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  1. Free patterns
  2. Women
  3. Bikinis
  4. DROPS
  5. 178
  6. 72

Vanina by DROPS Design

Bikini top with crocheted squares. The piece is crocheted in DROPS Safran. Sizes S/M – XL/XXL.

Keywords: bikini, granny square, patchwork, square

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DROPS 178-72
DROPS Design: Pattern no e-249
Yarn group A
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Sizes: S/M - L – XL/XXL
Materials:
DROPS SAFRAN from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
50 g of each of the colours below:
colour 18, off white
colour 04, green
colour 12, peach
colour 13, raspberry
colour 50, light ice blue
colour 11, strong yellow

The piece can also be worked with yarn from:
"Alternative yarn (Yarn group A)" – see the link below.

DROPS CROCHET HOOK SIZE 2.5 MM – or the size needed to get 28 treble crochets and 16 rows on 10 cm in width and 10 cm in height.
1 crochet square measures 7½-8-8½ cm in width and height.
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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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100% Cotton 		from 1.30 £ /50g
DROPS Safran uni colour DROPS Safran uni colour 1.30 £ /50g
Wool Warehouse Direct Ltd 		Order
needles DROPS Needles & Hooks Order
You can get the yarn to make this pattern from 7.80£. Read more.

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Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from cm to inches - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in American English, please click here.
INFORMATION FOR THE PATTERN:

PATTERN:
See diagram A.1. Choose the diagram for your size.

COLOURS:
COLOUR 1:
Cast on + ROUND 1: green
ROUND 2: peach
ROUND 3: raspberry
ROUNDS 4-5: light ice blue

COLOUR 2:
Cast on + ROUND 1: light ice blue
ROUND 2: raspberry
ROUND 3: peach
ROUNDS 4-5: strong yellow

COLOUR 3:
Cast on + ROUND 1: strong yellow
ROUND 2: light ice blue
ROUND 3: green
ROUNDS 4-5: peach

COLOUR CHANGE:
To get the neatest transition when changing colours, work the last stitch (= slip stitch) on the round as follows: Insert the hook into the chain stitch from the beginning of the round, make a yarn over with the new colour and pull the strand through the stitch on the hook.

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BIKINI TOP:
You first work 6 crochet squares which are sewn together to make two cups. Then you work an edge around each cup before they are worked together.

CROCHET SQUARE:
Start with hook size 2.5 mm and work according to diagram A.1 and COLOURS – read PATTERN and COLOURS above. Read COLOUR CHANGE to get a neat transition between colours.
REMEMBER THE CROCHET TENSION!
1 crochet square measures 7½-8-8½ cm in width and height.
Work a total of 6 crochet squares: 2 crochet squares with each colour combination (i.e. COLOUR 1, COLOUR 2 and COLOUR 3).

When A.1 is finish, work 1 round of double crochet with off white in each stitch, in the corners work 1 double crochet, 2 chain stitches, 1 double crochet. At the beginning of the round, work 1 chain stitch, the round finish with 1 slip stitch in the first stitch on round.

ASSEMBLY:
The assembly is done with off white.
Sew 1 crochet square in each colour combination (= 3 crochet squares) together, edge to edge so that they form a triangle. Sew one stitch in each stitch.
Sew the 3 other crochet squares together in the same way, but reversed, so that the two triangles of the bikini top are symmetrical.

EDGES:
The edges are worked in off white.
Fasten the strand with 1 double crochet in the corner of one of the triangles. Work 1 double crochet in each stitch/around each chain stitch around the whole triangle, but around the chain-space in the corners work (1 double crochet, 3 chain stitches, 1 double crochet). Cut the strand. Repeat around the other triangle.
Now work the two triangles together along the bottom edge as follows:
Fasten the strand with a double crochet around the chain-space in one corner of the triangle. Work 1 double crochet around the same chain-space, * 2 chain stitches, skip 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches *, repeat from *-* 4 more times. Work 2 chain stitches, skip 1 stitch, 2 double crochets around the chain-space in the corner. Work 2 double crochets around the chain-space in the corner of the second triangle. Then work in the same way along the bottom edge of this triangle (i.e. work from *-* 4 more times and finish with 2 chain stitches and 2 double crochets around the last chain-space). Turn and work back with 1 double crochet in each stitch/around each chain stitch. Cut and fasten the strand.

TWISTED CORD:
Cut 1 strand of strong yellow, 1 strand of peach and 1 strand of raspberry (= 3 strands) each of 3 metres. Twist them together until they begin to resist. Fold the cord double and it will continue to twist by itself. Tie a knot in each end and even the ends. Start mid front of the bikini top and thread the cord up and down in the row of holes. The cord is tied mid front of the bikini top.
Cut 1 strand of strong yellow, 1 strand of peach and 1 strand of raspberry (= 3 strands) each of 1.5 metres. Twist them together until they begin to resist. Fold the cord double and it will continue to twist by itself. Tie a knot in each end and even the ends. Fasten the cord in the corner at the top of the bikini top. Make another cord and fasten in the same way. The cords are tied at the back of the neck.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 11.08.2021
New information added under CROCHET SQUARE:
When A.1 is finished, work 1 round of double crochet with off white in each stitch, in the corners work 1 double crochet, 2 chain stitches, 1 double crochet. At the beginning of the round, work 1 chain stitch, the round finish with 1 slip stitch in the first stitch on round.

