Summer Ivy Top

Summer Ivy Top Crochet Pattern by Hookoflove

What is Being Made

The Summer Ivy Top is a crocheted garment designed as a lightweight, wearable top suitable for warm weather. This intermediate-level crochet project is constructed using a straightforward two-panel method, making it accessible for crafters with some crochet experience. The finished piece offers a classic fitted silhouette with bust measurements available in six sizes: Small (34"), Medium (38"), Large (44"), Extra Large (46"), and two XXL options (52").

Construction Method

The Summer Ivy Top employs a bottom-up construction technique, a popular approach in crochet garment making that allows crafters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust length as needed. The pattern involves creating two separate panels—one for the front and one for the back—which are then seamed together along the side seams and shoulder seams to form the completed garment. This modular construction method simplifies the building process and makes shaping adjustments more manageable.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques Used

The Summer Ivy Top incorporates several fundamental crochet stitches and techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level:

• Chain (ch) – The foundational stitch used to create the base of the work and for spacing between stitches
• Single Crochet (sc) – A basic short stitch used in construction and as part of the slanted block stitch
• Double Crochet (dc) – A medium-height stitch that forms the primary fabric structure; the gauge is measured at 16 double crochets and 8 rows per 4 inches
• Treble (tr) – A taller stitch used within the decorative slanted block stitch element
• Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog) – A decrease technique involving yarn over, inserting the hook into the first designated double crochet, pulling yarn through, pulling through 2 loops, then repeating in the second designated stitch before pulling through all remaining loops; this creates a single stitch from two stitches
• Four Double Crochet Together (4dctog) – An advanced decrease method that combines four stitches into one by repeating the yarn over and loop-pulling process four times, then pulling through all loops at once
• Slanted Block (slblk) – A decorative stitch pattern combining a treble in single crochet with a chain-4 space and four double crochets worked around the post of the treble, creating visual texture

Yarn and Materials

The Summer Ivy Top is designed to be worked with 4-ply weight yarn, a medium-weight option that provides good drape and structure for garment construction. The pictured sample uses Lionbrand zztwist in the color Green Apple, which offers a fresh, summery aesthetic appropriate for the design's name and intended season. A 5 mm crochet hook is used to achieve the specified gauge of 16 double crochets and 8 rows measuring 4 inches by 4 inches. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished bust measurements across all sizes.

Pattern Features

The pattern includes standard crochet abbreviations and notation conventions, with instructions using bracket notation [ ] to indicate sections that should be repeated a specified number of times. Parentheses ( ) denote instructions to be worked together as a unit. The pattern distinguishes between right side (RS) and wrong side work, important for maintaining consistent stitch appearance and seaming accuracy. The inclusion of multiple size options and detailed finished measurements ensures crafters can select the appropriate size for their desired fit before beginning the project.