Tunisian Drop Top

Tunisian Drop Top by Stephanie Piper

Project Overview

The Tunisian Drop Top is a beginner to intermediate crochet garment designed by Stephanie Piper. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a lightweight, textured top using Tunisian crochet techniques. The garment is constructed in two separate pieces that are seamed together, making it an accessible project for crocheters looking to expand their skills beyond traditional crochet stitches.

What is Being Made

This pattern creates a drop-style top with adjustable length and sizing options. The design features a relaxed fit with a distinctive textured appearance created through Tunisian stitching methods. The pattern is available in eight sizes ranging from extra small through 5X, allowing for customization to fit various body types and preferences. The finished garment can be modified in length by adjusting the number of pattern repeats worked.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

Primary Techniques: This project utilizes specialized Tunisian crochet methods, which differ from standard crochet by using longer hooks and working in a distinctive forward-and-back motion rather than completing stitches in a single pass.

Stitches Used:

• Tunisian Knit Stitch: Creates a fabric with a knit-like appearance and texture
• Tunisian Drop Stitch: The signature stitch for this pattern, which can be worked over any number of stitches and provides the distinctive textured look of the garment
• Tunisian Simple Stitch: A foundational Tunisian technique used as a base or transition element
• Single Crochet (sc): Used for finishing edges and seaming pieces together
• Chain Stitch (ch): Used to establish the foundation and create openings within the pattern

The pattern includes a video tutorial reference for the Tunisian Drop Stitch, providing visual guidance for crocheters new to this technique. The adaptable nature of the Drop Stitch allows crafters to customize stitch counts based on personal preferences or desired fabric characteristics.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran or a comparable worsted weight yarn (weight category 4). Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 822 yards for the smallest size (XS) to 1008 yards for the largest size (5X). Worsted weight yarn provides a medium thickness ideal for creating structured garments with good stitch definition.

Tools: An 8mm Tunisian hook with a cord length of 36 inches or longer is essential, as the extended cord accommodates the larger number of active stitches characteristic of Tunisian crochet. Additional supplies include a darning needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Pattern Specifications

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 4 inches by 4 inches, measuring 10 stitches by 12 rows in the stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished garment dimensions.

Construction Method: The top is worked as two separate pieces that are subsequently seamed together, simplifying the construction process and making it easier to manage for those new to Tunisian techniques. This two-piece approach also allows for straightforward sizing adjustments.

Pattern Customization: The design is highly adaptable. Crafters can modify the width by adjusting the number of initial chain stitches, and the length can be customized by working additional or fewer pattern repeats. The pattern is written with color-coded stitch counts and row numbers corresponding to each of the eight sizes, making it simple to follow the correct instructions for the desired garment size.