Wendy Top

Wendy Top by Divine Debris

What is Being Made

The Wendy Top is an advanced-level crochet garment designed as a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Divine Debris. This piece is constructed in sections, including an upper back, upper front, body, band, and edging, allowing for a structured and customizable fit.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Wendy Top employs several specialized crochet techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern utilizes treble crochet as a primary stitch, combined with extended single crochet for texture and dimension. A signature technique featured in this design is the TRX (treble crochet X stitch), which is a more advanced stitch that creates visual interest by working yarn overs and skipped stitches in a specific sequence. The pattern also incorporates back loop only (BLO) crochet, which adds textural variation by working through only the back loop of stitches rather than under both loops. Chain stitches and single crochet stitches provide foundational structure and finishing details throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Definitions

• TR (Treble Crochet): A tall stitch that creates an open, airy fabric when worked in multiples.
• TRX (Treble Crochet X Stitch): An advanced decorative stitch performed over 3 stitches. To work this stitch, yarn over twice and skip the next 2 stitches, then treble crochet into the next stitch, chain 1, yarn over twice again, work behind the first treble you made, and treble crochet into the first skipped stitch. This creates a crossed or X-like appearance.
• Esc (Extended Single Crochet): A variation of single crochet that adds height and texture. Insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through one loop, yarn over, then draw through the last 2 loops on your hook.
• Ch (Chain): The foundation stitch used to create the base of rows and to add spacing between stitches.
• Sc (Single Crochet): A short, tight stitch used for structure and finishing edges.
• BLO (Back Loop Only): A technique where the hook is inserted only through the back loop of a stitch, creating a ribbed or textured effect.

Materials and Tools

The Wendy Top is worked using sport weight yarn (size #2), which creates a lightweight, drapable fabric suitable for a fitted top. The pattern calls for a US G (4.00 mm) crochet hook, which pairs appropriately with sport weight yarn to achieve the correct gauge. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and seaming sections together if needed.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this advanced pattern. The gauge is measured as 14 treble stitches over 4 rows equals 4 inches when blocked. Additionally, one treble crochet plus one extended single crochet equals 1.25 inches when blocked. Blocking is recommended to achieve these measurements, which helps even out stitches and set the fabric for accurate sizing.

Pattern Structure

The Wendy Top is worked in distinct sections rather than as a continuous piece, which is a common construction method for fitted garments. The pattern includes instructions for the Upper Back, Upper Front, Body, Band, and Edging sections. This modular approach allows crocheters to work each section separately and then join them together, providing flexibility in customization and fit adjustments.