Back in June 2018, I posted a photo on Instagram that showed the start of a summer top that’s crocheted from the top down. And yes, that’s a tarot deck I included in the photo, tarot being my other passion in life.
The top-down method of crochet design had fascinated me for some time. I’d only made them using Australian designer, Jenny King’s, Get Squared design concept which uses the granny square stitch to produce a wide variety of cool tops, cardigans, and dresses.
Then I came across a wonderful book by Dora Ohrenstein called Top Down Crochet Sweaters which provides a wealth of information on how to crochet from the top down.
The Pattern
A little later, I discovered a video by the prolific designer, Clare (last name?), on her BobWilson123 YouTube channel that featured a simple summer top that’s crocheted from the top down. Needless to say, I absolutely fell in love with it and decided to give it a try.
Even though the yarn she uses in the pattern is somewhat heavy, I figured I could wear it here in Hawai’i because of the stitch pattern – a round of treble crochet followed by a round of single crochet. Not only do I think the long, treble stitch gives the top a slenderizing effect, I figured there would be enough air flowing through those stitches that I could pull off wearing it at least during the cooler, rainy season.
Along with the YouTube tutorial, Clare has a written pattern that includes the sizing charts she references in the video, as well as the pattern instructions. I used a garment that I already owned and liked the way it fit to size my top.
Materials and Supplies
I used 24/7 Cotton yarn by Lion Brand, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn, and an I/5.5 mm crochet hook.
Fortunately, I am in the habit of recording the essentials of a crochet project, even one based on a pattern as opposed to a personal design. This is mainly because I almost never use the yarn suggested, and I want to be sure that I have important information recorded in my journal so that I can refer to it in the future if I put the project down or forget that I promised to write a blog post about it. Finally, it’s important for me to record notes about sizing to ensure that I get a good fit.
The only thing I forgot to record was the amount of yarn I used (Grrrr!). The 24/7 Cotton has 186 yards (170 meters) per 3.5-ounce skein. So you’ll have to estimate how much you’ll need based on the recommended amounts included in the pattern if you decide to use this yarn.
Also, Clare gives yarn amounts in grams, so US crocheters may have to convert grams to ounces to determine how much they’ll need for their size. And my rule of thumb is to always purchase a skein or two more to make sure you don’t run out before you finish. This is especially true if you are using yarn with a dye lot.
The Finished Summer Crochet Top
The top worked up quickly and fits nicely. It holds up well when washed, too. So I’m sure I’ll be crocheting more at some point in the future. But I may switch to a DK-weight yarn to see how that works because this worsted weight top, while I have worn it during the rainy season, is a bit too warm for the hot, summer months on O’ahu.
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