The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top features a comfortable crew neckline and long sleeves crafted in lightweight yarn. It incorporates a draping mesh stitch along with a more solid tight stitch that makes it perfect for fall. This made to measure crochet pattern is free to view below. Scroll down to the interactive table of contents to navigate through the detailed instructions and stitch tips.
Wearing the Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top has been so easy! It’s one of those basics that you end up getting a lot of wear, especially when the air cools down. On the days that have been summery, we have been throwing this crochet top over jean shorts and cotton skirts. We love having these easy-to-wear pieces that pretty much match with everything and require no thought as you run out the door.
We used a gorgeous cotton blend yarn that was gifted by Hobbii. We are so grateful we could pick and choose what we wanted as we absolutely love this yarn and have used it before in the Spring Oversized Long Crochet Scarf. It is so soft and has incredible drape.
If you read our last blog post, you will know that we are really trying to design and crochet more “first layer” long sleeve tops. We have been wanting them a little more lightweight so that we can wear it under our more heavier crocheted sweaters and cardigans. The plan is, as the indoor heating cranks up, the crocheted sweaters and cardigans come off and these cute lighter crocheted basics come out to shine.
We love this open stitch pattern on The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top top. It’s so pretty and prevents us from getting too warm indoors. The changing stitch pattern and color switches kept us so engaged and as a result we crocheted this one right through ie. it did not stay in a WIP pile for months and months due to boredom lol
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone, when you access them online. We meet the costs of running this website through coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet and ad revenue. When you buy us a cup of coffee, you buy us a cup of motivation. Thank you for keeping us motivated and inspired every day to keep designing free crochet patterns for you to view at our blog online.
We are so happy with the end result and we really hope you crochet this fuss free basic too. Looking forward to seeing all the different color combinations (or solids!).
Let’s get started on The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top! Looking for other cute long sleeve tops for fall? Check out The Lauren Light & Easy and The Forest Walk Easy Crochet Top.
Follow us for pattern releases and work in progress. Tag us your makes @kiksandjackcrochet and click on the icons below. It would be amazing to see a photo of your work in progress too.
DESCRIPTION of The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top is a lightweight long sleeved top that is great for fall to winter. It features a crew neck design with oversized sleeves and no ribbing. This sweater is designed to hit slightly below the waist, however it can be customized easily as a crop or a longer tunic.
The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and size inclusive.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The Birch Easy Long 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”. One of the best things about made to measure crochet patterns is that it celebrates the uniqueness of your body, the best part about handmade clothes. Unlike commercial sizing, which categorizes everyone into a limited range from XS to 5XL, made to measure patterns let you decide the fit based on your actual measurements. Every body is different, and we shouldn’t have to shape ourselves to fit a size chart. If you would like to reference standard sizing we have listed them below for your convenience.
To use The Birch Easy Long 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 where you would like the top to end up to the top of your shoulder.
Arm Length: Measure from armpit to wrist (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 arm length – then for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) use approximately 16.5 (17, 17, 17.5, 17.5, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches or 42 (43, 43, 44.5, 44.5, 45.5, 45.5, 47, 47) 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 Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top is designed as a loose fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
Note the Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different crochet gauges. However to achieve a similar look to ours we recommend you use a similar weight yarn and hook size. You do not need to swatch.
For our version of The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top we used a 4mm crochet hook and a weight 2 yarn.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
This section contains product affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Kiks + Jack Crochet promises to only recommend products that we love and that we use. Thank you for supporting our small business.
Yarn: Twister Solid by Hobbii Weight 2/Fine/Sport. Each skein is 100 grams, 437 yards or 400 metres.
Our version is approximately 17 inches wide and approximately 21 inches long. Our long sleeve top was made from approximately 300 g or 3 skeins in total or approximately 1311 yards (or 1200m). However note that we used 3 different colors so we were gifted 2 skeins of cream, 1 skein of light tan and 1 skein of oak.
Thank you to Hobbii for sponsoring the yarn for this project and allowing us to select.
We would love to try this too in Friends Cotton Silk by Hobbii.
Crochet Hook (we used a 4mm). 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. We also love the slightly more pricey crochet hooks from Clover Crochet Hooks and the beautiful Furls Crochet Hooks (these are so stunning, we just love looking at them!)
