Summer is quickly approaching, at least I hope it is, and it’s time for lighter weight yarns and summer garments! One of my favorite summer tops is one I purchased a few years ago from a large department store. Two of the things I love most about this top are it’s openwork back and subtle waist shaping. Because I love these elements, I made sure to incorporate them into the design for this crochet pattern, My Favorite Summer Top.
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Aside from the openwork back and subtle waist shaping, you’ll love that this top is seamless! “Say what?!?! NO SEAMS?!?!” Yes, you read that correctly… no seams! Are you already reaching for your yarn and hook? I hope so!
Premier Chamonix Yarn is the yarn I chose for my top. Chamonix is a #2 fine weight yarn and is an acrylic, angora, and mohair blend. It is available in 13 beautiful colors and comes in generous skeins of 380 yards. This yarn was great to work with and I absolutely love the finished look that the angora and mohair lend to the garment. Note that it’s a hand wash cold and dry flat yarn, but who wouldn’t want to hand wash their favorite summer top?
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*PURCHASE AN AD-FREE PDF OF THIS PATTERN (INCLUDING A SCHEMATIC & STITCH CHART) ON RAVELRY*
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MATERIALS
- Yarn: Premier Chamonix Yarn in Tide Pool (see size chart below for yardage)
- Crochet Hook: E/3.5mm, D/3.25mm, C/2.75mm (my favorite hooks are Clover Amour Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching)
- Locking Stitch Markers
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle
Many of the materials are available for purchase through our affiliates:
ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)
- ch(s): chain(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- dc2tog: double crochet decrease
- Alt-dc: alternate dc (click HERE for tutorial)
- sp(s): space(s)
- yo: yarn over
GAUGE
- Back Panel, in dc: 26 sts = 5″; 7 rows = 2.25″
- Front Panel & Body (see gauge swatch instructions below)
SIZING & YARDAGE CHART
If you prefer a longer top than what is suggested in the pattern, you will need more yarn than is listed in the chart above.
NOTES
- Beginning chain(s) are not included in stitch count, unless noted otherwise.
- This top was designed to have the openwork in the back, but it is a reversible top and you could wear it with the openwork in the front, if you choose. See both options modeled side-by-side at the bottom of this post.
- Purchase an ad-free PDF (on Ravelry) that includes a garment schematic and stitch chart.
GAUGE SWATCH FOR FRONT PANEL & BODY
Gauge: 26 sts = 5″; 15 rows = 4″
Row 1: Using a 3.5mm crochet hook, ch 29, switch to a 3.25mm crochet hook, dc in 3rd ch from your hook, dc in each remaining ch across. Turn. (27 sts)
Row 2: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * across. Turn.
Row 4: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across. Turn.
Row 5: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn.
Rows 6 – 15: Rep Rows 3 – 5, ending w/ a Row 3 repeat.
Finished Size: 5.2″ W x 4″ H
My Favorite Summer Top Instructions
Upper Back Panel
Note: Row 1 is the bottom of the back panel. As you work the panel, you’re working from the bottom of the armhole opening up towards the shoulders.
Row 1: Using a 3.50mm crochet hook, ch 81 (91, 101, 111, 121, 133, 143, 153), switch to a 3.25mm crochet hook, dc in the 3rd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts) Place a stitch marker into the bottom of each of the first and last stitches of Row 1.
Rows (2 – 6) (2 – 8) (2 – 9) (2 – 9) (2 – 9) (2 – 11) (2 – 12) (2 – 13): Alt-dc (click here for tutorial), dc in each st across. Turn.
Do not fasten off. Continue on to Openwork Section.
