The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is a free crochet pattern below that is designed as a made to measure, size inclusive and easy crochet pattern. It is designed and written specifically for beginners.
Someone recently commented on one of our Instagram posts, “Am I obsessed with yarn and therefore a crocheter? Or am I obsessed with crochet and therefore also with yarn?” It’s a cute question and we can relate!
We love yarn, as much as we love designing and crocheting … and we aren’t sure which love comes first! Sometimes we see tops, sweaters and blankets that give us inspiration – or we design from a place of wanting something specific in our wardrobe!
Other times we discover the most gorgeous yarn…and just by holding it and feeling it, the design creates itself. For The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top, the design started this way. We absolutely love this cotton/wool blend yarn. We typically find that when designs start with yarn, we keep the pattern simple to let the yarn shine.
This yarn is a weight 3/ Light Worsted/DK and is incredibly soft. We have provided all the details in the section below “Crochet Materials” including some great substitutions if you are not able to easily purchase this yarn.
Also, check out The Campbell Everyday Crochet Sweater Top where we use the same yarn. It’s also another wardrobe classic that we reach for every week.
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is free when you access it online through your desktop or mobile device. We rely on ad revenue to meet the costs of running this website and coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet. Thanks for supporting us and allowing us to keep providing free online patterns.
Do you love the beautiful 3/4 sleeve design? By keeping the sleeves casual and loose, The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top will take you from spring right through to summer and fall. 3/4 sleeve tops are also perfect for layering in winter as they are more comfortable under crocheted cardigans, yet are still warm on their own. It’s also modern and versatile … and we have grandmas to grand daughters loving this top 🙂
Another great thing about The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern, is that you are going to love how relaxing this stitch is. Lots of easy double crochets into spaces and not a whole lot of counting stitches when crocheting the main panels. This is the pattern that allows you to think about a million other things at the same time.
Let’s get started on The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top! Tag us on Instagram your work in progress, and we promise to cheer you on. Click on the icon below:
DESCRIPTION of The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is a loose oversized sweater top, that can be worn on its own or layered under cardigans. It features a beautiful stitch that gives it an airy design and stunning drape. The cute 3/4 sleeves hit below the elbow and give it a casual modern look. The neckline is wide and flattering and can be customized so that it sits off the shoulder or on the shoulder.
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and uses weight 3/light worsted/DK yarn. The stitch pattern is simple using primarily double crochets.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
Kiks + Jack Crochet will always try to write patterns that are “made to measure” (versus graded sized patterns) so that crocheters can get the wonderful benefits of making a garment that fits perfectly. However we do appreciate taking measurements can be inconvenient for some and have also provided standard measurements for those who wish to use it.
To use the Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern you will need the following measurements and you should write them down for easy reference:
Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest/bust. Do not draw the tape too tightly.
Finished Length: Measure from your waistline (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder. We wanted our top to hit a little lower than the waistline.
Arm to Below Elbow Length: Measure from armpit to just below your elbow (or where you would like the sleeve to end)
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 28-30 (32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46, 48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62) inches or 71-76 (81-86, 91-96, 102-107, 112-117, 122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-158) centimetres.
If you would like to use standard sizing for armhole depth – then use approximately 6-6.5 (6.5-7, 7-7.5, 7.5-8, 8-8.5, 8.5-9, 9-9.5, 9.5-10, 10-10.5) inches or 15.5-16.5, 16.5-17.5, 17.5-19, 19-20.5, 20.5-21.5, 21.5-23, 23-24, 24-25.5, 25.5-26.5) centimetres
Note: The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is designed as a loose fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
Using a 4.5mm crochet hook (US 7) approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm).
Note The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and accommodate for different gauges. However try to select a yarn weight and hook size that gives you a similar gauge to ours.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
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Yarn brand: Happy Place by Hobbii. Weight 3/Light Worsted/DK. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250m) per skein. Approximately 2.7 skeins or 737 yards (or 675m) used for our garment (approximately XS) with a finished width of 17.5 inches and a finished length of 19 inches.
Color used is Petrol.
We would also love to make this pattern in this yarn by Yarnspirations Weight 4/Aran/Worsted and this Bernat yarn weight 3/Light worsted/DK.
4.5 mm crochet hook (US size 7). We use many different crochet hooks and if you are looking for some great budget friendly ergonomic crochet hooks try these from Amazon. It comes in a set and the grip and the shape is amazing for beginner crocheters. However our absolute favourite, slightly more pricey crochet hooks are clover crochet hooks. You can buy then in a set or individually.
