Crochet Summer Berry Top: A Stylish Summer Essential

The Crochet Summer Berry Top is an absolute gem for your wardrobe! Its vibrant colors and intricate design will surely make you stand out in the crowd this summer. The top is not only stylish but also comfortable to wear on warm days, making it a versatile piece for any occasion. Whether you're heading to a beach party or a casual hangout with friends, this top is sure to turn heads and keep you feeling cool and confident. Don't miss out on adding this delightful piece to your summer collection!

Materials Used:

Caron Simply Soft in Berry Blue (2 skeins for XS – M, 3 skeins for L – 3X)

Size J/10 – 6.00 mm crochet hook

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Sizes:

XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X

Abbreviations:

ch(s) = chain(s)

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

sp = space

st(s) = stitches

sl st = slip stitch

American Crochet Terms

American crochet terms used throughout

Special Stitch Used:

sc2tog (single crochet two stitches together):

Insert hook into the indicated stitch and draw up a loop. Insert hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop. Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on the hook.

Gauge:

4″ x 4″ = 14 sc, 14 rows

Finished Size Approximately:

Finished bust measures: XS = 30″, S = 34″, M = 38″, L = 42″, XL = 46″, 2X = 50″, 3X = 54″

Length and waist are customized to your preference

Notes:

This top is crocheted in the round, from the top down in one piece. A larger hook size is used so that the garment will have a nice drape.

The pattern is a 3 round repeat. All increases and decreases are made in the second round of the 3 round repeat. Because the second round is simply a round of single crochets, it is very easy to increase and decrease.

To make an increase, place 2 single crochets in the same stitch. To make a decrease, crochet 2 single crochet’s together (see “special stitch” explanation above). When the pattern calls for you to increase or decrease by x number of stitches, you may place the designated number of increases/decreases wherever you like, just try to space them out fairly evenly. They do not have to be spaced out perfectly even. The primary goal is to spread them out so they are not clumped together.

The number of stitches required per size are indicated in parentheses: (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X).

The back of the top is almost identical to the front.

Instructions:

Ch (84, 90, 90, 98, 102, 110, 110). Sl st to beginning chain (make sure that yarn is not twisted).

Round 1 (first time only):

Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each ch around and sl st to beginning sc.

Round 1 (repeats):

Ch 1, turn work, sc in same st, sc in each st and each ch-1 sp around, sl st to beginning sc.

Round 2:

Ch 1, turn work, sc in same st and each st around, sl st to beginning sc.

Round 3:

Ch 4, turn work, skip the st the ch 4 comes out of, skip the next st, *dc in next st,ch 1, skip the next st; repeat from * across and sl st into ch 3 of the beginning ch 4.

Rounds 4-6:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (16, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (100, 110, 110, 120, 124, 134, 134).

Rounds 7-9:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (16, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (116, 130, 130, 142, 146, 158, 158).

Rounds 10-12:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (16, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (132, 150, 150, 164, 168, 182, 182).

Rounds 13-15:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (16, 20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (148, 170, 170, 186, 190, 206, 206).

Rounds 16-18:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (0, 0, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (148, 170, 190, 208, 212, 230, 230).

If you are making a size XS or S, repeat round 1 then skip to the section on splitting the yoke. All other sizes continue as follows.

Rounds 19-21:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (x, x, 0, 0, 22, 24, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (x, x, 190, 208, 234, 254, 254).

If you are making a size M or L, repeat round 1 then skip to the section on splitting the yoke. All other sizes continue as follows.

Rounds 22-24:

Repeat rounds 1-3, however, on round 2 increase by (x, x, x, x, 0, 0, 24) sts. At the end of this round your stitch count will be (x, x, x, x, 234, 254, 278).

If you are making a size XL or 2X, repeat round 1 then skip to the section on splitting the yoke. Size 3X continues as follows.

Rounds 25-27:

Repeat rounds 1-3, no increases necessary. At the end of this round, your stitch count will be 278. Repeat round 1 then split the yoke.

Splitting the Yoke:

Ch 1, turn work, sc in same st, sc in each of next (24, 27, 31, 34, 38, 41, 45) sts, ch 4, skip next (24, 29, 31, 34, 39, 43, 47) sts, sc in each of next (50, 56, 64, 70, 78, 84, 92) sts, ch 4, skip next (24, 29, 31, 34, 39, 43, 47) sts, sc in each of last (25, 28, 32, 35, 39, 42, 46) sts, sl st to beginning sc. Your stitch count is now (108, 120, 136, 148, 164, 176, 192).

Repeat round 3. Repeat rounds 1-3. Your stitch count is still (108, 120, 136, 148, 164, 176, 192).

You are now ready to customize your top to your specific preferences. As I mentioned above, the great thing about top down, seamless construction is that you can try the garment on as you go in order to get a perfect fit!

Customization:

For the Length:

Continue repeating rounds 1-3 until your top is the desired length. When you are happy with the length, end after a round 2 and fasten off.

For the Width:

If you want your top to remain the same width the rest of the way down, then you do not need to do any increases or decreases as you are repeating rounds 1-3 to get to your desired length. To taper your top in, decrease by 2 st on round 2 of each 3 round repeat until it meets your preference. For a roomier fit, increase by 2 st on round 2 of each 3 round repeat until it meets your preference.

For the Sleeves:

Re-attach yarn at the bottom of each armhole. Sc evenly around the armhole, slip st to beginning sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.