Crochet Cami Top

Crochet Cami Top by Joanne Johncey

What is Being Made

This is a crochet cami top, a sleeveless garment designed as an intermediate-level crochet project. The top features a colorful, modular construction using granny squares as the primary building blocks. The design is available in three sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), and Large (L), with adjustable dimensions to accommodate different body measurements.

Design and Construction

The cami top is constructed using three granny squares as the foundational elements. The pattern employs a modular approach, allowing crafters to assemble these squares into a cohesive garment. The top is designed with cup-shaped sections, each measuring different dimensions depending on the chosen size:

• Size S: Cup width 21cm, cup length 23cm, chest circumference 71cm
• Size M: Cup width 22cm, cup length 24cm, chest circumference 72cm
• Size L: Cup width 23cm, cup length 25cm, chest circumference 73cm

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level project utilizes fundamental crochet techniques and stitches. The pattern begins with a magic ring, a popular technique for starting projects with a closed center. The primary stitches used throughout the construction include:

• Chain (CH): Used for creating foundation chains and spacing between stitch groups
• Treble Stitch (TR): A taller stitch that forms the main structure of the granny squares
• Double Crochet (DC): Used for shaping and construction details
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used for joining rounds and connecting sections

The granny square pattern follows a traditional construction method, with treble stitches grouped in clusters separated by chain spaces, creating the characteristic open, lacy appearance of classic granny squares.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern requires 150 grams of DK weight yarn in total. The designer, Joanne Johncey, used Stylecraft Special DK in a vibrant multi-color palette:

• 30g Black (shade 1002)
• 20g Matador (shade 1010)
• 20g Jaffa (shade 1256)
• 20g Citron (shade 1263)
• 20g Grass Green (shade 1821)
• 20g Cornish Blue (shade 1841)
• 20g Lavender (shade 1188)

The yarn weight and color distribution create a striking striped or color-blocked effect across the granny squares, with black as the dominant color and complementary jewel tones and pastels adding visual interest.

Hook Size and Gauge

The crochet hook size varies depending on the desired finished size. The pattern uses a 4mm crochet hook for the Medium size. For size adjustment, crafters can use a 3mm hook for Small or a 5mm hook for Large. This hook-size variation allows the same pattern to be scaled up or down without altering stitch counts.

The gauge for this project is 16 stitches by 17 rows equals 10 centimeters for the cup sections. Each granny square measures different dimensions based on size: 16cm x 16cm (S), 17cm x 17cm (M), or 18cm x 18cm (L). Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished garment to fit correctly.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with some prior experience. The project requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches, the ability to work in the round using a magic ring, and competency in reading crochet abbreviations and pattern instructions. The modular granny square construction is a forgiving technique that allows for easier troubleshooting and blocking of individual squares before assembly.