As the temperature rises, it’s time to ditch the heavy layers and embrace the breezy summer style. But before you hit the mall to stock up on new clothes, why not try your hand at creating your own stunning crochet top with this free pattern? With just a hook and yarn, you’ll be able to create a unique addition to your wardrobe that perfectly captures the essence of the season. In this article, I’ll take you through the steps to master this crochet pattern and ultimately bring it all together to create the perfect summer top. So grab your hook and let’s get started!
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Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:
- If you want a PDF of this easy crochet pattern, then you can find it on Etsy – keep reading for the free crochet top pattern!
- Shop WeCrochet Heatherly Sport here!
- If you have any crochet pattern questions, then please email herrstitches@gmail.com.
- Do you want another free easy crochet cardigan pattern? Check out the Bahama Breeze Cardigan!
Choose Your Yarn and Hook
To get started on your free crochet top pattern, you’ll need to choose the right yarn and crochet hook. I used WeCrochet Heatherly Sport in the Snowflake, Cabana, and Sea Glass color ways. I really liked this yarn because it was lightweight and breathable! However, any sportweight yarn that meets the gauge will do!
When it comes to hooks, I used a 4.0 mm Furls Odyssey Hook. These hooks are stunning and crocheting with them is a breeze because of the thick handles. Check out the post I did comparing different Furls crochet hooks here for more information!
Free Crochet Top Pattern: The Picnic Day Top
Materials
– 4.0mm Crochet Hook
– Stitch Markers x4
– Scissors
– Tapestry Needle
– Measuring Tape
Yarn
Color A: 1 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) hanks of WeCrochet Heatherly Sport (328 yards / 100 grams; 80% Acrylic, 20% Merino Wool) in Snowflake for sizes XS/S (M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL/4XL, 5XL) or 320 (425, 490, 555, 695, 765) yards of similar sport weight yarn that matches gauge.
Color B: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2) hanks of WeCrochet Heatherly Sport (328 yards / 100 grams; 80% Acrylic, 20% Merino Wool) in Cabana for sizes XS/S (M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL/4XL, 5XL) or 145 (200, 230, 260, 325, 365) yards of similar sport weight yarn that matches gauge.
Color C: 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) hanks of WeCrochet Heatherly Sport (328 yards / 100 grams; 80% Acrylic, 20% Merino Wool) in Sea Glass for sizes XS/S (M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL/4XL, 5XL) or 170 (225, 260, 290, 360, 400) yards of similar sport weight yarn that matches gauge.
Sizes
XS/S (M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL/4XL, 5XL)
Finished Bust Approximately 33.5 (40, 45.5, 51.5, 58, 64)” [85 (101.5, 115.5, 131, 147.5, 162.5) cm]
Finished Length Approximately 21.5 (22.5, 22.5, 24, 25.5, 26.5)” [54.5 (57, 57, 61, 65, 67.5) cm], including lower trim.
Note: Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow the pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.
Fit: Oversized fit with positive ease of approximately 2-4″ [5-10 cm]. Please choose a size with a finished bust size that is 2-4″ larger than your bust to achieve intended fit.
Notes
– Top is worked from lower edge upwards.
– Sleeves are worked in rnds directly into armholes.
– The lower trim is meant to be approximately 3″ [7.5 cm]. However, feel free to make the trim longer or shorter if you desire.
– The ch 2 at the beginning of each body panel row counts as a stitch.
– The ch 1 at beginning of the neckline, lower trim, and each sleeve rnd does not count as a stitch.
– Use a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row. Move the stitch marker up as you progress. This will help keep your edges even.
Abbreviations
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
hdcBLO = half double crochet in the back loop only
rem = remaining
rep = repeat
rnd(s) = round(s)
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
Gauge
23 dc x 16 rows = 7″ [18 cm]
Note: I highly recommend you block your gauge swatch before measuring.
Color Changes
When changing colors, finish off the last stitch by pulling the new color through the last two loops on hook. We are using double crochet for this, so you would (for example): with Color B, insert hook in stitch indicated, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through 2 loops, drop Color B, with Color A, yarn over, draw through last 2 loops.
