Brigitte Top

Brigitte Top by Maya Kuzman

What is Being Made

The Brigitte Top is a crocheted women's garment designed as a fitted rectangle bodice that closes at the front with buttons. This downloadable crochet pattern accommodates sizes XS, S, and M, with finished measurements of 76 cm (30 inches) in length and 25 cm (9.84 inches) in width. The top features customizable straps that can be adjusted to the maker's individual measurements, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body proportions.

Construction Technique

The Brigitte Top is crocheted lengthwise, meaning the piece is worked horizontally from one side to the other rather than from top to bottom. This construction method creates a rectangle-shaped bodice as the foundation. The lengthwise approach allows for easier customization of the strap length, as the pattern includes instructions for makers to adjust the strap dimensions according to their own measurements. The front closure utilizes button loops that are fully customizable in size and placement, giving crafters flexibility in the final design.

Stitches Used

The Brigitte Top pattern employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to create texture and structure:

• Chain (ch) – used for foundation chains and creating spaces throughout the pattern
• Chain space (ch-space) – creates openwork areas and structural gaps
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining rounds and securing stitches
• Single crochet (sc) – provides a tight, dense fabric base
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch creating the body of the top
• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) – used for decreasing stitches and shaping
• Double crochet cluster (dc2 cluster) – adds textural interest and visual detail
• Picot – decorative stitch creating small loops for embellishment

The pattern uses American crochet terminology throughout. The foundation row begins with a chain of 57 stitches, with the first double crochet worked into the fourth stitch from the hook, resulting in 55 working stitches for the bodice.

Materials and Tools

The Brigitte Top requires 250 grams of DK weight yarn, a standard medium-weight yarn suitable for drape and structure in fitted garments. Crafters will need a 3.00 mm crochet hook, which is the appropriate size for working with DK yarn at the intended gauge. A tapestry needle is essential for sewing together the ends and seaming the garment pieces.

The pattern includes optional instructions for crocheting decorative buttons to match the top, though makers may substitute any buttons of their choice. The button loops are noted as customizable, allowing for personalization based on button size and aesthetic preference.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate crochet project, the Brigitte Top is suitable for crafters with foundational crochet knowledge who are ready to tackle shaping techniques and garment construction. The use of decreasing stitches (dc2tog), cluster stitches, and picot details requires comfort with stitch variations beyond basic single and double crochet. The lengthwise construction and customizable strap elements add complexity, making this an ideal project for advancing one's garment-making skills.