Ndoket top

Ndoket Top by Hookoflove

What is Being Made

The Ndoket Top is a crochet garment designed by independent designer Hookoflove. This is a versatile top suitable for various occasions, available in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large. The finished bust measurements range from 38 inches (small) to 50 inches (extra-large), with a standard length from shoulder to hem of 22 inches, which can be customized by adjusting the number of rows worked.

Construction Techniques

The Ndoket Top uses a top-down construction method, which is a popular approach in modern crochet garment design. The garment is built in distinct sections to create a well-fitted silhouette:

• Round Yoke: Construction begins with a round yoke, which establishes the neckline and upper body shaping
• Sleeve Separation: After completing the yoke, stitches are separated to create the two sleeves
• Body Development: The main body of the top is worked downward from the yoke
• Ribbing Finish: The hem is finished with several rows of ribbing, which provides structure and helps the garment maintain its shape
• Sleeve Edging: Each sleeve is finished with a single crochet row worked around the sleeve opening

Stitches Used

The Ndoket Top incorporates fundamental crochet stitches combined in a structured pattern:

• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch used throughout the garment, providing structure and drape
• Single Crochet (sc): Used in the gauge pattern and for finishing the sleeve edges
• Chain Stitches (ch): Used for turning chains and to create openwork elements within the pattern

The pattern features a repeating stitch sequence that alternates between double crochet and chain-one spaces, creating a textured, open fabric with visual interest. The gauge pattern demonstrates the relationship between stitches: over a 4-inch by 4-inch swatch, the pattern yields 14 double crochets and 11 rows.

Materials and Specifications

The Ndoket Top is designed for DK weight yarn (also known as light weight 3), which creates a lightweight, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a top garment. The yardage requirements vary by size:

• Small through Large: 723 to 763 yards total (3 skeins)
• Extra-Large: 763 yards (4 skeins)

The pictured sample was created using Lion Brand Truboo yarn in the Tan colorway. Each skein of Truboo contains 241 yards, making it easy to calculate yardage needs for different sizes and yarn substitutions.

A 5 mm crochet hook is used to achieve the correct gauge. The specified gauge is 14 double crochets and 11 rows per 4 inches when working the pattern stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience. The top-down construction method and the combination of different stitches require familiarity with fundamental crochet techniques, but the pattern structure is logical and straightforward to follow.