The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is a free crochet pattern below that is made to measure, size inclusive and super easy. It is designed and written specifically for beginners.
We absolutely love it when a design this easy turns out this well! If you have been following Kiks + Jack Crochet, you probably know that our first passion is designing for beginners! You never forget that feeling when you first switch over from crocheted blankets and dish cloths (love these items btw!) and crochet your first wearable. We actually started Kiks + Jack Crochet to encourage as many new beginners to make that leap over to wearables and experience that first time crochet joy!!
So when we designed the So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top, we were so excited. It is the easiest construction, has gorgeous drape, and crocheted using the prettiest stitch!! Do you love the stitch pattern? It has the perfect combination of solid areas and spaces! We have never used it before and we really want to start working with it more. It’s fast (crocheting into spaces), it’s really fun and it’s so beautiful.
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone’s viewing, 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.
We used a yarn that we have never worked with before. It’s from Hobbii and we absolutely love how soft it is. We suggest using a yarn that drapes for this pattern. When you are starting out your crocheting journey, take the time to find a yarn that feels good on your skin. It doesn’t have to be expensive….it just has to feel good. You will just wear it better if you feel good in it.
You can find all the details of the yarn we used in the section “Crochet Materials” below. We appreciate you may be sourcing from yarn suppliers different to us, so we will always try to offer you substitutions and suggestions too. And although we started writing “made to measure” patterns so that we could always try to be size inclusive, the great thing is that strict gauge isn’t quite as important for our patterns.
We hope you love The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top as much as we do! If this is your first time crocheting a wearable please reach us on social media or instagram to show us. We are so motivated when we receive emails and DMs from beginners crocheting their first top or sweater … and it gets us back to the design room to create more free crochet patterns!
If you are looking for more super easy tops, take a look at the Forest Walk Easy Crochet Sweater and The Casey Draping Vertical Stripe Crochet Top.
So, let’s get started on the The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top! Click on the social media icons below to follow us and stay up to date with Kiks + Jack Crochet Pattern releases (and please show us what you are making too!)
DESCRIPTION of The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is designed to be a loose, casual and oversized top. It uses a beautiful stitch that gives the top stunning drape. We incorporated a contrasting stripe however this can be easily left out and crocheted as a solid colour.
The neckline is wide and flattering and can be customized so that it sits off the shoulder or on the shoulder. You can also customize the fit, although it is designed to be oversized. We loved the raw scalloped edge on the neckline and kept it as is.
The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is a free and easy crochet pattern available as a size inclusive made to measure pattern. It is beginner friendly and uses primarily double crochets and the chain stitch.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The So Pretty So Easy Oversized 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 with flexibility on the gauge used. 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 So Pretty So Easy Oversized 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 below your hips (or where you would like the top to end) up to the top of your shoulder.
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 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 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 So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is designed as a loose fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
Note The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top pattern is made to measure and can accommodate for different gauges. However try to select a yarn weight and hook size that is similar to ours.
For this pattern, we used a weight 3/DK/light worsted yarn and hook size 5 and our gauge is approximately 14 stitches across and 12 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm).
We suggest using a yarn that drapes for this pattern.
CROCHET MATERIALS for The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
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Yarn brand: Acacia by Hobbii Yarn Weight 3/DK/Light Worsted. 100g per skein and 273 yards (or 250 m) per skein. Approximately 3.3 skeins (330g) or 900 yards (or 825 m) used for our garment (approximately S/M) with a finished width of 24 inches and a finished length of 24 inches.
Color used is Hunter Green and Ecru.
We would also love to make this pattern in:
This Bernat yarn, weight 3/Light worsted/DK; and
This yarn Milla Mia Naturally Soft Cotton, Weight 2/Sport/Fine.
We highly suggest you select a yarn that drapes for this pattern.
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 them 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 colorful.
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 case 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 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)
ch-3 sp = chain 3 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 So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel from the bottom up. We then crochet an identical front panel. We measure out the neckline which is fully customizable to be wide and off the shoulder or more narrow and on the shoulder. We will then seam the front panel and the back panels at the shoulder and the sides.
The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top is a made to measure pattern that is written specifically for beginners. As a made to measure pattern the gauge should be similar to ours but does not need to be identical.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The So Pretty So Easy Oversized 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 Kiks + Jack Crochet photos as your own photos.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS for The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
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 |
| The top is designed to be oversized so that it hangs off your shoulders like mock sleeves. We added an additional 8 inches. That is equivalent to a 50% increase. ie. 16 inches x 1.5 = 24 inches. If you would like it less oversized than ours you can multiply it by less eg 1.3 or 1.4 (and round up) | 16 x 1.5 inches = 24 inches |
Start with primary colour Yarn A (eg green)
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 5. If not, increase the number of chains so that you finish on a multiple of 5.
