Azores in Berroco - Downloadable PDF

Azores Crochet Top by Amy Christoffers – Pattern Summary

The Azores is a crocheted pullover top designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for crocheters who are comfortable with foundational techniques and ready to work with repeating stitch patterns that require consistent gauge and attention to detail.

What Is Being Made

The Azores is a relaxed, wearable crocheted top designed with a generous fit in mind. It is offered in a wide range of sizes, with finished bust measurements spanning (38, 43, 48) [53, 58, 63] {68, 73, 78} inches — or (96.5, 109, 122) [134.5, 147.5, 160] {172.5, 185.5, 198} centimeters — making it one of the most size-inclusive garment patterns in the Berroco catalog. The sample shown was crocheted in size 43" / 109 cm. Finished lengths range from approximately 20¼ to 23½ inches depending on the size, providing comfortable torso coverage suitable for everyday wear.

The pattern recommends approximately 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) of positive ease, meaning the finished garment is intentionally larger than the wearer's actual bust measurement. This design choice creates a breezy, relaxed silhouette that is both comfortable and stylish — ideal for warm-weather wearing or layering.

Techniques Used

As a crochet garment pattern, the Azores employs techniques commonly associated with intermediate-level construction. Crocheters working on this project should be familiar with:

• Working in pattern repeats — the stitch pattern is structured around repeating units both horizontally and vertically, requiring the crocheter to maintain consistent stitch counts across rows
• Gauge swatching and blocking — gauge is explicitly measured after blocking, which is an important step in achieving the correct finished dimensions; blocking is especially critical in garment construction to ensure proper fit
• Garment shaping — as a fitted top with multiple size options, the pattern involves shaping techniques appropriate for constructing a wearable top
• Use of removable stitch markers — the pattern calls for 4 removable markers, indicating that markers are used to track key construction points such as seams, increases, or pattern alignment

Stitches Used

The Azores is built around a structured stitch pattern with defined repeats. The gauge is described in terms of pattern repeats rather than individual stitches — specifically, 4 pattern repeats across equals 5 inches (12.5 cm) in width, and 3 vertical pattern repeats equal 5¼ inches (13.5 cm) in length. This type of repeat-based gauge is characteristic of lace or textured mesh stitch patterns commonly used in crochet tops, where groups of stitches — such as shells, fans, or clusters combined with chain spaces — create a cohesive, decorative fabric. The exact stitch names are detailed within the full downloadable PDF pattern.

Materials – Yarn, Hook, and Notions

The Azores is worked in Berroco Gaia, a DK weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. Berroco Gaia is a thoughtfully crafted yarn well-suited to warm-weather garments, and its smooth, consistent texture makes it an ideal choice for showcasing intricate stitch patterns. The colorway used in the sample is #3020 Field. Depending on the size being made, the pattern calls for (8, 9, 11) [11, 13, 14] {15, 17, 17} balls of Berroco Gaia.

• Yarn: Berroco Gaia, DK weight, 50 g balls — colorway #3020 Field shown
• Hook: Size F / 3.75 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Notions