The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt is a free, beginner-friendly pattern that’s fully customizable, size inclusive, and designed to be intuitive and easy to follow. The instructions are posted in full below.
If you have been following our blog, you will probably know that we love simple basics. Clothing that is fun, fast, easy to crochet AND looks great in the everyday wardrobe. It takes a long time to crochet something and it’s important to us to get maximum use out of each piece. That means it has to be something we would reach for every day and can be dressed up and down in multiple styles.
When we first saw this yarn, we were absolutely intrigued as to how it would turn out. It was short pops of contrasting color amongst a standard base color. We knew that using this yarn in combination with a wider stitch, like a shell stitch, was going to give us this super random colored deconstructed tee shirt that would be unique and impossible to replicate. As we wanted to keep the color changes on the larger part of the stitch (the clusters) we decided to use the same base color for each single crochet row. For this we decided to use another yarn that had a bamboo rayon through it to give it extra drape.
We absolutely loved the end result. It reminded us of the Australian beach back home. The blue with white tipped waves, the yellow sand, the incredible pink sunsets and the green grass that seems to sit above every Aussie beach. Surfers Paradise is another gorgeous Oz beach and that’s why we named this The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt!
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If you want to achieve the same effect, feel free to use the same yarn we did. You can catch all the details in the section Crochet Materials below. On the other hand, if you want to use another yarn – no problem! All our patterns are written made to measure, which means it is written to your measurements and you don’t need to worry too much about matching gauge exactly. We do suggest however if you are going to use to different types of yarn to pick two of similar weight.
If you are looking for more cute tee tops, check out The Sea to Sky Laced Short Sleeve, The Holiday Lace and Mesh Crochet Top and The Work to Weekend Pretty Lace Crochet Tee Top.
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DESCRIPTION of The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirtย is an easy crochet top using a shell stitch pattern.ย The shell stitch pattern is made from one row of clusters and a second row of single crochets, giving it a nice striped contrast. It is designed to be slightly oversized however you can customize this based on your desired fit.
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt features a simple, high crew neck design. We added a contrasting trim to the neckline.ย The sleeves are short and can be customized.ย
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt is a made to measure, size inclusive, and beginner friendly pattern. It can accommodate different yarn gauges.
CROCHET MEASUREMENT & SIZES
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt pattern instructions are made to measure, based on your required measurements.
At Kiks + Jack Crochet, we aim to design patterns that are made to measure. This approach celebrates the individuality of your body, something we believe for every handmade piece. Unlike standard sizing, which confines bodies to a range from XS to 5XL, made-to-measure lets you define the fit using your actual measurements. Every body is unique, and we shouldnโt have to conform to a size chart. We would prefer to leave that for mass production, not handmade craftsmanship.
That said we appreciate taking measurements may be inconvenient for some and have provided standard measurements below for those who would like to use it.
To use the Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt 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 below 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 ie. just above the hips.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the top outside edge of the shoulder down to the armpit
Length to armpit: Measure from armpit to where you would like the sleeve to end. For this version we kept our sleeves short from about mid upper arm.
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 for XS (S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) 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 Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt is designed as a classic fit with some positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt pattern can accommodate for yarns with different gauges, you do not need to match ours exactly or start swatching – however try to select a yarn and hook with a gauge similar to this version.
Using a crochet hook size 4 mm (US size 6) approximately 15 stitches and 9 rows of double crochet in 4โณ x 4โณ (10 cm x 10 cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
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Yarn Brand: 24/7 Cotton DK Yarn by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250 m). We used the colour Sea Glass.
We also used Truboo by Lion Brand Yarn. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 241 yards (or 220 m). We used the colour Sky.
Note: before you purchase your yarn we do want to warn that by using two different yarns (one for the clustered row and another for the single crochet row), it looks gorgeous….but there is quite a bit of weaving in. If you absolutely hate weaving in you may want to use one type of yarn (it could still be multi-colored).
Approximately 3.3 skeins or 900 yards (or 825 m) used for our garment in total with a finished width of 17 inches and a finished length of 21 inches.ย As we used two different types of yarn we purchased 3 skeins of 24/7 Cotton DK and 1 skein of Truboo.
Here are some other yarns we would love to try with this crochet pattern:
Softee Cotton by Bernat. Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted.
24/7 Cotton (weight 4) by Lion Brand Yarns or purchased here on Amazon.
Happy Place by Hobbii. This is a cotton wool blend and is one of our favourite cotton blend yarns.
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!)
Yarn Winder!!! (Our new LOVE). 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 Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt pattern uses US terminology.
