Shoulders in the Sun Top - Free Crochet Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK & Metallic DK - Downloadable PDF

Shoulders in the Sun Top – Free Crochet Pattern for Women

The Shoulders in the Sun Top is a free, downloadable PDF crochet pattern designed by The Queen Stitch and published by Paintbox Yarns. This stylish women's top is an intermediate-level crochet project that combines two complementary yarn types to create a garment with both texture and a subtle shimmer. The pattern is available in six sizes ranging from XS through 2XL, fitting bust measurements from 76 cm (30 in) up to 102 cm (40 in), making it an inclusive and versatile design suitable for a wide range of body types.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's crochet top with short sleeves and an open-shoulder or shoulder-baring design, as the name suggests. Finished lengths range from 42 cm (16½ in) for smaller sizes up to 63 cm (24¾ in) for the largest size, with a consistent sleeve seam of 24.5 cm (9¾ in) across all sizes. The actual underarm measurement ranges from approximately 76.5 cm to 111.5 cm, providing a comfortable, well-fitted silhouette. It is designed as a warm-weather garment, ideal for spring and summer wear.

Techniques Used

• Worked in the round – The top is constructed using in-the-round crochet techniques, which eliminate the need for seaming on the main body sections and create a smooth, continuous fabric.
• Garment shaping – As an intermediate pattern, it incorporates increases and decreases to shape the bust, underarm, and sleeve areas, requiring the crocheter to follow multi-size instructions carefully.
• Reading multi-size patterns – Instructions are written for the smallest size first, with changes for larger sizes given in square brackets [ ], a standard convention that intermediate crocheters should be comfortable navigating.
• UK and US terminology – The pattern is written in UK crochet terminology, with US equivalents provided in italics within round brackets ( ), making it accessible to crocheters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the complete PDF, the pattern is consistent with intermediate crochet tops from Paintbox Yarns and The Queen Stitch, typically incorporating a combination of foundational and decorative crochet stitches. The use of two yarn types — one standard DK and one metallic DK — suggests the pattern features stitch work designed to showcase both texture and the reflective quality of the metallic yarn. Crocheters working at an intermediate level should be comfortable with standard stitch construction, joining rounds, and following stitch pattern repeats indicated by round brackets ( ) in the instructions.

Materials – Yarn, Hook, and Notions

• Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK – A DK weight cotton yarn from Paintbox Yarns, providing the primary body and structure of the top. Cotton DK is breathable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for a summer garment.
• Paintbox Yarns Metallic DK – A DK weight metallic yarn used alongside the Cotton DK to introduce a shimmering, eye-catching detail to the design. The combination of cotton and metallic DK is central to the aesthetic of this top.
• Yarn quantities stated in the pattern are described as approximate, based on average requirements. Paintbox Yarns notes that using any yarn other than the recommended yarns means they cannot accept responsibility for the finished item, so substitution is not advised.
• A crochet hook appropriate for DK weight yarn would be used; the specific hook size is detailed within the full PDF download.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

This is a free, downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible at no cost. It is ideal for intermediate crocheters looking to expand their garment-making skills using Paintbox Yarns products. The clear size grading across six sizes (XS–2XL) and the dual UK/US terminology support make this pattern a practical and well-documented resource