Oh Top

Oh Top by Cheryl Chow

What is Being Made

The Oh Top is an intermediate-level crocheted garment designed as a versatile layering piece. This top is constructed from the top down in separate pieces, with the front and back sections sewn together at the shoulder and side seams. The finished garment features moss stitch and linen stitch detailing worked along the armhole and neckline openings, creating refined finishing touches. The Oh Top is intended to be worn over a tank top or long-sleeve shirt, making it adaptable for various weather conditions and styling preferences. Available in multiple sizes ranging from 34 inches (86 cm) to 58 inches (147 cm) finished bust measurement.

Techniques Used

This crochet pattern employs several intermediate techniques to create its finished structure. The garment is worked top-down, a method that allows for easier fitting adjustments and eliminates the need for extensive seaming during construction. Pieces are constructed separately and then joined using a tapestry needle with seaming at the shoulders and sides. The moss stitch and linen stitch techniques are applied to the armhole and neckline openings, providing both functional and decorative edging. The pattern includes charted instructions alongside written directions, allowing crocheters to follow either visual or text-based guidance.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch — foundational stitch for creating the base of the pattern
• Single Crochet — fundamental stitch used throughout the construction
• Double Crochet — stitch employed in the main fabric
• Shell stitch — decorative stitch element incorporated into the design
• Moss stitch — applied to armhole and neckline finishes
• Linen stitch — applied to armhole and neckline finishes
• Working in the row below — technique used to create texture and pattern definition

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Fingering weight yarn is required for this project. The sample garment was worked in size 38 using Modewerk Fingering by Mode Knit Yarn, a blend of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon that provides durability and easy care. Yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size (34 inches) requires approximately 650 yards (590 meters), while the largest size (58 inches) requires approximately 1,300 yards (1,180 meters). The sample was worked in the colorway Chrysis and required 2 skeins of 100g (400 yards/422 m) yarn.

Hook and Tools: A US size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook or the size needed to achieve proper gauge is required. A tapestry needle is necessary for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge: The Oh stitch pattern achieves a gauge of 1 Oh measuring 1 inch (2.5 cm) in both width and height. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.

Pattern Format: The pattern is written in US crochet terminology and provided in downloadable PDF format. Instructions are presented in both charted and written formats to accommodate different learning preferences.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods and stitch variations. The top-down construction method, combined with the application of specialty stitches like moss stitch and linen stitch, requires solid understanding of basic crochet techniques and the ability to follow both written and charted instructions.