How to Crochet a Top: FREE Beginner-Friendly Pattern


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From time to time, you may want to use an alternative yarn than what is used in the pattern. This is totally fine, however, you do want to make sure that you are checking the yardage to ensure you have enough for your intended size. Please also make sure you are doing a gauge swatch so that you meet the pattern gauge. If you want to use an alternative yarn, here are a couple that I recommend:

Terms & Abbreviations

Stitch(s): st(s)

Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.

Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Standing Double Crochet(s): sdc(s): With slip knot on hook, Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

How to Crochet – A Handy Reference Guide eBook

Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your crochet stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.

Pattern Notes

You have selected to view the pattern in UK terms.
This pattern is made up of two rectangles and then joined.
Please select your size based on your chest measurements.
You can customise this pattern by altering the neck opening, armhole depth and length.
The number of references for each size will be listed as follows:

XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Gauge & Size

18 sts and 10 rows measures over 10cm X 10cm (4in X 4in) over main pattern repeat after light blocking.

Gauge Swatch Tips

Crochet gauge (also known as tension swatch) is important because it ensures that your finished projects have the correct size, fit, appearance, and use of materials as intended by the pattern designer. Ignoring gauge can lead to the project not coming out to the intended size.

I highly recommend making a gauge swatch to ensure you are not disappointed with the finished item.

If you’re struggling to hit gauge, you may find the following video helpful. In this video, I explain how to adjust the amount of stitches in your own projects and also demonstrate how to adjust the height of your stitches using the golden loop. This is a great way to get to know your own personal tension and I’d highly recommend watching this video tutorial.

Gauge Swatch Sample

Chain 28 and work 15 rows of the ‘panels’ section of the pattern.
Stitch count: Row 1: 26 trs, Row 2: 14 tr, 6 ch-2 sps, Row 3: 26 dc.

PDF Crochet Patterns

Did you know you can shop Bella Coco Crochet Patterns on these websites:

Sizing

Length  – 23 (23, 25, 25, 27) (27, 29, 29, 31) inches, 58.5 (58.5, 63.5, 63.5, 69) (69, 73.5, 73.5, 75) cm.

Width – 15 (17, 19, 21, 23) (25, 27, 29, 31) inches, 38 (43.25, 48.25, 53.25, 58.5) (63.5, 68.5, 73.5, 78.75) cm.

Circumference – 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62) inches, 76.25 (86.5, 96.5, 107, 117) (127, 137, 147.5, 157.5) cm.

Neckline – 9 (10, 10, 11, 11) (12, 12, 13, 13) inches, 23 (25.5, 25.5, 28, 28) (30.5, 30.5, 33, 33) cm.

Armhole Depth – 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) (10, 11, 11, 12) inches, 20.25 (20.25, 22.75, 22.75, 25.5) (25.5, 28, 28, 30.5) cm.

Sizing Chart

XSSMLXL
To fit chest size76cm/
30in
86cm/
34in
96cm/
38in
106cm/
42in
117cm/
46in
Length58.5cm/
23in
58.5cm/
23in
63.5cm/
25in
63.5cm/
25in
68.5cm/
27in
Approx.
Yardage
6657409179801185
Balls34456
2X3X4X5X
To fit chest size127cm/
50in
137cm/
54in
147cm/
58in
157cm/
62in
Length68.5cm/
27in
73.5cm/
29in
73.5cm/
29in
78.5cm/
31in
Approx.
Yardage
1270145515901797
Balls6778

All measurements are approximate.

Pattern Support

The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.

Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.

Pin For Later

Crochet Wearbles

Have you explored the crochet wearable patterns on the blog? CLICK HERE to browse the library of patterns designed by me and guest designers. I’ve also selected some of my personal favourites for you to take a look at below:

The Crochet Community Keychain

Free Pattern: Crochet Top

You have selected to view the pattern in UK terms.

Panels (make two)

Ch 76 (84, 96, 104, 116) (124, 132, 144, 152)

Row 1: Working in the back bumps of the ch, tr in fourth ch from hook
(missed chs count as st) and each ch across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as tr here and throughout), tr in next st, *ch 2, skip 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, rep from * across. Turn.
tr, and 18 (20, 23, 25, 28) (30, 32, 35, 37) ch-2 sps>

Row 3: Ch 1 (does not count as st here or throughout), dc in first 2 sts, *2 dc in ch- sp, dc in next 2 sts, rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 4: Repeat row 2.

Row 5: Ch 3, tr in next st, *2 tr in ch-sp, tr in next 2 sts, rep from * to end. Turn.

Row 6: Ch 3, tr in each st across. Turn

Repeat row 2-6 another 10 (10, 11, 11, 12) (12, 13, 13, 14) more times.
Or adjust to your preferred length ending on row 6.

Fasten off leaving a long tail end for sewing.

Time to block

I highly recommend that you steam block your two panels prior to joining
making sure they are the same size.

Construction

After blocking your panels, lay your two pieces together making sure the
tail ends are on the outer edges ready for you to seam the shoulders.

Image shows panels together with tail ends on the outer edge.

Shoulder seams

Using your binding clips or stitch markers, mark out your neckline opening to
measure: 9 (10, 10, 11, 11) (12, 12, 13, 13) inches or 23 (25.5, 25.5, 28, 28) (30.5, 30.5, 33, 33) cm, ensuring it is central.

You can adapt your neckline to your own preference if needed.

Working through both thicknesses, seam using whipstitch (or your preferred seaming method) from the outer edge inwards.

Tip
Don’t sew in your ends until you have finished all seaming.
This will make it easier to adjust if needed.

Side seams for armholes

Using your binding clips or stitch markers, mark out your armholes measuring: 8 (8, 9, 9, 10) (10, 11, 11, 12) inches, or 20.25 (20.25, 22.75, 22.75, 25.5) (25.5, 28, 28, 30.5) cm from the shoulder seam downwards.

You can adapt your armhole depth to your own preference if needed.

Leaving a 3.5-inch (8.75-cm) gap at the base of the tee to allow for a better fit over your hips (optional), work through both thicknesses, seam using whipstitch (or your preferred seaming method) from base of the tee to the armhole.

Turn work right side out. Once you’re happy with the fit, sew in the tail ends.

Armhole edging

Join with ss in the seam at the base of the armhole.

Round 1: Working around the arm hole, place 2 dc in the side of each tr st and 1 dc in the side of each dc around. Join with a ss in the first st.

Round 2: Ch 1, dc in each st around.

Repeat on other armhole.

Sew in ends.

Hip opening edging

Image shows working a sdc (UK terms) into the foundation chain of the first panel for your first st.

With slip knot on hook.

Row 1: Place a sdc in first st. Working up to the side seam, place 2 dc in the side of each tr st and 1 dc in the side of each dc, up to the side seam. Rotating work to work down the other panel, place 2 dc in the side of each tr st and 1 dc in the side of each dc. Finishing with the last st in the foundation ch of the panel.
Fasten off.

Reattach yarn to the first st of the last row.

Row 2: Ss in each st across.
Fasten off and sew in ends.

Repeat on other side.

Sew in ends.


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