The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top is a beginner friendly, made to measure crochet pattern that is free for you to view below.
We had a rough week! It started with Pinterest recommending pins to us, which they often do, based on our activity. We were surprised to see our Fall to Winter Crochet Sweater recommended to us that we designed and wrote last year. Then…we were dismayed to see that when we clicked on the link it took us to a very large crochet website that had posted 6 of our crochet patterns (and counting) without any reference to us. They had stolen our photos, our instructional images and our entire pattern word for word. It was sad and shocking to see they had 20k followers on Instagram and 70k on Facebook!
We appreciate that this is typical of the online digital world, however it is a little heartbreaking. Kiks + Jack Crochet started from a place of crochet passion. It’s supposed to be a simple story of us, posting designs, photos and crochet patterns that we love ie. personal projects for the beginner crocheter to view and enjoy for free. It’s so sad that the reality is turning into issues of watermarking, reporting and writing messages to remove Kiks + Jack Crochet patterns.
You can see our full story on Instagram here (along with all the beautiful support we received).
So when we discovered this we were halfway writing the pattern for this long sleeve crochet top (that we personally love and wear pretty much every week). We were going to call it after a beautiful mountain area in New South Wales, Australia that we had visited.
After we wrote to them to remove our patterns from their site, they responded by posting two more. It was hard not to be upset and completely de-moralized (think “why are we posting our patterns for free when they are just being moved over to another person’s site?”)
However the support from the crocheting community has really reminded that this bad behaviour is the minority!
The majority are the ones that support us on social media, telling us how much they love what we do. Or beginner crocheters (our passion) who excitedly email us that they used one of our patterns to make their first crochet wearable (you go!) And crocheters from all around the world, that send us proud photos of their crochet work using our patterns!
So we changed the name to “Crochet is Love”, Long Sleeve Crochet Top. Because that IS the majority of this community. And now when we wear this garment, it will remind of us of why we started this blog in the first place …. to spread the crochet love and encourage people to start making their own beautiful basics that they can wear on an everyday basis.
If you think you have seen this crochet stitch design before…you have. It’s one of our favourite patterns, The Sea to Sky Laced Short Sleeve Crochet Top. We have always wanted to create a more cozy long sleeve version of this. However it needed a bit of a redesign because that pattern was designed as a T-shaped two panel. Generally we like that for short or mid sleeve, but not for long sleeves (and if you have been following our blog you will know we love oversized sleeves). We hope you like this version we intend to wear on its own in fall and under our crocheted cardigans in the winter too!
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.
Part of the reason we love the way this turned out is because we used one of our favourite draping yarns from Lion Brand Yarns. You can find out all the details and some great substitutions in our “Crochet Materials” section.
Let’s get started on The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top. All Kiks + Jack crochet patterns are written and designed for beginners so you will find detailed tips and explanations.
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DESCRIPTION of The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top is a light textured sweater that can be worn all season. It features a slightly oversized design and long sleeves. There is no ribbing on the sleeves and base. The neckline is simple and can be customized to be tighter or off the shoulder. The stitches used to create the lace and mesh are simple and beginner friendly. We incorporated a stripe pattern and show you how or you can omit it and crochet this in a solid colour.
The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is designed and written specifically for beginners. As a made to measure pattern, it is flexible on gauge, however we recommend you stay to one similar to Kiks + Jack Crochet.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS for Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
The Crochet is Love, 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” and size inclusive (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 Crochet is Love, 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 your waistline (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder.
Armhole Depth Measurement: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Arm Length: Measure from armpit to wrist (or where you would like the sleeve to end). We typically like our sleeves oversized.
Standard Sizing (For Reference)
If you would like to use standard sizing for the chest/bust โ 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 Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top is designed as a classic fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
Using a 4 mm crochet hook (US size 6), approximately 14 stitches and 8 rows of double crochet in 4โณ x 4โณ (10 cm x 10 cm).
Note: The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different crochet gauges. However you should try to select a yarn and hook with a similar gauge to this version.
CROCHET MATERIALS for Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
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Kiks + Jack Crochet promises to only recommend products that we love and that we use.
Yarn brand: Coboo by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/DK/ Light Worsted. 100g skein and 232 yards (or 212m).
You can also purchase Coboo here and we always check this for great deals.
Kiks + Jack Crochet’s version is approximately XS and had a finished width of approximately 17 inches and a finished length of 21 inches. We used approximately 5.3 skeins in total, or 1230 yards (or 1125 m).
NOTE: As this is a made to measure pattern, you will crochet a garment that fits perfectly according to your preferred dimensions and based on your yarn and gauge. As a result Kiks + Jack Crochet can only give estimates of yardage. Email us at [email protected] if you need some tips on how to estimate your yardage based on your preferred dimensions and your yarn.
Color used is Olive and Beige (for the stripe).
Other great substitutions to use for The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top include:
Happy Place by Hobbii. Weight 3/Light Worsted/DK and
Softee Cotton by Bernat. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted.