Yarn Winder!!! (love this so much). We have held off on a yarn winder for a long time. We love the idea of crochet being simple with just a hook and some yarn. However we decided to get this yarn winder, because it was affordable and we weren’t sure about investing in a super fancy one yet. We love it because it breathes life back into scrappy yarn lying around that looks messy. It’s simple to use and is holding up really well for us.
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
The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is written with US terms.
ch = chain
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)
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)
tc = treble crochet (Yarn over once and then yarn over again. Insert hook into desired stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You should now have 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You should now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You should now have 2 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops)
2dc puff st = 2 double crochet puff stitch (*Yarn over, insert hook into desired space, yarn over and pull through stitch, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook. Repeat from * into same desired space, yarn over and pull through 3 loops on hook).
ch-1 sp = chain 1 space (eg. crochet into the chain 1 space and not the stitch)
ch-2 sp = chain 2 space (eg. crochet into the chain 2 space and not the stitch)
fpdc = front post double crochet (Yarn over and insert your hook from the front side to the back side of your work around the double crochet – the post – from the previous row, coming up on the opposite side of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You will now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
bpdc = back post double crochet (Yarn over and insert your hook from the back side to the front side of your work around the double crochet – the post – from the previous row, coming up on the opposite side of the stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. You will now have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all two loops)
tch = turning chain
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
* = repeat the instructions following the * as directed
Note unless stated otherwise in this pattern The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top, 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 Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel and a front panel. We will crochet the panels bottom up and there will be no ribbing. On both panels we will crochet a gentle crew neckline after we have measured out your perfect neck opening width. We will then crochet the sleeve panels. Finally will seam the front panel and the back panels at the shoulder and then seam sleeves directly on to the panels.
The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is made to measure, size inclusive and the stitch used is beginner friendly using multiple stitch patterns and color changes. We will indicate where we have made color changes, however you are free to customize it to your own design choice.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet.com as your own including this pattern The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top. Except as permitted by the copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the copyright owner, Kiks + Jack Crochet.
You may not use any Kiks and Jack Crochet photo as your own photo.
You may crochet items to sell using The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
Crochet the Front Panel
Note: We have indicated the color changes required for our version. However feel free to crochet your own stripe pattern. If you plan to make this in a solid color then you can ignore all color switches.
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Instructions | Kiks + Jack’s Example |
| Halve your “Chest/Bust Measurement“ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add 1- 3 inches depending on how much positive ease you would like. We added 1 inch. | 16 inches + 1 = 17 inches |
Start with the first color (eg we used cream)
Chain a length as calculated above for the front panel and count the number of stitches. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
We want your total chain to be a multiple of 6 stitches. If it is not, add more chains to ensure your total chain ends on a multiple of 6 stitches.
Then add 1 more chain.
Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 17 inches as per our calculation above. We reached 17 inches after chaining 82 chains. We add 2 more chain to give 84 chains to achieve a multiple of 6 stitches. Then we add 1 more chain for a total of 85 chains.
Row 1: ch2 (counts as a st), [1sc, ch1, 1dc] into the 3rd ch from the hook, sk 2ch, *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch, sk 2ch rep from * until end of the row and end with a sc in the last ch. Turn
Row 2: ch1 (counts as a st), *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] into next ch-1 sp, rep from * until the last ch-1 sp at end of row, ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3-4: repeat row 2
Tip: Before continuing, take a moment to check that the width of your top is approximately equal to your calculation above and place it against you to check you like it. Sometimes your yarn is more stretchy than expected and sometimes you just change your mind on fit, so it is great to conduct an intuitive check here. If you want to adjust the width, then start again reducing or increasing the length of the foundation chain making sure you follow all the stitch multiple rules.
Row 5-7: repeat row 2
Switch to your second color (eg we used the light tan/brown)
Row 8: repeat row 2
Switch to your third color (eg we used dark brown/oak)
Row 9: repeat row 2
Switch to your second color (eg light tan). Tip: we are going to use a stitch marker in the next row to help with the pattern switch.
Row 10: ch1, sc in 2nd st (ie. the 1st dc of the the 1st cluster) and place a SM in this stitch, sc in ch-1 sp, sc in next sc, continue to sc in each st across (ie. there should be 3sc per cluster – one in the dc, one in the ch-sp and one in the sc) and end with a sc in top of tch.
