Summary
Highlights
The video introduces a beautiful and easy-to-crochet top, suitable for beginners, available in three sizes (small, medium, large). The presenter highlights the nice finishing and the option to adjust length. The medium size top can be completed in a few hours by an experienced crocheter or a day by a beginner. The project uses grey double-knitting yarn (100g, 330m, color code CE083), but any color can be used. A crop top requires one yarn ball, a long top requires two, and a large size may need slightly more than two. A 4mm crochet hook is used for all three sizes.
All three sizes begin with a slip knot and 13 chains. The first row starts by skipping 4 chains and making 2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet into the fifth chain. Then skip 2 chains, make 1 double crochet into the third chain, skip 2 chains, and make another shell (2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet) into the third chain. The row finishes by skipping 1 chain and making 1 double crochet into the last chain, resulting in two shells. Rows 2-6 follow a repeating pattern: chain 3, turn, make a shell into the chain 2 space, a back post double crochet around the central double crochet, another shell, and a double crochet into the last chain. The presenter explains that after 6 rows, the piece measures 9cm (3.5 inches).
Row 7 introduces stitch increases to create shaping. It starts with chain 3, turn, a shell in the chain 2 space. Then, a front post double crochet, chain 2, and another front post double crochet around the central front post stitch from the previous row. The row concludes with another shell and a double crochet into the last stitch. This creates a wider V-shape. Rows 8-10 continue to build on this increase, incorporating back post and front post double crochets around the central stitches and shells in the chain 2 spaces. The presenter demonstrates how to grow the stitch count in the shells.
Rows 11 and 12 introduce a new shell structure with three double crochets, chain 2, and three double crochets, creating a wider design. The pattern involves skipping a double crochet and working double crochets into the next stitches, then creating the shell, and finishing with a front post double crochet. Rows 13 and 14 expand the shell again to four double crochets, chain 2, four double crochets. Rows 15 and 16 further increase the shell to five double crochets, chain 2, five double crochets. Finally, rows 17 and 18 use six double crochets, chain 2, six double crochets for each shell. This systematic increase allows for progressive sizing of the garment.
The basic shape for the front panel is now complete, measuring 20 cm (approximately 8 inches) in width from the center. For a medium size (32-inch bra size), one panel is 16 inches. For a small size (30-inch bra size), the pattern stops at row 16 with five double crochets. For larger sizes, more rows (seven or eight double crochet shells) can be added. The presenter then explains how to create the back panel using the same pattern by joining yarn to the other side of the starting chain and repeating the same rows (1-18) to match the front panel. The completed front and back panels will then be joined for the body of the top.
The presenter shows how the two panels form the neckline and armholes. To begin the body, the two panels are joined. The first round (Round 1 for the body) continues the pattern without increasing stitches, maintaining the six double crochet shell. The joining method involves working a double crochet through the last double crochet of one panel and the corresponding point of the other panel. This process is repeated around the entire circumference of the top, joining the three shells of each panel. The round concludes by slipping into the first stitch. The presenter emphasizes that the body can be made to increase or decrease in width by adjusting the shell stitch count (e.g., 5 double crochet for decreasing, 7 for increasing).
Round 2 continues the established six double crochet shell pattern, alternating with front post single crochets for the 3D-effect line. The presenter reiterates that the sizing can be adjusted by altering the shell's double crochet count. The video demonstrates how to continue this pattern for several rounds. For a crop top, seven rounds are sufficient, with decreasing stitches for shape. For a longer top, more rounds (like the 14 rounds made by the presenter for a total of 33 rounds) can be added. The last round (Round 15 or Round 8 for a crop top) is a decorative finishing round. It involves a slip stitch, single crochet, chain 2, and then a modified shell with 4 double crochets, a picot (chain 3, single crochet into base), and 2 more double crochets into the chain 2 space. The front post sections are worked with a special technique of partially completing double crochets and a triple crochet around the post, then pulling through all loops to create a textured finish. This pattern is repeated around the entire last round.
After completing all rounds, the yarn is cut and secured. The finished top measures 54 cm (21 inches) in length and 40 cm (16 inches) in width, corresponding to a 32-inch bust size. The presenter offers a solution for loose armholes: sewing a few stitches along the sides of the armhole to reduce its size. This can be done for one or more rows, depending on the desired fit. The video concludes by showcasing the finished top and inviting viewers to share their creations.