Cabo Top in Berroco Vera - Downloadable PDF

Cabo Top in Berroco Vera

What is Being Made

The Cabo Top is a lightweight, colorwork crochet garment designed by Alison Green. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted top available in 12 different sizes, ranging from bust measurements of 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 67 inches (170 cm). The finished length varies slightly by size, ranging from approximately 20¼ inches to 24¼ inches (51.5 to 61.5 cm), making it suitable for various body types and preferences. The garment is shown modeled in size 2 with a finished bust of 35 inches (89 cm) and features approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) of positive ease, with recommended ease ranging from 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) depending on desired fit.

Techniques Used

The Cabo Top employs multiple crochet techniques to create visual interest and structure. The pattern incorporates a Granny Stitch section worked with one crochet hook size, combined with a double crochet (dc) section worked with a different hook size. This combination of stitch patterns creates textural variation throughout the garment. The use of two different hook sizes—one for the Granny Stitch work and another for the double crochet sections—allows the crafter to achieve proper gauge and fabric drape in each distinct area of the design. The colorwork element involves working with three coordinating yarn colors in a planned sequence to build the finished design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in this pattern are:

• Granny Stitch: A classic crochet stitch that creates an open, airy fabric with a traditional granny square appearance when worked in sections
• Double Crochet (dc): A fundamental crochet stitch that creates a more compact, structured fabric compared to the Granny Stitch sections

The combination of these two stitch types creates contrast in texture and density throughout the garment, contributing to both the aesthetic appeal and the functional drape of the finished top.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

This pattern uses Berroco Vera, a yarn specifically chosen for its properties in creating lightweight, breathable garments. Berroco Vera is worked at a DK (double knit) weight, making it ideal for warm-weather or transitional-season wear.

Yarn Requirements by Color: The pattern calls for three coordinating colors of Berroco Vera, each in 100-gram balls:

• Color 1 (C1) #11501 Spun Cotton: 1 to 3 balls depending on size selected
• Color 2 (C2) #11502 Khaki: 2 to 4 balls depending on size selected
• Color 3 (C3) #11503 Coconut: 1 to 2 balls depending on size selected

Crochet Hooks Required: Two different crochet hook sizes are needed to achieve proper gauge in different sections of the pattern:

• Size I-9 / 5.5 mm hook: Used for the Granny Stitch section or sized to obtain gauge as specified in the pattern
• Size H-8 / 5 mm hook: Used for the double crochet section or sized to obtain gauge as specified in the pattern

The use of two hook sizes is essential to this pattern's construction, as it allows the crafter to control fabric density and drape in different areas of the garment. Gauge swatching with both hook sizes is recommended before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.