Skill Level: Easy
Materials:
- Yarn: DK weight cotton blend yarn, such as Lion Brand Coboo (100 g / 3.5oz / 232 yards / 212 m / 51% cotton / 49% rayon from bamboo).
- Crochet Hook: 4.00mm (or hook size to meet gauge)
- Notions: Stitch markers, locking stitch markers, yarn needle
Gauge:
- 20 stitches = 4 inches
- 12 rows = 4 inches (with a 4.00mm crochet hook)
Sizes:
Women’s XS through 5XL
(Note: Adjustments are written in parentheses, for example, XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)).
Stitch Abbreviations:
- ch(s): chain(s)
- sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
- sp(s): space(s)
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- SM: stitch marker
- Rep: repeat
- Rnd: round
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
- BLO: back loop only
Honeycomb Mesh Crochet Stitch:
- This stitch pattern creates an airy and open mesh that is perfect for summer wear.
- The stitch used for this pattern involves half double crochet (hdc) stitches worked into chain spaces, which provides a lighter, more breathable fabric than typical dense crochet patterns.
Construction:
This top is crocheted from the bottom up in joined and turned rounds, which minimizes seaming. You’ll work a simple repeat until you reach your desired length, and then split for the front and back panels, adding simple shoulder shaping before seaming.
How to Make the Crochet Top:
1. Bottom Hem:
- Foundation:
- Chain the number of stitches for your size (refer to the size chart for the number of stitches).
- Join the chain to form a circle, making sure not to twist it.
- Round 1:
- Using a 4.00mm crochet hook, work a round of single crochet (sc) into each stitch around.
- Join the round with a slip stitch.
- Round 2:
- Repeat Round 1 to form the bottom hem of the top.
Honeycomb Mesh Stitch Pattern:
- Round 3:
- Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), hdc in the next 2 stitches, (ch 3, skip 2 stitches, hdc in the next 2 stitches), repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch to the first hdc.
- This round creates the honeycomb pattern and sets the foundation for the rest of the top.
- Round 4:
- Ch 2, hdc in the first stitch, ch 2, 2 hdc in the next ch-3 space, ch 3, 2 hdc in the next ch-3 space, repeat from * to * around. Join with a slip stitch.
- Round 5:
- Ch 2, hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 hdc in the next ch-3 space, ch 3, repeat from * to * around, ending with a hdc in the last stitch. Join with a slip stitch.
- Rounds 6 – 13:
- Repeat Rounds 4 and 5 for the next rounds, adjusting based on your gauge and ensuring the mesh pattern opens up as you go. These rounds help the mesh grow and create the desired look.
3. Adjusting Top Length:
- Once you’ve reached the desired length from the bottom hem to the top of the armholes, you can stop the mesh stitch pattern.
- If you want a longer top, continue adding rounds, and if you prefer a shorter top, reduce the number of rounds. The length is adjustable based on your personal preference.
4. Split for Front and Back Panels:
- Once you have reached the bottom of the armhole, split the top into two sections: one for the front panel and one for the back panel.
- Front Panel:
- Work the front panel first by following the stitch pattern as you continue, adjusting the shoulder shaping as you move up.
- Back Panel:
- Similarly, work the back panel, adding the same shoulder shaping.
5. Shoulder Shaping:
- After completing both the front and back panels, you will add shaping at the shoulder areas.
- Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the shoulder shaping and work the necessary decrease stitches to shape the shoulders.
6. Seaming Shoulders:
- With the right sides facing out, line up the front and back shoulder edges.
- Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch to seam the shoulder edges together. Be sure to match up the stitches accurately for a clean seam.
Short Sleeve Cuffs:
To finish the armholes, you’ll add a short sleeve cuff to each one. Here’s how to do that:
- Join Yarn:
- At the bottom of the armhole opening, join your yarn with a standing single crochet (sc) stitch.
- Round 1:
- Ch 1, then work 1 single crochet (sc) into each stitch around the armhole opening.
- Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first sc.
- Rounds 2-3:
- Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first sc at the end of each round.
- Adjusting the Cuff:
- If you prefer a wider cuff, repeat Round 2 to create a larger cuff. You can continue adding rounds to make the cuff the width you desire.
- If the cuff feels too tight, you can use a larger crochet hook, such as a 5.00mm hook, for a looser fit.
- Fasten Off:
- Once your cuffs are to your liking, fasten off the yarn and weave in any loose ends.
8. Shoulder Seaming:
After completing the body and sleeves, it’s time to seam the shoulders.
- Lay out the Top:
- Place the front and back pieces flat with the right sides facing out. Align the shoulder edges from both the front and back panels.
- Pin or Use Stitch Markers:
- Secure the shoulder edges using stitch markers or pins to hold the pieces together while you seam.
- Seam the Shoulders:
- Thread a yarn needle with a piece of yarn (about 4 times the width of the shoulder) and use a mattress stitch to seam the shoulder edges together.
- Ensure the stitches match up neatly to maintain the integrity of the top’s design. Mattress stitch creates a nearly invisible seam, which works perfectly for shoulder joins.
- Repeat for the Other Shoulder:
- Once the first shoulder is seamed, repeat the process for the second shoulder.
9. Final Touches:
Weave in Ends:
- Use a yarn needle to weave in any remaining loose ends from the body, sleeves, and shoulder seams. Make sure to weave in your ends securely to avoid any unraveling.
Block the Top:
- If you want to help your top maintain its shape, consider blocking it. Blocking will open up the mesh pattern and allow the stitches to relax, especially for the honeycomb mesh design.
- Gently wash the top and then pin it to your desired measurements. Allow it to dry completely before wearing.
Optional Modifications:
1. Length Adjustments:
- Longer Top:
If you prefer a longer top, simply continue adding rounds after the armhole opening. Keep checking the length against your body measurements to ensure it reaches your desired length. For example, you can make a tunic or dress-length top by adding more rounds to the body. - Shorter Top:
For a cropped look, stop working the body once you reach the desired length. If you want the top to end right above your waist or higher, just work fewer rounds before splitting for the front and back panels.
2. Fit Modifications:
- Fitted Top:
If you want a more fitted style, you can size down by one size. This will give the top a snugger fit around the bust and waist. Keep in mind that this will affect the overall drape and feel of the top, so it’s best to check your gauge and try the piece on if possible as you go. - Looser Top:
For an oversized look, you can size up. This will make the top more relaxed and flowy. Adjust the number of stitches in the starting chain to achieve your preferred fit if you’re aiming for a more roomy feel.
3. Sleeve Adjustments:
- Long Sleeves:
If you’d like to add long sleeves, you can simply continue working the mesh stitch pattern for the sleeves until they reach your desired length. To ensure the sleeves fit well, be sure to check the arm circumference and adjust the stitch count as necessary to make sure they’re neither too tight nor too loose. - Cap Sleeves or Sleeveless:
For cap sleeves, you can make fewer rounds to keep the sleeves short. Alternatively, you can leave the sleeves off entirely for a sleeveless version of the top.
4. Adding Lace Edging:
- If you want to make the top even more delicate, you can add a lace edging to the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem. Use a finer yarn or a slightly smaller crochet hook to create a lace effect around the edges for a feminine touch. You could do a simple picot stitch or any lace border pattern of your choice.
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