Switch to first color (eg cream)
Row 11: ch1, sc in 1st st, *ch2, sk2, [dc, ch2, dc] in next st, ch2, sk2, sc in next st, rep from * across to end of row, ending with a ch2, sk2, sc in last stitch with SM. Turn
Tip: For the next row you will be crocheting puff clusters into the centre of each [dc, ch2, dc] cluster (looks like a “V) – you crochet specifically into the ch2 space. Go back up to “Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations” if you need help with a 2dc puff stitch.
Row 12: ch4 (counts as a st), *[2dc puff st, ch1, 2dc puff st, ch1, 2dc puff st] all in the ch-2 sp of the [dc, ch2, dc] cluster**, ch1, rep from * across to the last cluster, do not ch1, and end with a tc in last st. Turn
Row 13: ch1, sc in 1st st, ch1, [sc, ch1] in each ch-1 sp across (ie. between each puff cluster), ending with an sc in top of tch (Tip: you do not put an [sc,ch1] between the last puff cluster and tch). Turn
Row 14: ch1, sc in 1st st, ch1, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, rep from * ending with sc in last ch-1sp, sc in last st
Switch to your second color (eg light tan/brown)
Tip: The next row can be a little tricky to see the chain 1 spaces vs the single crochets (especially if you are on a weight 2 yarn like us). It may help to see the big picture: Look at Row 12, 3 rows below. You will see 2dc puff clusters and you will see “diamond shape” spaces between the puff clusters. You are effectively crocheting a [dc, ch2, dc] cluster in a sc above the puff cluster, and a single crochet in a ch-1 space above the diamond shape space.
Row 15: ch1, sc in 1st st, *ch2, sk next ch-1 sp, [dc, ch2, dc] in next st (ie. the stitch that sits directly above the centre of the 2dc puff cluster), ch2, sk next ch-1 sp, sc in next ch-1sp (ie. it sits directly above the “diamond shape” space between the 2dc puff cluster), rep from * across row ending with ch2, sc in top of tch. Turn
Row 16-17: repeat Row 12-13
Row 18: ch1, sc in 1st st, sc across, sc in last st
Switch to your third color (eg dark brown/oak)
Row 19: ch2 (counts as a st), [1sc, ch1, 1dc] into the 2nd st, sk 2ch, *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch, sk 2ch rep from * until end of the row and end with a sc in the last st. Turn
Switch to first color (eg cream)
Row 20-25: ch1 (counts as a st), *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] into next ch-1 sp, rep from * until the last ch-1 sp at end of row, ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat rows 8-25 following all the color changes, until you reach your “Finished Length Measurement minus 2-3 inches (approx)”. We minused 2 inches but if you want a deeper neckline you can minus more. Make sure you end on a [1sc, ch1, 1dc] cluster row. We will repeat these rows to finish off the neckline.
Crochet the Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under Back Panel so that you have an identical Front Panel.
Measure out the Neckline on the Back and and Front Panel
We will now measure out the neckline for the two panels. Crocheting two panels first without the neckline allows you “try it on” (see below) and ensures you get the perfect neckline width before you crochet the neckline on to the two panels.
We assume your last row is a [1sc, ch1, 1dc] cluster row.
Measure 4 inches in from the left edge of the back panel and place a stitch marker between the clusters ie. do not place a stitch marker in the centre of a cluster. Count the number of clusters from the edge. Count the same number of clusters from the right side and place another stitch marker between the clusters.
Repeat the same on the front panel on both sides.
Attach the two panels together lining up the 4 stitch markers and securing the panels together with locking stitch markers. Place the panels over your head and double check you are happy with the neck opening. If you would like it tighter then move the locking 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 either side and on the front and back panel. Also bear in mind that you will be crocheting a ribbing around the edge of your neckline.
For Kiks + Jack’s version, our width is approximately 17 inches and we measured 4.5 inches from each side for a wider neckline.
Crochet the Neckline on the Back and and Front Panel
Now that you are happy with the neckline measurements, we will start to crochet it. Start with the back panel and attach the yarn to the first stitch at the left shoulder. The neckline will be crocheted using [1sc, ch1, 1dc] cluster rows only.
Follow the color change pattern.
Row 1 (heading towards the SM): ch1 (counts as a st), *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] into next ch-1 sp, rep from * until the last ch-1 sp at end of row, ending with 1sc in the stitch with SM. Turn
Row 2: ch1 (counts as a st), *[1sc, ch1, 1dc] into next ch-1 sp, rep from * until the last ch-1 sp at end of row, ending with 1sc in top of tch. Turn
Repeat row 2 until you reach your “Finished Length Measurement”. It should only be about 2-3 inches.