4 mm crochet hook (US size 6). 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!)
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 Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top pattern uses US terms.
ch = chain (With one loop on your hook, yarn over and pull through the loopโโ)
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)
BLO = back loop only
ch-1 sp = chain 1 space (eg. crochet into the space and not the stitch)
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 stitches together (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 insert hook into next stitch. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. You now have five loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all the loops) There are a number of ways to crochet a hdc2tog, however I find this way is great for beginners. Feel free to use another technique for hdc2tog if that works better for you.
tch = turning chain
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 Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top is first made from two identical panels. We will first crochet a back panel and then a front panel. We will then measure out the perfect neckline for you and then crochet the neckline. We then crochet two sleeve identical sleeve panels (without ribbing). We will seam the two panels together along with the sleeves.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Respect copyright laws and designers’ creative work! Do not publish or share the Crochet is Love, Long 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.
Do NOT use photos of The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
Crochet the Back Panel
Start with your primary colour (Kiks + Jack Crochet started with the olive green)
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Your Calculation | Kiks + Jack Crochet Example |
| Halve your โChest/Bust Measurementโ | Kiks + Jack Crochet’s chest/bust measurement used = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add an additional 1-2 inches for positive ease | 16 + 1 = 17 inches |
Chain a length as calculated above and count the stitches at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it. Keep it loose.
Increase the number of stitches if necessary to ensure you have a multiple of 6 stitches (divides evenly into 6).
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around and we have to chain 17 inches as per our calculation above. As we chained 17 inches, we counted 77 chains. We increase this by one to 78 chains so that it is a multiple of 6.
Add 1 more stitch.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: We added one more chain, so our foundation chain is now a total of 78 + 1 = 79 chains
Row 1: ch2, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc in the 1st st, hdc in each st across until the end. Turn
Row 3: ch 4, 1dc in 3rd st, *ch1, sk next st, 1dc in next st, rep from * to end. Turn
Row 4: ch 4, *1dc in top of next dc from previous row, ch1, sk st, rep from * to end, 1dc in top of tch. Turn. (You are effectively crocheting a dc into the top of the double crochets from the previous row separated by a ch1).
Kiks + Jack Crochet tip: It’s a great time to do an intuitive check to see if you are completely happy with the width of the sweater before you crochet any further. Sometimes you change your mind and you want it more or less oversized. Kiks + Jack Crochet suggest you hold it up against you after 4 rows of crochet to double check the width of the sweater. 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 ensuring you follow the stitch multiple instructions at the start.
Row 5: ch3, *dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next st, rep from * to end, dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 6: ch3, *dc BLO (back loop only) in each st across. Turn.
Row 7: repeat row 6
Row 8: ch3, 2dc in 1st st, sk 2st, 1sc in next st *sk 2st, 4dc in next st, sk 2st, 1sc in next st, rep from * to end and crochet 3dc into the last st. Turn
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: For the next 2 rows, it can be helpful to think of it as crocheting the scallop clusters in the current row between the scallop clusters from the previous row
Row 9: ch1, sc in 1st st, skip 2dc, *4dc in next st, 1sc between 2nd and 3rd dc of next scallop cluster, sk 2dc, rep from * to end and finish with 1sc in sp between last dc and ch-3 turn.
Row 10: ch3, 2dc in 1st st, *sk 2st, 1sc between 2nd and 3rd dc of next scallop cluster, sk 2st, 4dc in next st, rep from * to end and crochet 3dc into the last st. Turn
At this point Kiks + Jack Crochet switched colours to beige. We selected the next two rows of half double crochet to show the stripe. You can incorporate your stripe wherever you choose, and design how thin or wide you would like your stripe.
Row 11: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row the same number as your initial foundation chain (see note below first). Turn
Important Note: In the Kiks + Jack Crochet version we would crochet 79 half double crochets across in Row 11. To do this we crocheted 2hdc at the top of each full scallop cluster and 1hdc in the other stitches. The most important thing is that the total stitches in Row 11 needs to equal the total stitches in your initial foundation chain.
Repeat Rows 2-11 in that order until your panel reaches the “Finished Length Measurement” minus 1 to 2 inches. If you would like a tighter neckline closer to your neck, then minus less and if you would like a deeper neckline, then minus more (eg closer to 2 inches). Kiks and Jack Crochet wanted a tighter neckline and we minused 1 inch.
Try to finish on a row 2, 5-7 or 11 as the instructions on the neckline are based on half double crochet rows.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: Our “Finished Length Measurement” is 21 inches . We repeat rows 2-11 in that order until the entire length of the back panel equals 20 inches (21 – 1 = 20 inches). If we wanted a deeper neckline we would have stopped after 19 inches. Kiks + Jack Crochet finished on a row 5.
Fasten off.
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 ensure you get the perfect neckline width before you crochet the neckline on to the two panels.
Measure 4 inches in from the left edge of the back panel and place a stitch marker (we will be adjusting the exact inches that is right for you shortly). This will be the start of your neck opening. Repeat the same on the right side of the back panel.
