Free Crochet Top Pattern:  A Breezy Make for Summer Days

I’m excited to be introducing you to my Isla top – a relaxed, short-sleeve crochet top in sizes S – 5X that’s perfect for warmer days.  It’s light, breathable and fun to make! 

I designed this garment to be both easy to wear and relaxing to make.  The pattern uses soft cotton yarn and simple stitches that create a lovely texture without being fussy.

You’ll find the full free crochet pattern below.  Prefer to work from a PDF?  This pattern is also available in my Etsy and Ravelry stores.

I originally made this summer top because I wanted something quick and wearable for those in-between weather days—you know the ones where it’s warm in the sun but breezy in the shade. Having played with different color combinations, I love how the blue and white striping gives a nautical and playful twist (and without having to do any complicated colorwork!).  What colors will you choose?  Share with us in the Facebook community or leave a comment below.

Jump to: Materials | Sizing | Free Pattern

Skill Level

I’ve rated my Isla crochet top pattern as easy.  There are no increases or decreases and this garment uses basic crochet stitches.  Colour changes are made at the end of a row.

How my Crochet Top is Worked

Not sure if you have the skills?  I’ve included this overview to help you decide.

• The crochet stitch pattern is a 4-row repeat and uses chains, single crochet, double crochet and double crochet 3 together (US crochet terms). 
• Two colors are used with color changes taking place at the end of the last pull through of the last stitch of a row.  My pattern also works well if you choose to use one color, self-striping or ombre yarn.
• Two identical rectangular panels are worked, one is the front and one is the back.
• Rectangles are worked from the bottom up in turned rows.
• The panels are placed together wrong side out, measurements are taken for the shoulder seams creating the neckline which are then sewn.  Further measurements are made for the depth of armhole and side seams are sewn.
• To finish off, a round of single crochet is worked around the armhole.
• It is easy to customize the length of the top – for a shorter crop top work less repeats and for a longer, tunic style top, work more repeats (if you change the length, this will alter the amount of yarn you need).

Tip: if you find you are losing stitches, use a stitch marker in the last stitch of each row to keep your sides straight.

Behind the Design

I wanted this crochet top to be beginner-friendly but with enough visual interest to keep it fun. The combination of simple stitches and cotton yarn creates a breathable fabric, and the two-color design means you can play with your stash or use one shade for a classic look. Isla came together quickly, and I found it so relaxing to make—definitely one of those patterns where you fall into a rhythm and just enjoy the process.

Materials

• Cotton DK Yarn in two colors (see sizing section for amounts for each size)
• 4mm / G-6 Crochet Hook (I use Clover Amour)
• Stitch Markers (I use this Harlequin set)
• Tape Measure
• Scissors
• Yarn Needle

Yarn Choices

I used Cygnet 100% cotton DK in White and Lagoon (in this range there are 20 colours to choose from so plenty of choice).

Not only is it lovely and soft but I’ve found it washes well at 40 degrees.

Yarns with a similar ply, gauge and fibre content include:

• Emu Cotton DK
• King Cole Cottonsoft DK
• Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/6

You can substitute any DK cotton yarn. 

If your swatch is a different gauge to mine, don’t worry! you can easily adjust your stitches with my stitch gauge converter.

Sizing

Note: my measurements use the Craft Yarn Council as guidance.

To work out the best fit for you, use the width measurement.

If you prefer a tighter fitting top, go down a size.  For example, if your chest measurement is 44 inches (XL/2X) follow instructions for M/L (46 inches).  You will have 2 inches of positive ease (extra room for movement and wear).

Length for all sizes is 21”.  You can customize the length by working less rows for a cropped top and more rows for a tunic style top.

If you change the crochet top pattern in any way, you may need more or less yarn than shown in the table below.

Gauge

Using a 4mm hook

24 stitches and 10 rows = 10cm X 10cm / 4” X 4”

Stitches and Abbreviations

The abbreviation used in the pattern for stitches and instructions is in brackets.

Special Stitch: Buds (buds): double crochet 3 together, chain 3, double crochet 3 together in the same stitch as indicated

• Single crochet (sc)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Double Crochet 3 Together (dc3tog)
• Slip Stitch

For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.

Abbreviations

• Between (bet)
• Chain (ch)
• Continue (cont)
• Pattern (patt)
• Repeat (rep)
• Right Side
• Skip (sk)
• Space (sp)
• Stitch (st)
• Wrong Side (WS)

Sharon’s Pattern Notes

• US crochet terms are used throughout.
• Sizes for the rectangular panels are written like this: S, (M/L, XL/2X, 3X/4X/5X)
• Sizes for armhole depth are written like this: S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
• Chain 3 counts as a double crochet.
• Chain 5 counts as a double crochet, chain 2.
• Repeated instructions are written like this: sc in next ch-sp, ch2, dc in next dc, ch2, * rep across to last st, dc in last st.  You will work a single crochet in the next chain space, chain 2, double crochet in the next double crochet, chain 2 and work this sequence across to the last stitch, working a double crochet in the last stitch.
• Yarn A = Lagoon; Yarn B = White
• Use the table in the instructions for specific color changes.
• I found that fastening off after each color change and rejoining yarn when needed gives a neater finish when working the side seams.  Floating the yarn for the colour changes is possible but be aware of needing to catch the floating yarn in the side seams and when you finish off the armhole.
• If you use one color to sew the side seam, use an invisible seam (sew through the back loops to create the seam).  Be aware that the color may still show through.  Alternatively, sewing the side seams in the color of the block gives a professional finish.  There are more ends to weave in but after trying both, I preferred the alternative.
• Weave in ends as you go.

Isla Crochet Top Pattern Instructions (US crochet terms)

Make 2

With a 4mm hook and Yarn A

Ch 99, (123, 159, 183)

Row 1 (RS): buds in 6^th ch from hook, sk 2 chs, *dc in next ch, sk 2 chs, buds in next ch, sk 2 ch, * rep across to last ch, dc in last ch, ch5, turn

Row 2: *sc in next ch-sp, ch2, dc in next dc, ch2, * rep across to last st, dc in last st, ch5, turn

Row 3: dc3tog in 1st st, *dc in next sc, buds in next dc, * rep across to last st, [dc3tog, ch2, dc] in 3^rd ch of last st, ch1, turn

Row 4: sc in 1^st st, *ch2, dc in next dc, ch2, sc in next ch3-sp, * rep across to last st placing sc in 3^rd ch of last st, ch3, turn

Row 5: *buds in next dc, dc in next sc, * rep across, change to Yarn B on last pull through, ch5, turn

Row 6 – 47: cont in pattern by working rows 2 – 5 and changing color as below:

Fasten off leaving a long tail to sew shoulder seam

Shoulder Seams

Working on the WS on row 47

Identify middle st and place a st marker

Count 4 buds to the left and place a st marker in the next dc

Rep on the other side

Remove middle st marker

Sp bet st markers is the neckline

Tip:  customize the width of your neckline by counting less buds for a smaller neckline and more buds for a larger neckline

Sew shoulder seams from the st marker to the armhole edge on both sides

Fasten off

Side Seams

Cont to work on the WS

Measure 7, (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches from shoulder towards hem and place a st marker

Sew side seam from st marker to hem

Fasten off

Rep on other side

Finishing Armhole

Working on RS

Rejoin yarn B underarm, ch1

Sc evenly around armhole, join with a sl st

Fasten off

Rep on other armhole

Congratulations!  Your top is finished and ready to be blocked, washed and worn.

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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