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)
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)
tch = turning chain
sl st = slip stitch
st = stitch
sk = skip stitch
SM = stitch marker
* = 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 Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt is made by first crocheting a back panel and an identical front panel. We will start by crocheting the panels bottom up. We will then crochet the neckline on both panels after customizing the neckline opening.
The two panels will then be seamed together.ย Sleeves will be crocheted directly on to the panels. A simple contrasting edge will be added to neckline.
The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT for The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
You may not publish or share any pattern on this website www.kiksandjackcrochet as your own including this pattern The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt. 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 Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt pattern upon permission by email at [email protected]. Please link back to this post in exchange.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
Friendly reminder: We used two different yarns (one for the clustered row and another for the single crochet row), and we absolutely love the effect….but there is quite a bit of weaving in at the end. We use a combination of crocheting over our ends and seaming then in. If you absolutely hate weaving in you may want to use one type of yarn only (it could still be multi-colored).
Crochet the Main Back Panel
Calculate the length of your foundation chain as follows:
| Halve your โChest/Bust Measurementโ | Our chest/bust measurement = 32 inches around Half our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 1-2 inches for positive ease. | 16 + 1 = 17 inches |
Use the 1st color (your “main yarn” eg we used our multi colored 24/7 DK 3)
Chain a length as calculated above (ie its 17 inches for Kiks + Jack) counting the number of chains at the same time. Do not pull the chain too tight when you measure it.
Make sure the total number of chains is a multiple of 4. If the total number of chains is not a multiple of 4, then increase the number of chains so that the total number of chains is a multiple of 4. If you already have a multiple of 4 then keep it as is.
Chain 1 more.
Kiks + Jack Crochet 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 70 chains. 70 is not a multiple of 4. Therefore we add 2 more chains to make it 72 which is a multiple of 4. We then add 1 extra chain to make the total number of chains 73.
Row 1: ch4, 4dc in 5th chain from hook, *sk 3ch, 4dc in next ch, rep from * across the row until last 4ch, sk 3ch, 3dc in last ch. Cut yarn.
Use the 2nd color for the next row (eg we used our blue Truboo)
Row 2: Turn, ch1, sc in 1st st, sc across the row, ending with sc in top of tch. Cut yarn.
Use the 1st color (eg multi)
Row 3: Turn, ch3, 2dc in 2nd st, *sk 3st, 4dc in next st, rep from * across the row ending with dc in last st. Cut yarn.
Use the 2nd color (eg blue)
Row 4: repeat row 2
Use the 1st color (eg multi)
Row 5: Turn, ch3, sk 3st, *4dc in next st, sk 3st, rep from * across the row ending with 3dc in last st. Cut yarn.
At this point stop and there are two things to consider:
i) If you are loving the look after 5 rows and happy with the yarn switch – keep going! If you aren’t loving the yarn switch after each row – consider using only one type of skein/color (no yarn switch) OR you could crochet Rows 2 & 3 in one color and Rows 4 & 5 in another color (reduce the yarn switching).
ii) It’s a great time to check if you are completely happy with the width of the top before you crochet any further. Hold it up against you to check. 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 the rules relating to the stitch multiples.
Repeat rows 2-5 in that order until the total length is equal to your “Finished Length Measurement” less 1-2 inches (depending on how deep you would like your neckline). Make sure to finish on a row 2
Kiks + Jack wanted a finished length of 21 inches and a high neckline. We crocheted rows 2-5 until our total length is equal to 20 inches leaving 1 inch for the neckline. We made sure we finished on a row 2.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under the Back Panel so that you have an identical Front Panel.
Measure the Neckline on the Front and Back Panel
We will now measure out the width of the neckline opening on the front and back panel. We really like to crochet certain tops this way as it allows you to “try it on” and ensures the width of the neckline is perfect – which is important for the perfect fitting tee!
Measure approximately 4 inches in from the left edge of the back panel and place a stitch marker so it sits on a sc positioned between two clusters (and not directly above a cluster). This will be the start of your neck opening. Count the same number of clusters from the right edge of the back panel and place a SM between the clusters.
Do the same on the front panel on both sides.
Attach the two panels together lining up the 4 stitch markers and secure the panels together with locking stitch markers. Place the panels over your head. If you would like it tighter then move the stitch markers closer to your neck ensuring the SM is between clusters. 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 each side on both the front and back panel. Check it feels comfortable to remove on and off.
Crochet the Neckline on the Front and Back Panel
Lets start with the back panel. Lay it down with the right side facing you.
You should have just completed a row 2 and the next row should be either a row 3 or 5. Attach your yarn to the right edge.
Crochet your next row (either a row 3 or row 5) working from the edge towards the stitch marker. Treat the stitch with the stitch marker as your “last stitch” ie. you will either crochet a dc into this SM stitch (Row 3) or crochet 3dc into this SM stitch (Row 5).
