The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top is a free crochet pattern below that is made to measure, size inclusive and easy. It is designed and written specifically for beginners.
We have always loved working with beautiful, fine, cotton yarn in the summer. Sometimes it’s assumed that finer yarn is harder to work with for beginners. We haven’t found this to be the case. Yarn that splits, is fluffy and difficult to see, or is hard to frog is challenging for beginners. But a good quality cotton yarn that slips easily on and off your (smaller) hook is not necessarily harder than a worsted weight yarn.
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.
Sometimes we like the cotton to be a little stiffer if we are designing a more structured top like the Work to Weekend Pretty Lace Crochet Tee Top. We want it to drape less and hold its shape over a nice pair of work pants or skirt. Other times we want it to be luxuriously soft and team it with a stitch that results in gorgeous drape just like the Cottesloe v2.0 V Neck Tank Top.
The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top was inspired by The Casey Draping Vertical Stripe Crochet Top. We knew we wanted to crochet more “easy to wear tops”, with this beautiful yarn. Basically we just wanted more casual draping crocheted tops in our personal wardrobe.
This gorgeous yarn along with this easy but stunning crochet stitch, produce the kind of tops that you really donโt need to give much thought to. They are loose, oversized, drape in all the right places and most importantly easy to wear. You are also going to love how relaxing this stitch is.
The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top turned out exactly how we wanted. Slouchy, off the shoulder with oversized sleeves. If you would like yours to be a little more fitted, we will show you how as this is a made to measure pattern. You can customize the fit, the neckline (if you prefer to crochet it more “on the shoulder”) and the armhole depth.
Let’s get started on the The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top!
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DESCRIPTION of The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top
The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top is designed to be loose and oversized. It uses a gorgeous stitch that gives it a beautiful drape and an airy design. We incorporated a contrasting stripe and used the same colour to edge the sleeves. This easy crochet top would also look great in a solid colour too.
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 and the sleeve length and width.
The Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 2/sport yarn. The stitch pattern is simple using primarily double crochets.
CROCHET MEASUREMENTS & SIZES
The Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 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 Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top is designed as a loose fit with significant positive ease.
CROCHET GAUGE for The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top
Note The Stripes and Lace Beginner 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.
We used a weight 2/sport yarn and hook size 3.5 and our gauge is approximately 16 stitches across and 9 rows of double crochet in 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm).
CROCHET MATERIALS for The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top
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Yarn brand: Milla Mia Naturally Soft Cotton, Weight 2/Sport. 50g per skein and 180 yards (or 165 m) per skein. Approximately 5.6 skeins (280g) or 1008 yards (or 924 m) used for our garment (approximately S/M) with a finished width of 18.5 inches and a finished length of 23 inches.
Color used is Off White and Blue
We would also love to make this pattern in:
This Bernat yarn, weight 3/Light worsted/DK; and
This yarn by Hobbii, weight 2/Fine/Sport.
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 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-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 Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top
The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top is made by first crocheting a back panel. We then crochet a front panel with a fully customizable neckline. 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 Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top is a made to measure pattern that is written specifically for beginners.
PERMISSIONS AND COPYRIGHT
Please do not publish or share The Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 aroundHalf our chest/bust measurement = 32/2 = 16 inches |
| Add additional 2-3 inches for significant positive ease (it will also increase in width depending on how stretchy your yarn is after a few rows). If you would like this top more fitted then add only an inch. | 16 + 2 = 18 inches |
Start with Yarn A (eg white)
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.
Add 2 more chains.
For example Kiks + Jack crocheted 89 chains to reach a total length of 18 inches as per our calculation. However 89 is not a multiple of 6 (it does not divide into 6 evenly). Therefore we increase the number of chains to a total of 90 by adding 1 more chain so that it is a multiple of 6. We then add 2 more chains to take the total to 92 chains.
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 dc, *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 top before you crochet any further. You may want to hold it up against you after 3-4 rows of crochet to see if the width of the top 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. 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 5 rows of white yarn and 1 row of blue yarn. You can use any stripe pattern that works for you and the yarn you have selected and keep this consistent throughout the back panel.
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, however this wasn’t the case for this pattern for our version.
Repeat rows 2-3 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
Don’t forget to follow your desired stripe design when crocheting the front panel.
Repeat all the instructions under โCrochet the Main Back Panelโ except stop when the length equals 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.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: We finished on a thin blue stripe so that we did not need to worry about a colour change for the neckline.
Fasten off.
Measure the Neckline on the Front Panel
We will now measure out the neckline width on the front panel before we crochet it.
Measure 4 inches in from the left edge of the front 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 front panel by counting in the same number of clusters and placing a locking stitch marker in the centre of the cluster.
Place the front panels up near your neck 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. Note that the neckline will widen a little outwards as you crochet it.
Make sure you have marked out the same number of clusters on both sides 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 18.5 inches. We measured approximately 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 Front Panel
Once you are satisfied with the neckline measurements and have marked it with locking stitch markers, we will now crochet the neckline. Attach the yarn to the first stitch near the left shoulder on the front panel.
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 in the centre, if its a 3dc cluster below or a [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster in the centre if it’s a [1dc, ch1, 1dc] cluster below). End with 2dc in the st with st marker. Turn
Row 2: ch3, 3dc into centre dc of the 3dc cluster below OR [1dc, ch1, 1dc] in next ch-1 sp of cluster below (once again take a look at what cluster is directly below in the row 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 front panel reaches a length equal to your “Finished length measurement” and the two panels are the same length on the left side.
Before you crochet the right side of your front panel, place the front panel up against you and take a look at how the neckline sits on this left side. Check you are happy with the width. It’s best to make these intuitive checks and if necessary make adjustments, before you crochet the neckline on the other side.
Fasten off.
Repeat the instructions on the right side of the front panel.
Hold the front panel up against you and double check you are satisfied with the neckline on both sides before you seam the two panels together.
Assembly of The Stripes and Lace Beginner 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 of the front panel. Start at the edge and across the top.
Fasten off.
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” + 1-2 inches (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 example, Kiks + Jack Crochet’s armhole depth measurement is equal to 7 inches so we measure 9 inches from the top down the side and place a stitch marker through both panels (note we wanted our armholes oversized for this top). This will be the bottom of the sleeve opening.
Kiks + Jack Crochet Tip: Try it on and see if you are comfortable with the arm opening. 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.
Note: We used the same colour as our stripe (ie. blue) for contrasting sleeves.
Round 1: ch1 (place a stitch marker in this ch to mark the start of the row), sc evenly around the sleeve and don’t make it too wide apart. Count your stitches and end on a multiple of 6 plus one additional stitch, sl st to join at top of tch. Turn.
Kiks + Jack Crochet 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 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.
Round 3: repeat round 2
For Kiks + Jack’s version, we stopped after 3 rounds, however you can continue to repeat round 2 until you reach your desired sleeve 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.
FINISH & CELEBRATE The Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top
Weave in all your ends.
Congratulations you have finished the Stripes and Lace Beginner Crochet Top and we hope you enjoyed this free crochet pattern.
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.
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