Measuring Tape. We use a super budget friendly measuring tape. Make sure it has cm and inches (not all patterns are written with both). We are always crocheting on the go so we like our tapes small and compact and we put one in our design area, one in our bag and one in our car. Retractable works best! We use these super cheap mini measuring tapes from Amazon.
Stitch Markers. We use these locking crochet stitch markers from Amazon and these stitch markers that do not lock. They are cheap and colourful.
Blocking Pins. You should buy more pins than you think you need. If you are going to take the time to block don’t skimp on the pins. We like T shaped stainless steel pins that don’t rust when they get wet. We love these blocking T pins from Amazon and the tin means the pins don’t fall out on the floor.
Yarn Needle. Buy blunt needles with large eyes for yarn. We use these Yarn Needles because we like the convenient bottle, they are budget friendly and we get lots of them!
Scissors. We love these thread snippers because they are cheap, we get two of them AND they come with a case (some don’t). Don’t carry these without the case! After you use thread snippers you won’t want to snip with scissors.
CROCHET STITCHES & ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loop)
sc = single crochet (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
hdc = half double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops)
dc = double crochet (Yarn over and insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
ch-1 sp = chain 1 space (eg. crochet into the space and not the stitch)
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch (Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook)
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise turning chains do not count as a stitch if there are 1 or 2 chains and the turning chain does count as a stitch if there are 3 or 4 chains.
SUMMARY of CONSTRUCTION for The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel and a front panel. We do not crochet a ribbing for this design. We will then seam the front panel and the back panels at the shoulder and the sides. Finally we will crochet the short sleeves directly on to the panels.
The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top is a made to measure pattern that is written specifically for beginners.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top pattern as your own. You may crochet items to sell using this pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange. Please do NOT use my photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
Crochet the Main Back Panel
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 1-2 inches for positive ease (it will also increase in width depending on how stretchy your yarn is after a few rows) | 16 + 1 = 17 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above counting the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Make sure the number of chains ends on a multiple of 6. If not, increase the number of chains so that you finish on a multiple of 6.
For example Kiks + Jack crocheted 82 chains to reach a total length of 17 inches as per our calculation. However 82 is not a multiple of 6 (it does not divide into 6 evenly). Therefore we increase the number of chains to a total of 84 by adding 2 more chains so that it is a multiple of 6.
Add 2 more chains.
Kiks + Jack crocheted an additional 2 more chains so the total number of chains is equal to 86.
Row 1: ch2, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] into the 5th ch from hook, *sk 2ch, 3dc in next ch, sk 2ch, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch, rep from * across the row ending with a dc in last ch. Turn
Row 2: ch3, sk 1st st, *3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below, rep from * to end, dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: ch3, *[1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below, 3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below, rep from * to end, dc in top of tch. Turn
It’s a great time to check if you are completely happy with the width of the sweater before you crochet any further. You may want to hold it up against you after 4 rows of crochet to see if the width of the sweater still works for you. If it’s perfect keep going. If you would like to make changes to the width, it is best to start again increasing or decreasing the number of chains that you originally used making sure you follow all stitch multiple rules.
Repeat rows 2-3, until the back panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished length measurement” minus 2 inches (if you want a deeper neckline, then instead of 2 inches, you can increase it to 3-4 inches.
Fasten off.
Kiks + Jack wanted a neckline that wasn’t too deep. Our “Finished Length Measurement” is 19 inches. Therefore we crochet row 2 in that order until the total back panel equals 17 inches (19 – 2 = 17 inches).
Crochet the Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under the Back Panel so that you have an identical front panel.
Measure the Neckline on the Back and and Front Panel
We will now measure the neckline on to the back and front panel. We like to crochet the back and front panel first without the neckline so that we can “try it on”. This will allow you to measure out the perfect neckline width first, before you crochet it.
Measure 4 inches in from the left edge of the back panel and place a locking stitch marker in the centre of the closest cluster. Count the number of clusters between the edge of the panel and the stitch marker. This will be the start of your neck opening. Repeat the same on the right side of the back panel by counting in the same number of clusters and placing a locking stitch marker in the centre of the cluster.
Similarly, measure out the same number of clusters on the front panel on both sides and place a locking stitch marker.
