Crocheted Cropped Summer Top Pattern

Caron International's Casual and Cropped Crochet Top
Caron International’s Cropped and Casual Crochet Summer Top

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I started a search back in the spring for crocheted tops that would carry me through the summer. I wanted to crochet tops that were lacy enough to let a breeze through, but not too lacy that I’d have to wear something underneath them. I’d envisioned making several tops in different colors, but as fate or life or lack of time would have it, I only got around to crocheting two.

The Pattern

The first one was based on a pattern designed by my Facebook friend, BrownSugar Ravenel. If I crochet that one again, I’ll use a lighter weight yarn.

I crocheted the second one, pictured above, from a free Caron International pattern called the Cropped and Casual Summer Top (Unfortunately, the pattern is no longer available. Contact me via email or the contact form for a copy). While the pattern stitch looks intricate, it’s actually a simple, two-row repeat that works up quickly. And there’s only a bit of shaping at the neckline, making this a pattern an advanced beginner should have no problems with.

The Yarn

The pattern calls for Caron Simply Soft yarn, but if you’ve been with me long enough, you know I am trying to use up my yarn stash. And I just so happened to have copious amounts of a decent, worsted-weight cotton yarn. So I substituted the pattern yarn with my stash yarn.

I used a G (4.00 mm) hook and four skeins of Caribbean Cotton Yarn (one 5-oz skein yields 258 yards). I think a DK-weight yarn would work well, too, and that’s what I think Simply Soft is, even though it’s labeled as worsted weight.

Foundation Single Crochet Stitch

What I really like about this pattern is the fact that it uses the foundation single crochet stitch instead of the customary chain to begin the pattern. This stitch is pretty easy to make, but just in case you aren’t familiar with it, here’s a video that shows you how to do it.

The foundation single crochet bottom edge makes for a nice border, so you don’t have to add one like you would if you’d started with a chain. The only border you’ll add is one round of single crochet at the neck edge.

I highly recommend this pattern for the following reasons:

  • Except for the shaping at the neck edge, you’re essentially crocheting two big squares.
  • The pattern stitch is simple enough that you can do it while watching TV in the evening, my favorite way to crochet.
  • It has a lot of ease, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding a size that will fit you.
  • You can either follow the pattern to create a cropped top or add some length to it which I plan to do next time I make one. If you want to make the top longer, I’d recommend purchasing an extra skein of yarn.
  • And if you want to make it wider, the pattern stitch is a multiple of 8 + 3.

I love simple construction techniques that result in fashionable crochet wearables that are easy to make. This pattern definitely fits the bill.

I've been crocheting for over 40 years and blogging since 2004 - two of my favorite things in the world to do besides walking the beaches of windward Oahu, Hawaii.

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