Fasten off.
Tie a matching yarn on the other side at the second stitch marker and repeat row 2 until you reach your “Finished Length Measurement” and it matches the length of the other side.
Fasten off. We will add the ribbing around the neckline at the very end.
Repeat on the front panel.
Crochet the Sleeve Panel (Make 2)
We will now crochet the two sleeve panels. Remember you will need to make two identical sleeve panels and they are designed to be loose and oversized.
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Take your “Armhole Depth Measurement” and double it. | Our armhole depth measurement is 6.5 inches. Doubling it = 13 inches. |
| Add 1-2 inches for positive ease | 13 + 2 = 15 inches. |
Start with the first color (eg we used beige)
Chain a length as calculated above for the front panel and count the number of stitches. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
We want your total chain to be a multiple of 6 stitches. If it is not, add more chains to ensure your total chain ends on a multiple of 6 stitches.
Then add 1 more chain.
Example: We have to chain 15 inches as per our calculation above. We reached 15 inches after chaining 72 chains. 72 is already a multiple of 6 stitches, so we add 1 more chain for a total of 73 chains.
Repeat all the pattern directions in the back panel starting with Row 1 until you reach Row 25. Then repeat rows 8-25 until your sleeve length is equal to your “Arm Length Measurement”. Remember to follow your color stripe pattern. You will be seaming to the main panels so try to end on a solid row (vs an open stitch row)
We will show you how to check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” below so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Remember to crochet 2 identical sleeves.
Assembling The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
We highly recommend blocking your panels before assembly. We know it‘s exciting to start seaming, but taking this extra step will help set your panels to a more uniform shape and size and give your sweater a professional, polished finish. We pin each piece onto an old yoga mat, adjusting the shape and edges so the front and back match, and the sleeves match each other. Then we spray the panels generously with water, paying special attention to the edges until they’re fully saturated. Leave the pins in place until the panels are completely dry before moving on.
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 up to the end of the neckline. Fasten off. Make sure you seam on both shoulders.
Step 2: Line up your sleeves at the midway point to the shoulder and seam. Open up the two panels (now seamed at the shoulders) so that the right side is facing the floor and the wrong side is facing upwards. Take one of your crocheted sleeves and fold it in half lengthways. Place a stitch marker at the top of your sleeve at the centre point. With the wrong side of the sleeve facing up, attach this stitch marker to the left edge of the left shoulder seam.
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” the sleeve panel with a few stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on.
If you would like the sleeve to be longer you can add a few more rows on to your sleeve. You do this by unknotting your final knot when you fastened off at the end of the sleeve panel, attaching matching yarn and crocheting a few more rows. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter. You do this by unknotting your final knot when you fastened off and pulling out (frogging) the rows. Make sure you do the same on the second sleeve.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up).
Step 3: Seam the sides of the sweater and the bottom of the sleeve together. Fold the two panels and sleeve panels at the seamed shoulders so that your sweater is facing wrong side out. With a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sides of the two panels together up to the armpit and along the bottom of the sleeve.
This diagram is for illustrative purposes only and not to scale.
Fasten off.
Crochet a ribbing around the neckline.
Turn the sweater right side out. Attach a yarn to the side of the neckline.
Round 1: ch1, sc in the first st, sc evenly around the neckline into every st. The key is to keep the sc even. When you complete the round, sl st to join at the top of the tch.
Round 2: ch3, dc in 2nd st, dc around into every st, when you complete the round, sl st to join at the top of the tch
Round 3: ch3, *fpdc, bpdc, rep from * until end of the round, sl st to the first fpdc. You can scroll back up to the section Kiks + Jack Crochet Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations for instructions on how to crochet Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc).
Take a look at the thickness of your ribbing. If you would like to do another round, repeat Round 3, ensuring you fpdc into an fpdc and you bpdc into a bpdc.
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone, when you access them online. We meet the costs of running this website through coffee donations at https://ko-fi.com/kiksandjackcrochet and ad revenue. When you buy us a cup of coffee, you buy us a cup of motivation. Thank you for keeping us motivated and inspired every day to keep designing free crochet patterns for you to view at our blog online.
Congratulations you have finished The Birch Easy Long Sleeve Crochet Top. We hope you enjoyed this free and easy crochet pattern.
It would be amazing to see a photo of your completed work on instagram. Tag us @kiksandjackcrochet or follow us by clicking on the icons below.