Attach the two panels together lining up the 4 stitch markers using the locking stitch markers. Place the panels over your head and check whether you need to make adjustments to the neck opening. If you would like it tighter then move the stitch markers closer to your neck. If you would like the neck opening wider, then move the stitch markers away from your neck. Make sure it is the same number of clusters on both sides and on both panels and that the stitch markers are placed in the middle of the closest cluster.
For reference, Kiks + Jack crocheted a top with a total width of approximately 17.5 inches. We measured 5 inches from each side as we wanted a wide shoulder that could fall off one shoulder if we wanted it to.
Crochet the Neckline on the Back and and Front Panel
Crochet the Neckline on the Left Side Back Panel
Once you are satisfied with the neckline measurements and have marked it with locking stitch markers, we will now start to crochet the neckline. Start with the back panel and attach the yarn to the first stitch near the left shoulder.
Row 1: ch 3, 3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below OR [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below (ie. take a look at what cluster is directly below in the row below and crochet the same cluster into the centre), repeat the pattern across (ie. crochet a 3dc cluster if its a 3dc cluster below or a [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster if it’s a [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster below in the centre). End with 2dc in the st with st marker. Turn
Row 2: ch 3, 3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below OR [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below. Place a stitch marker in the centre st or ch-1 sp of this first cluster. Repeat the pattern across, ending with a dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: repeat row 1
Row 4: repeat row 2
Repeat row 1 – 2, until the entire back panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished length measurement“.
Take a look at how the neckline sits on this left side and check you are happy with it. Place it up against you to check. You will be adding a small edge around the neckline so don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly even around the neckline. It’s best to make these intuitive checks and if necessary make adjustments, before you crochet the neckline on the other three sides.
If you are happy with the width and length of the neckline, repeat the instructions on the right side of the back panel and both sides on the front panel. Everything should be identical.
Assembly of The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
Step 1: Seam the Front and Back Panel at the shoulder.
Place the front and back panels together with the right sides facing together. With a yarn needle, seam the two panels together across the shoulders starting from the edge and across the top.
Fasten off.
Step 2: Seam the Sides Together
Measure from the top of the sweater and down the side, your “Armhole Depth Measurement” + 2 inches and place a stitch marker through both panels. Do the same on the other side.
For example, our armhole depth measurement is equal to 7 inches so we measure 9 inches (7 + 2 = 9 inches) from the top of the sweater down the side and place a stitch marker through both panels. This will be the bottom of the sleeve opening.
Tip: Try it on and see if you are comfortable with the arm opening. We suggest you give a generous arm opening for this stitch pattern. Adjust the stitch markers if necessary and make sure it is even on both sides.
Double check the panels are facing wrong side up (right sides together). With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the two panels together from the bottom up to the stitch markers on both sides.
Crochet the Left Sleeve
Turn your top right way out.
Starting with the left sleeve, attach your yarn at the armpit. You will now crochet the sleeve directly on the sweater.
Round 1: ch1 (place a stitch marker in this ch to mark the start of the row), sc evenly around the sleeve. Count your stitches and end on a multiple of 6 plus one additional stitch, sl st to join at top of tch (ie where you placed your stitch marker). Turn.
Tip: start to slow down after you have crocheted approximately 3/4 of the sleeve round. Estimate your finishing stitches for the next quarter so that you end on a multiple of 6 + 1.
Kiks + Jack crocheted approximately 60 + 1 = 61 stitches around.
Round 1: ch3, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in the 2nd st, *sk 2st, 3dc in next st, sk 2st, [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next st, rep from * to end of round, sl st to join at top of tch.
Round 2: ch3, *[1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below, 3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below, rep from * to end of round, sl st to join at top of tch.
Tip: You may want to try it on after 3-4 rounds. Have you measured enough space under your arm? Do you like how tight or loose the sleeve is? If it doesn’t feel perfect you may need to do some frogging, but it’s better to try it on now and get it right before you keep going.
Repeat round 2 until you reach the “Arm to Below Elbow Length Measurement“. Once again, try it on and test out the length.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Right Sleeve
Repeat all the instructions for the left sleeve on the right so that the two sleeves are identical width and lengths.
Crochet the Neckline
Attach the yarn to the side of the neckline.
Round 1: ch1 (attach a stitch marker to this chain), sc evenly around the neckline, sl st to join at the top of tch
Round 2: ch1, sc around the neckline, sl st to join at the top of tch.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished the Colins Easy 3/4 Sleeve Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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