Crochet Row 2 (single crochet row) as per normal moving from the stitch marker towards the right edge of your top.
Continue this until the length of your top is equal to your Finished Length. It is best to finish on a Row 2 as the single crochet row is better for seaming. Fasten off.
Now lets move on to the left side.
Attach your yarn to the stitch with the stitch marker on the left side. Again your next row should be either a row 3 or 5.
Crochet your next row working from the stitch marker to the left edge of your top.
Crochet Row 2 (single crochet row) as per normal moving from the left edge of your top towards the stitch marker and end on top of tch.
Continue this until the length of your top is equal to your Finished Length and is the same as your right side. Fasten off.
Repeat the same process on your front panel on both sides.
You should now have a back panel and a front panel completed with a high neckline. You will be adding a trim around this neckline so don’t worry too much if you neckline isn’t completely rounded and smooth.
Assembling The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
At Kiks + Jack Crochet, we strongly recommend blocking all your panels before sewing them together. Blocking helps shape your panels to the correct size and gives your finished garment a clean, professional finish. We like to block by pinning each piece onto an old yoga mat, gently adjusting the shape so the front and back panels match. Then we spray the panels with water, paying extra attention to the edges to ensure theyโre fully saturated. Leave the pins in place until the panels are completely dry.
Place the two panels together with the right side facing together and the wrong side facing outwards.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn, seam the two shoulders together. Attach a yarn on the left side and seam across (on the wrong side). Do the same on the other side.
Measure the “Armhole Depth Measurement“+ 2 inch from the top edge towards the bottom edge on the front and back panel, and place a locking stitch marker clipping both panels. This will mark the bottom of your sleeve opening under the armpit.
Do the same on the other side of the top.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn seam the sides of your top together (make sure you are seaming on the wrong side and right sides are facing together). Start from the bottom edge and seam all the way up to the stitch markers.
(See diagram below – illustrative purposes only)
Do the same on the other side.
You should now have two panels seamed together at the shoulders and the sides, with arm openings. We will now crochet the sleeves directly on.
Crochet the Sleeves
You will now be crocheting directly around the sleeve opening.
Turn the top right side out.
Start with your preferred color and attach yarn at the stitch marker (at the bottom near the armpit).
Note: we crocheted 2 rounds before we switched yarns (this is different to the main panels). We did this because it gave our sleeves more drape (as it incorporated more Truboo yarn which has more drape than the 24/7 Cotton DK) and we always like slight changes to the sleeve design.
Tip: We like to use a SM to place at the top of the tch to help us at the end of the round ie. so we know exactly where to slip stitch into to complete the round. We have showed you how we do this on Round 1 and 2 below.
Round 1: ch1 (place a stitch marker for reference in the chain 1), sc evenly around the armhole counting the stitches at the same time. End the row on a multiple of 4 stitches. At the end of the row sl st into the ch1.
Round 2: ch3 (place a SM at top of tch), 4dc in 1st st, *sk 3ch, 4dc in next st, rep from * across the round until end, ending with 3dc in last st, sl st to join top of tch/SM.
Round 3: ch1, sc around until end, sl st to join top of tch.
Switch yarns.
Round 4: ch3, 4dc in st that is positioned between next 2 clusters, *sk3, 4dc in next st, rep from * across the round until end, ending with 1dc in last st and sl st to top of tch
Tip: It’s a great time to try the top on and see if you are fully comfortable with the armhole opening after a few rounds of the sleeve. If you would like to increase or decrease the opening, it’s best to make those changes now before you crochet further and on the other side.
Round 5: repeat round 3
Switch yarns.
Round 6: ch3, 3dc in 1st st, 4dc in st that is positioned between next 2 clusters, *sk3, 4dc in next st, rep from * across the round until end, ending with 3dc in the last st , sl st to join top of tch.
Round 7: repeat round 3
Repeat round 4-7 in that order until your sleeve reaches the “Arm Length Measurement”. We stopped when the sleeve was approximately half way down our upper arm.
Fasten off.
Repeat the sleeve on the other side of the top so that it is identical.
Crochet around the neckline.
We did a simple single crochet around the neckline using a contrasting colour for the Kiks + Jack version.
We used a smaller hook (half size down).
Attach contrasting (or not) yarn to the side of the neckline.
ch1, sc around, sl st to join. Once again try to sc around evenly and don’t make it too tight. You could also crochet another round of single crochet if you would like a slightly wider trim.
Fasten off.
Celebrate The Surfers Paradise Short Sleeve Crochet Tee Shirt
Weave in all your ends.
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