Kickstart your crochet garment journey with this beautifully simple summer top. This is an excellent entry-level project for those eager to expand their crochet skills into clothing. This pattern uses basic shapes and straightforward stitch techniques to create a wearable piece that will boost your confidence for future garment projects.
Essential Information About this Project Our easy breezy summer top is achieved by crocheting two large rectangles and stitching them together. The project entails the use of simple stitch patterns and elementary shapes to construct a stylish top. To make the most of this project, it is advisable to read through the entire pattern first to understand the complete layout of the project. You will need to familiarize yourself with the necessary supplies, abbreviations, and a step-by-step video tutorial is also available to guide you.
Materials Needed
- 2(2, 2, 3, 3, 4) balls of It’s a Wrap Rainbow Yarn (Colorway pictures: Whisper – images; Seaglass – tutorial)
- US 7 Circular Needle, 24″
- Yarn needle
- Pair of scissors
If you wish to use a different yarn, ensure it falls within the same weight category. Always check your gauge and adjust accordingly so that the sizing is correct. Keep in mind that the required yarn amount may vary as well.
Key Abbreviations
- CO – Cast on
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- PM – Place Marker
- Rep – Repeat
- Rem – Remaining
- RS – Right Side
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- WS – Wrong Side
Additional Pattern Details The finished size of the garment varies from 32.5″ to 52.5″ for the bust and 25″ to 27″ for the length. The gauge is 21 sts x 22 rows = 4″ in stockinette.
This summer top is constructed from two identical flat panels, crafted using combinations of knit and purl stitches. For the best outcome, block each panel to the correct measurements before stitching them together. The front and back panels are joined at the sides and shoulders to complete the top.
Pattern Instructions Front & Back Panel (Make 2)
- Row 1: Cast on 84(96, 108, 116,128, 136). Knit 2, Purl 2.
- Row 2: Knit 2, Purl 2. Repeat this row until the panel measures between 1.25″ and 2″ from the cast-on edge, depending on the size.
- Continue alternating knitting and purling rows until the panel measures between 16″ and 17″ from the cast-on edge, ending on a right-side row.
- For the next right-side row, knit all stitches. For the next wrong-side row, knit the first 8(8, 9, 9, 10, 10) stitches, purl to the last 8(8, 9, 9, 10, 10) stitches, then knit these stitches. Place a marker in the last stitch of this row.
- Continue alternating these two rows until your piece measures between 6.5″ and 9″ from the marker, ending on a right-side row. For the next two rows, knit all stitches, then repeat these rows until the panel measures between 24.5″ and 26.5″ from the cast-on edge. Bind off.
Image / Pattern / Tutorial: Bhooked Crochet
Final Assembly
- Block each panel to the appropriate length (between 25″ and 27″) and width (between 16.25″ and 26.25″).
- With the right side facing up, seam along the two panels from the cast-on edge to the marker. Repeat this step for the other side.To create the shoulder seams, lay the top flat and measure 8(9, 10, 11, 12, 13)” from the outer edge towards the middle. Place a marker at this point. Seam along the edge, making sure to catch both panels, up to the marker.With these final steps, your simple and stylish crochet summer top is complete and ready to wear. Enjoy your new garment, and let it inspire you to continue exploring the world of crocheted clothing.