Gingham Stitch Pattern
Ch multiple of 5+1 with A.
Row 1: Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 3 chs, *with B, dc in next 5 chs, with A dc in next 5 chs, rep from * across.
Row 2: With A, ch 2 (counts as a stitch), turn, dc in next 4 sts, *with B, dc in next 5 sts, with A dc in next 5 sts, rep from * across.
Row 3: Rep Row 2.
Rows 4-6: With C, ch 2, turn, dc in next 4 sts, *with B, dc in next 5 sts, with C dc in next 5 sts, rep from * across.
Rows 7-9: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 4-9 until you have reached your desired length.
Body Panel (make 2)
Ch 56 (66, 76, 86, 96, 106) with A.
Work Gingham Stitch Pattern until you have worked 39 (42, 42, 45, 48, 51) rows. 55 (65, 75, 85,
95, 105) sts.
Proceed to First Shoulder Panel.
First Shoulder Panel
Row 1: Work Gingham Stitch Pattern as established for 15 (20, 25, 30, 35, 40) sts, sk 25 sts, place marker in next stitch to denote where to start the second shoulder panel; leave rem sts unworked. 15 (20, 25, 30, 35, 40) sts.
Row 2-3: Work Gingham Stitch Pattern as established.
Fasten off.
Second Shoulder Panel
Join with sl st to marked st in the First Shoulder Panel section.
Row 1-3: Work Gingham Stitch Pattern as established. 15 (20, 25, 30, 35, 40) sts.
Fasten off.
Lower Trim
Join A with sl st in one corner of one body panel. Ch 12.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sl st into next 2 sts along the lower edge of the panel. 11 hdc.
Row 2: Turn, sk 2 sl sts just worked, hdcBLO in each st across.
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn hdcBLO in each st to end of row, sl st into next 2 sts.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until you have worked your way along the bottom length of the body panel.
Fasten off.
Joining Panels
Prior to joining the panels, block each panel.
Lay one body panel over the other body panel. With A, join the last row of one body panel to the last row of the other body panel, working through both thicknesses, sl st evenly spaced along the edge of each shoulder. Make sure your stitches are lined up correctly.
Next, you will be seaming the sides of your top together. Beginning with the first row of the checkered panel section to create a split in the hem, with A sl st up the side, joining the first body panel and second body panel together. Leave a 7 (7.5, 8, 9, 10, 10.5)” [18 (19, 20.5, 23, 25.5, 26.5) cm] hole unworked to create the armhole. Repeat on the opposite side. Turn your top right side out.
Sleeves
Join A with sl st in underarm of one armhole. Ch 7.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sl st into next 2 sts from armhole. 6 hdc.
Row 2: Turn, sk 2 sl sts just worked, hdcBLO in each st across.
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn hdcBLO in each st to end of row, sl st into next 2 sts.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until you have worked your way around the entire circumference of the armhole.
Join the beginning of Row 1 to your final row by slip stitching.
Fasten off.
Neckline
Join A with sl st in one corner of the neck opening. Ch 7.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, sl st into next 2 sts from neckline. 6 hdc.
Row 2: Turn, sk 2 sl sts just worked, hdcBLO in each st across.
Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn hdcBLO in each st to end of row, sl st into next 2 sts.
Rep Rows 2 and 3 until you have worked your way around the entire circumference of the neck.
Join the beginning of Row 1 to your final row by slip stitching.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.
Creating a crochet top is a labor of love, and the result is a piece that you can wear and cherish for years to come. I hope you love your fabulous free crochet top pattern!
In conclusion, crocheting your way to the perfect summer style is easier than you think. With this free crochet top pattern, you can create a beautiful addition to your warm-weather wardrobe. From choosing the right yarn to mastering basic and advanced stitches, you have everything you need to create a stunning summer top that you’ll love to wear. So, pick up your hook and get started today! Remember, with a little creativity and some unique touches, you can make this pattern your own. Happy crocheting!
xo,
Jessica
P.S. I absolutely LOVE seeing your makes! If you make any Herr Stitches patterns, then tag me and then I’ll share them!
P.P.S. If you love this design, don’t forget to Pin It to save for later!
