Maldives Top in Berroco Medina - Downloadable PDF

Maldives Top in Berroco Medina – Crochet Pattern Summary

The Maldives Top is a beautifully crafted crochet garment designed by Donna Yacino and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level pattern produces a feminine, lace-detailed top with a distinctive peplum hem. The design is sized to fit a range of bust measurements from 36 to 60 inches, with a finished length ranging from 23 to 25½ inches depending on size. The sample shown in the pattern photography is worked in the 40-inch size with approximately 6 inches of ease, giving the garment a relaxed, flowing silhouette.

Design Overview

The Maldives Top is a sweater-style top that combines structured lace patterning with classic double crochet fabric. Its most distinctive design feature is the peplum hem, which adds a flattering flare at the waist and gives the garment its resort-inspired, tropical feel — perfectly suited to its namesake destination. The top has a seamed construction, with the body panels worked flat and the peplum finished in the round, creating a clean, polished finish throughout.

Construction and Techniques

The Maldives Top uses a combination of construction methods that make it an excellent project for crocheters ready to move beyond beginner-level work. Key techniques include:

• Top-down construction: Both the back and front panels are worked from the top down, allowing for easier length adjustments and a more intuitive shaping process.
• Worked flat: The back and front are crocheted as separate flat panels, then seamed together to form the body of the top.
• Seamed construction: Once the flat panels are complete, they are sewn together, requiring basic finishing and seaming skills.
• Worked in the round: After seaming, the peplum is picked up and worked in the round, creating a seamless, continuous hem flounce.
• Lace patterning: The design incorporates lace elements through two distinct stitch patterns — Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 — which introduce openwork texture and visual interest across the fabric.

Stitches and Special Techniques

The Maldives Top calls on a range of crochet stitches and custom abbreviations that give the fabric its signature texture. Crocheters will work with:

• Double crochet (dc): The foundational stitch used throughout the body, worked in rows to create a smooth, even fabric. Gauge is set at 18 dc and 9 rows = 4 inches.
• Group stitch: A custom stitch defined in the pattern, the Group is a paired cluster construction worked across two positions. It involves working into the first position twice — drawing up loops and working them off — then repeating in a second position and drawing through all remaining loops. This stitch forms the basis of Pattern 1 and creates the characteristic lace texture.
• Cluster stitch: Another special abbreviation used in the pattern, the Cluster involves working a specified number of double crochets while leaving the last loop of each on the hook, then drawing through all loops at once — a technique that creates a gathered, textured effect.
• Chain spaces and openwork: Both Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 incorporate chain spaces worked between stitch groups, producing the airy, lace-like quality of the fabric.
• Pattern 1: Based on a chain multiple of 3 + 2, this pattern uses the Group stitch alternated with chain-2 spaces to create a repeating lace motif. Each repeat measures 2½ inches in width.
• Pattern 2: A separate stitch pattern used elsewhere in the garment, gauged at 8 groups = 4 inches.

Materials

Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Berroco Medina, a DK weight yarn sold in 100-gram balls. The sample is worked in colorway #4733 Agadir. Depending on size, the pattern requires 4 to 6