Add 4 more chains.
For example Kiks + Jack crocheted 79 chains to reach a total length of 24 inches as per our calculation. However 79 is not a multiple of 5 (it does not divide into 5 evenly). Therefore we increase the number of chains to a total of 80 by adding 1 more chain so that it is a multiple of 5. We then add 4 more chains to take the total to 84 chains.
Row 1: [4dc, ch3, 1dc] into the 6th ch from the hook, *sk 4, [4dc, ch3, dc] in next ch, rep from * across to last 3ch, sk2, dc in last ch. Turn
Row 2: ch3, *[4dc, ch3, dc] in ch-3 sp, rep from * to the last ch-3 sp, dc in top of tch. Turn
Row 3: repeat row 2
It’s a great time to perform an intuitive check. See if you are completely happy with the width of the top before you crochet any further. Hold it up against you after 3-4 rows of crochet. Check if the width of the top still works for you. Place it up against your shoulders and see how it drapes over your shoulders and down your arms. It should drape a little down your arms like mock sleeves. This is an oversized design. 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. It’s important to make these intuitive checks as sometimes your yarn stretches out more or less than you expected and sometimes we just change our minds on desired fit!
Design your stripe pattern. Our stripe pattern is 8 rows of green yarn and 2 rows of white yarn. You can use any stripe pattern that works for you and keep this pattern consistent throughout the back panel. You may also choose to omit the stripe and crochet it in a beautiful solid colour.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: There are many ways to change yarn colours. We find the easiest for beginners is to finish the row with Yarn A, turn, yarn over with Yarn B, pull through Yarn B, chain with Yarn B and continue. We crochet for a few stitches down the row (now with Yarn B) and then if necessary cut Yarn A, tie a knot between Yarn A to Yarn B. We write “if necessary” because in some thin stripe patterns you are able to simply bring Yarn A up and over Yarn B. This wasn’t the case for our version.
Repeat Row 2 in line with your desired stripe pattern, until the back panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished Length Measurement“.
Fasten off.
Crochet the Main Front Panel
Repeat all the instructions under โCrochet the Main Back Panelโ so that you have an identical front panel.
Don’t forget to follow your desired stripe design when crocheting the front panel.
Fasten off.
Measure out the Neckline
We will now measure out the perfect neckline width for you. Let’s start with the front panel.
Measure 8 inches in from the left edge of the front panel and place a locking stitch marker. This will be the start of your neck opening.
Repeat the same on the right side of the front panel.
Repeat the same on both sides of your back panel.
Line the two panels up together and using the locking stitch markers you placed attach the two panels together at the neckline – ie. they are attached together at the 8 inch mark.
Place the two panels over your head and check whether you need to make adjustments to the neck opening. If you would like the neckline to be tighter (and less “off the shoulder”) then move the stitch markers closer to your neck. If you would like the neck opening wider (and more “off the shoulder”), then move the stitch markers away from your neck.
For reference, Kiks + Jack crocheted a top with a total width of approximately 24 inches. We measured approximately 7.5 inches from each side. This gave us a slightly wider shoulder that could fall off one shoulder if we wanted it to, but was also able to rest on both shoulders. If we wanted this top to be a closer fit (on the shoulder only) we would have measured it to approximately 9 inches from each side.
Assembly of The So Pretty So Easy Oversized 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. Start at the edge and across the top up to your stitch markers.
Fasten off.
Kiks + Jack Crochet loved the raw scalloped edge around the neckline, and kept this as is.
Step 2: Measure the Armholes and Seam the Sides Together
Measure from the top of the sweater and down the side, your “Armhole Depth Measurement” + 1 inch (this depends on how oversized you want the armhole opening) and place a stitch marker through both panels. Do the same on the other side.
For Kiks + Jack Crochet, our armhole depth measurement is equal to 7 inches so we measure 8 inches from the top down the side and place a stitch marker through both panels. This will be the bottom of the sleeve opening.
It’s a great time to do another intuitive check. Try it on and see if you are comfortable with the arm opening. Adjust the stitch markers if necessary and using a measuring tape, 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.
Fasten off
FINISH & CELEBRATE The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished The So Pretty So Easy Oversized Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
We are trying to keep all our crochet patterns free for everyone’s viewing, 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.
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