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 distance (use a measuring tape) on either side and on the front and back panel.
For Kiks + Jack’s version, our width is approximately 17 inches and we measured 5 inches from each side.
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 near the left shoulder.
See “Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations” above for a guide on how to crochet a hdc2tog.
Row 1 (heading towards the stitch marker, SM): ch2, hdc in the 1st st and in each st, stopping 1 st before the st with the SM, hdc2tog the next 2 st. Turn
Row 2 (heading towards the edge): ch2, hdc2tog the first 2 st, hdc in the next st and across to the end. Turn
Row 3 (heading towards the SM): ch2, hdc in the 1st st and in each st, stopping 1 st before the last st, hdc2tog the next 2 st. Turn
Row 4: repeat row 2
Repeat rows 3-4 until the entire panel reaches your “Finished Length Measurement”.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: It’s a great time to do another quick intuitive check. Place the panel up against you and if you think you would like to add a few extra rows (ie. increase the depth of the neckline) you can do so here. Just remember to crochet the same number of rows on each side of both panels so it is even.
Kiks + Jack Crochet crocheted 4 rows of neckline, approximately 1 inch in length.
Fasten off.
Repeat the same number of neckline rows on the right side of the back panel, the left side of the front panel and the right side of 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.
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 an additional inch for positive ease. A larger positive ease will also give a wider sleeve | 13 + 1 = 14 inches. |
Start with your primary colour (Kiks + Jack Crochet used olive)
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.
Increase the number of stitches if necessary to ensure you have a multiple of 6 stitches (divides evenly into 6).
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: We have to chain 14 inches as per our calculation above. As we chained 14 inches, we counted 60 chains. We leave this as is, as 60 is a multiple of 6.
Add 1 more stitch.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Example: We added one more chain, so our foundation chain is now a total of 60 + 1 = 61 chains
Row 1: ch2, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across. Turn
Row 2: ch2, hdc in the 1st st, hdc in each st across until the end. Turn
Row 3: ch4, 1dc in 3rd st, *ch1, sk next st, 1dc in next st, rep from * to end. Turn
Row 4: ch4, *1dc in top of next dc from previous row, ch1, sk st, rep from * to end, 1dc in top of tch. Turn.
Row 5: ch3, *dc in ch-1 sp, dc in next st, rep from * to end, dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 6: ch3, *dc BLO in each st across. Turn.
Row 7: repeat row 6
Row 8: ch3, 2dc in 1st st, sk 2st, 1sc in next st *sk 2st, 4dc in next st, sk 2st, 1sc in next st, rep from * to end and crochet 3dc into the last st. Turn
Row 9: ch 1, sc in 1st st, skip 2dc, *4dc in next st, 1sc between 2nd and 3rd dc of next scallop cluster, sk 2dc, rep from * to end and finish with 1sc in sp between last dc and ch-3 turn.
Row 10: ch3, 2dc in 1st st, *sk 2st, 1sc between 2nd and 3rd dc of next scallop cluster, sk 2st, 4dc in next st, rep from * to end and crochet 3dc into the last st. Turn
At this point Kiks + Jack Crochet switched colours to beige. You should follow your own stripe design (or not) from your front and back panel.
Row 11: ch2, hdc in 1st st, hdc across the row the same number as your initial foundation chain (see note below first). Turn
Important Note: In the Kiks + Jack Crochet version we would crochet 61 half double crochets across in Row 11. To do this we crocheted 2hdc at the top of each full scallop cluster and 1hdc in the other stitches. The most important thing is that the total stitches in Row 11 needs to equal the total stitches in your initial foundation chain for your sleeve.
Repeat Rows 2-11 in that order until your sleeve panel reaches the “Arm Length Measurement“. If you haven’t already, crochet an hdc row as it will be easier to seam to the main panel (compared to a mesh row).
Note Kiks + Jack Crochet like oversized sleeves and crochet long sleeves past our wrist. However we will show you how to check the sleeve length again under “Assembly” so that you can ensure you have the perfect fit.
Fasten off.
Remember you need to crochet two identical sleeve panels.
Assembling the Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
Kiks + Jack Crochet highly recommends blocking all your panels before assembly. Blocking your panels will set your panels to the shape and size you want and give it a professional look.
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. Fasten off.
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.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: It is a good time to check the length of your sleeve. You can “seam” it with a few locking stitch markers to the main panel. Try it on. If you would like the sleeve to be longer you can remove the knot on your sleeve panel (where you fastened off) then add a few more rows on to your sleeve. Or you can reduce rows if you like your sleeves shorter by removing the knot first and pulling out (frogging) a few rows. Make sure you do the same on the second sleeve so they are identical.
When everything is perfect, using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the sleeves to the main panels (wrong side facing up) – see first diagram below (for illustrative purposes only).
Do the same on the right side with the other sleeve.
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. See second diagram below (for illustrative purposes only)
Fasten off.
Finish & Celebrate The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The Crochet is Love, Long Sleeve Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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