Crochet Stripes Top

Crochet Stripes Top by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Crochet Stripes Top is a striped short-sleeved garment designed for intermediate crocheters. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a fitted top with horizontal color stripes, available in four sizes ranging from Small (to fit bust 81-86 cm / 32-34 ins) through Extra Large (to fit bust 112-127 cm / 44-46 ins). The finished piece features an actual bust measurement of 90, 100, 110, or 120 cm (36, 40, 44, or 48 ins) with sleeve lengths of 14, 16, 18, or 20 cm (5½, 6¼, 7, or 8 ins) and total length of 50, 52, 54, or 56 cm (19¾, 20½, 21, or 22 ins).

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet construction techniques suitable for intermediate-level makers. The garment is worked in separate pieces—back, front, and sleeves—which are then assembled. The pattern uses a foundation chain method to establish the base, followed by structured row-by-row construction. Stitch decreasing techniques such as double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) are incorporated for shaping. The striped effect is achieved through color changes using three distinct yarn colors worked in alternating rows or sections throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Crochet Stripes Top utilizes a variety of fundamental crochet stitches to create its structure and texture:

• Chain (ch) – Used for foundation rows and spacing between stitches
• Treble (tr) – A taller stitch that forms the primary structure of the pattern
• Double treble (dtr) – Provides additional height and drape in specific sections
• Double crochet (dc) – Used for medium-height stitches and detail work
• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) – A decrease stitch essential for shaping the garment to fit the body
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and securing stitches

Materials

The Crochet Stripes Top is designed to be made using Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo yarn in DK weight. Three coordinating colors are required:

• Color 1 (Cream, shade 131) – 3, 3, 4, or 5 x 50 gm balls depending on size
• Color 2 (Tulip, shade 136) – 3, 4, 4, or 5 x 50 gm balls depending on size
• Color 3 (Willow, shade 133) – 2, 3, 3, or 4 x 50 gm balls depending on size

Two crochet hooks are required: a 2.5mm crochet hook for ribbing or edging work and a 3.5mm crochet hook for the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 24 stitches and 10 rows (measured over 6 pattern repeats by 5 pattern repeats) to 10 x 10 cm when using the 3.5mm hook with DK-weight yarn.

Pattern Details

The pattern begins with the back piece, constructed by creating a foundation chain of 114, 126, 138, or 150 stitches depending on the desired size. The foundation row establishes the pattern repeat using treble stitches spaced with chain stitches, creating 27, 30, 33, or 36 pattern repeats. Subsequent rows build upon this foundation using a combination of double crochet, chain spaces, and treble stitches to develop the striped fabric. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that makers should be comfortable with reading pattern abbreviations, maintaining consistent tension, and executing basic shaping techniques.