ease for my current size, is also on my wish list. :)

Along with working on fresh designs, I now pick something I have already published and make it again, changing the yarn, color, ease, or edging to match my current taste.

Right now, I am crocheting the Wave top again, this time in light fingering yarn (here is the Ravelry thread for it).

So keep an eye on the upcoming newsletters or the Ravelry group for Maraska’s project, or feel free to start the thread yourself in the Cup of Stitches group and I’ll happily join you!

The Maraska pattern is available on my website, Etsy, and Ravelry. It is part of the Linen City collection, along with Flavia top and Soda shawl.

All three patterns are 20% off until the end of July. And if you would like to make more than one pattern from the collection, there are various bundle options available with 30% and 40% discounts.

Thank you and happy crocheting ♡
~ Lena