Directions are given for small size (12). Changes for medium (14) and large (16) sizes given in parentheses.
MEASUREMENTS:
Width across front at underarm: 18 (19, 20) inches
Width across back at underarm: 17 (18, 19) inches
BACK: With darker color work 80 (90, 100) lps on each side of staple. Work 10 (for all sizes) more dark strips. Work 10 (for all sizes) strips contrasting color. This completes strips from lower edge to underarm running horizontally. Work 1 strip contrasting color with 68 (78, 88) loops. Work 3 strips dark color and 2 strips contrasting color each with 64 (74, 84) loops. This completes strips for armhole.
TO ASSEMBLE: Always work strips with starting loops on right edge and beginning length of yarn at top. Take 1 dark strip, place 1 contrasting strip above; insert crochet hook in 1st 2 loops of top strip on right edge, insert crochet hook in 1st 2 loops of lower (dark) strip and pull through top strip, insert in next 2 loops of top strip and pull through. Continue in same manner across strips working alternately into top and lower strip until joining is completed. Place a dark strip on top of light strip and join in same manner. Alternating colors continue joining all strips to underarm.
SHAPE ARMHOLE: Take the strip with 68 (78, 88) loops. Skip 1st 6 loops on last strip, then work joining as before, skipping last 6 loops. Take next color strip with 64 (74, 84) loops; insert hook in 2 loops of top strip, then insert through 4 loops of lower strip and pull through, then join as before working last 4 loops tog. Alternating colors, continue joining all armhole strips.
FRONT: Work 11 dark strips with 90 (100, 110) loops and 10 contrasting strips with 90 (100, 110) loops. Work and mark following strips for neck and armhole shaping: 2 strips 34 (38, 42) loops contrasting color, 2 strips 28 (32, 36) dark color, 2 strips 24 (28, 32) contrasting color, 2 strips 20 (24, 28) dark color, 4 strips 16 (20, 24) contrasting color, 2 strips 16 (20, 24) dark color.
TO ASSEMBLE: Join strips to underarm in same manner as back.
SHAPE NECK AND ARMHOLES: 1st ROW. Take 1 strip 34 (38, 42) loops, skip 6 loops on right edge for armhole shaping, then complete joining. Take 2nd 34 (38, 42) loops strip, skip 10 (12, 14) loops for neck, and complete joining skipping last 6 loops at other armhole.