Loretta tee

Loretta Tee Crochet Pattern by Izabela Firlová

What is Being Made

The Loretta tee is a crocheted short-sleeved top designed as an advanced-level garment. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted yet flexible tee that can be customized across five size options, from XS to XL. The garment is constructed in two separate pieces—front and back panels—which are then joined together before sleeves and a crocheted edging are added to complete the design.

Construction Method and Technique

The Loretta tee is worked from the bottom to the top, allowing for intuitive sizing adjustments as you progress. The pattern uses a modular construction approach: you begin by creating the front panel, followed by the back panel, then seam the pieces together before attaching the sleeves and finishing with a decorative crocheted border. This method gives crafters control over fit and allows for easy customization during the building process.

Stitches Used

This pattern employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate crochet stitches to create texture and structure:

• Chain stitch (ch) – the foundation stitch used to create the base of the garment
• Single crochet (sc) – a short, tight stitch used for shaping and detail work
• Half double crochet (hdc) – a medium-height stitch providing balanced structure
• Double crochet (dc) – a tall stitch used extensively throughout the pattern for drape and coverage
• Treble crochet (tr) – created with yarn wrapped twice around the hook, adding height and openness to the fabric
• Double treble crochet (dtr) – made with yarn wrapped three times around the hook, creating an even more elongated stitch
• Slip stitch (ss) – used for joining rounds and seaming pieces together

The pattern notation includes parentheses to indicate stitches made in a single stitch, and uses asterisks and special marking symbols to denote sections that are repeated throughout the pattern, making it easier to follow complex stitch sequences.

Materials Required

To complete the Loretta tee, you will need 550 meters of sport weight yarn. The pattern specifies Madame Tricote Paris – Camilla Batik as the yarn used in the original design, though any sport weight yarn of similar yardage and characteristics will work. A 3.5 mm crochet hook is required for this project. The gauge is measured at 18 stitches to 10 rows using double crochet stitches over a 4-inch square, which is essential to verify before beginning to ensure proper fit across all sizes.

Sizing Information

The Loretta tee is available in five sizes with the following finished width measurements:

• XS: 70 cm (27.5 inches)
• S: 86 cm (33.8 inches)
• M: 102 cm (40 inches)
• L: 118 cm (46.5 inches)
• XL: 135 cm (53.2 inches)

The pattern notes that the finished width can be stretched by approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) in either direction, providing additional flexibility for fit customization. Each size begins with a specific chain count, ranging from 60 chains for XS to 120 chains for XL, with increments of 15 chains between sizes.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an advanced pattern, the Loretta tee is best suited for crocheters with solid foundational skills and experience working with multiple stitch types. The combination of various stitch heights, the two-piece construction method, and the need to maintain consistent gauge throughout make this an intermediate-to-advanced project that rewards careful attention to pattern details and stitch accuracy.