Diagram

symbols = Work 4 chain stitches and form them into a ring with 1 slip stitch in the first chain stitch
symbols = 1 chain stitch
symbols = Work 2 treble crochets together as follows: Work 1 treble crochet, but wait with the last yarn over and pull through (= 2 loops on the hook), then work the next treble crochet, but on the last pull through, pull the strand through all 3 loops on the hook
symbols = Work 3 treble crochets together as follows: Work 1 treble crochet but wait with the last yarn over and pull through (= 2 loops on the hook), work one more treble crochet in the same way (= 3 loops on the hook), then work the next treble crochet, but on the last pull through, pull the strand through all 4 loops on the hook
symbols = 1 treble crochet around the chain-space
symbols = 1 half treble crochet around the chain-space
symbols = 1 double crochet around the chain-space
symbols = 1 double crochet in stitch
symbols = The round starts with 1 chain stitch and finishes with 1 slip stitch in the first chain stitch at the beginning of the round
symbols = The round starts with 3 chain stitches and finishes with 1 slip stitch in the 3rd chain stitch at the beginning of the round
symbols = The round starts with 1 chain stitch and finishes with 1 slip stitch in the first chain stitch at the beginning of the round, then work 1 slip stitch in the 2 next stitches from the beginning of the previous round. NOTE: The colour change occurs when working the last slip stitch!
symbols = The round starts with 2 chain stitches and finishes with 1 slip stitch in the 2nd chain stitch at the beginning of the round
diagram
diagram
diagram

Do you need help with this pattern?

Thank you for choosing a DROPS Design pattern. We take pride in providing patterns that are correct and easy to understand. All patterns are translated from Norwegian and you can always check the original pattern (DROPS 178-72) for measurements and calculations.

Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.

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Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:

We have also step-by-step guides for different techniques which you'll find here.

And a very handy technical dictionary!
1) Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?
2) What are the yarn groups?
3) Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?
4) How do I use the yarn converter?
5) Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?
6) Why is the pattern worked top-down?
7) Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?
8) What is a repeat?
9) How do I work according to a knitting diagram?
10) How do I work according to a crochet diagram?
11) How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?
12) Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?
13) Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?
14) Why increase in the cast-off edge?
15) How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?
16) Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?
17) How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?
18) Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?
19) Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?
20) How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?
21) How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?
22) Where on the garment is the length measured?
23) How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

1) Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

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2) What are the yarn groups?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

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3) Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

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4) How do I use the yarn converter?

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

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5) Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

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6) Why is the pattern worked top-down?

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

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7) Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

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8) What is a repeat?

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

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9) How do I work according to a knitting diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

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10) How do I work according to a crochet diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

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11) How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

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12) Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

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13) Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

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14) Why increase in the cast-off edge?

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

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15) How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

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16) Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

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17) How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

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18) Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

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19) Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

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20) How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

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21) How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

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22) Where on the garment is the length measured?

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

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23) How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

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Have you purchased DROPS yarn to make this pattern? Then you are entitled to receive help from the store where you bought the yarn. Find a list of DROPS stores here!
Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days. In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

Comments / Questions (5)

country flag Nadja Brolin wrote:

Hej Försöker göra detta mönster men jag tror ni har missat något i beskrivningen. När man syr ihop rutorna blir inte den vita randen så bred som enligt bilden. Har ni virkat runt rutorna med fasta maskor med vitt garn och sedan sytt i hop dem? I så fall borde ni uppdatera beskrivningen så att man förstår det. Det står nämligen ingenting om det. Förstår inte annars hur ni får den vita randen så bred bara med sömnad, inte ens om man följer er video.

17.07.2021 - 09:38

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Nadja. Ja, her ser det ut som at det mangler en forklaring på den siste omgangen. Vi skal ta en titt på den igjen og evnt komme med en rettelse. mvh DROPS design

09.08.2021 - 13:18

country flag Kawsar wrote:

Hi, I am still awaiting a response for my question below. Thank you.

28.10.2020 - 13:25

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Kawsar, your question has been forwarded to our design team - thanks for your patience.

28.10.2020 - 15:32

country flag Kawsar wrote:

Thank you for your speedy response. I’ve followed the instructions in the video you mentioned but I do not get the defined white edge between the 2 squares. I am using the drops Safran off white but when sewed together in that way, the squares are too close together. Am I meant to make an off white edge around each square before sewing them together? And if so will it be a single or double crochet edge? (US crochet terms please) thank you for your help.

24.10.2020 - 02:35

country flag Kawsar wrote:

Hi, could you please explain how to sew the squares together? Instructions not very clear. Thank you.

22.10.2020 - 00:49

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Kawsar, you sew the squares together (see video so that you will get a triangle (see picture) - and sew 2nd cup the same way but place the colours so that they are mirrored (= symetrical). Hope this will help. Happy crocheting!

22.10.2020 - 10:27

country flag Tiziana wrote:

Buongiorno volevo sapere se le coppe sono cucite insieme sul davanti o sono separate perche dalla spiegazione del bordo inferiore non riesco a capire bene . grazie

21.07.2017 - 14:36

DROPS Design answered:

Buongiorno Tiziana, la confezione delle coppe è spiegata nella sezione bordi: dopo aver fatto i due triangoli, viene lavorato un bordo con il bianco e i triangoli vengono uniti; poi verrà fatto il cordino che si allaccerà sul davanti. Buon lavoro!

21.07.2017 - 15:35

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