Openwork Section
Row 1: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 35 (40, 45, 50, 55, 61, 67, 71) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)
Row 2: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 32 (37, 42, 47, 52, 58, 64, 68) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 3: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 31 (36, 41, 46, 51, 57, 63, 67) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 4: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 56, 62, 66) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from *, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 5: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 28 (33, 38, 43, 48, 54, 60, 64) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from *, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 6: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 25 (30, 35, 40, 45, 51, 57, 61) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from *, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 7: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 24 (29, 34, 39, 44, 50, 56, 60) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * twice, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 8: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 23 (28, 33, 38, 43, 49, 55, 59) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 3 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 9: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 21 (26, 31, 36, 41, 47, 53, 57) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 3 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 10: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 18 (23, 28, 33, 38, 44, 50, 54) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from * 3 times, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 11: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 17 (22, 27, 32, 37, 43, 49, 53) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * 4 times, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 12: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 16 (21, 26, 31, 36, 42, 48, 52) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 5 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 13: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 14 (19, 24, 29, 34, 40, 46, 50) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 5 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Sizes XS & S: Continue on to Upper Front Panel. All other sizes continue on to the next row.
Row 14: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next — (–, 21, 26, 31, 37, 43, 47) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from * 5 times, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 15: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next — (–, 20, 25, 30, 36, 42, 46) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * 6 times, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Sizes M & L: Continue on to Upper Front Panel. All other sizes continue on to the next row.
Row 16: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next — (–, –, –, 29, 35, 41, 45) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 7 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Row 17: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next — (–, –, –, 27, 33, 39, 43) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 7 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.
Sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL & 4XL: Continue on to Upper Front Panel.
Upper Front Panel
Row 1: Continuing on from the Openwork Section, alt-dc, dc in each of the next 12 (12, 15, 20, 20, 25, 31, 31) sts, ch 53 (63, 67, 67, 77, 79, 77, 87), skip across to last 13 (13, 16, 21, 21, 26, 32, 32) sts, dc in each of the last 13 (13, 16, 21, 21, 26, 32, 32) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)
Row 2: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch across. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * across. Turn.
Row 4: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across. Turn.
Row 5: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn.
Rows (6 – 22) (6 – 25) (6 – 28) (6 – 28) (6 – 31) (6 – 34) (6 – 34) (6 – 37): Rep Rows 3 – 5, ending w/ a Row 4 repeat.
Do not fasten off. Continue on to Body of Top.
Body of Top
Bring Row 1 of the Upper Back Panel to meet the last row of the Upper Front Panel. Use the stitch markers in the Upper Back Panel to hold the panels together at each corner of the panel.
Rnd 1: Alt-dc, dc in each st across the front panel, dc in each st across the back panel to the last 2 sts, dc2tog. Join w/ a sl st to the alt-dc. Turn. (157, 177, 197, 217, 237, 261, 281, 301 sts) Leave the gap at the underarm where the stitch markers were. This adds to the armhole depth. Remove stitch markers.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * around. Join w/ a sl st to the first sc. Turn.
Rnd 3: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch-1 sp around. Join. Turn.
Rnd 4: Alt-dc, dc in each st around. Join. Turn.
Do not fasten off. Continue on to instructions for Top With Waist Shaping or Top Without Waist Shaping, depending on the style you prefer to make.
Top with Waist Shaping
Repeat Rows 2 – 4, from Body of Top, until top measures 8” (9”, 11”, 11”, 14”, 14”, 16″, 16″) from shoulder.
Waist Shaping: Switch to crochet hook 2.75mm (or smaller hook, if desired) and repeat rounds 2 – 4 until top measures 14” [15”, 16”, 16”, 17”, 17”, 18″, 18″] from top of shoulder.
Hip Shaping: Switch back to crochet hook 3.25mm (or larger hook) and repeat rounds 2 – 4, ending w/ a round 3 repeat, until top measures 20” (21”, 21”, 22”, 22”, 22”, 23″, 23″).
Custom Length: If you prefer a longer top, continue to repeat rounds 2 – 4 until top measures desired length less 1″ (ending w/ a round 3 repeat).
Do not fasten off. Continue on to Split Hem Front.
Top without Waist Shaping
Repeat Rows 2 – 4, from Body of Top, until top measures 20” (21”, 21”, 22”, 22”, 22”, 23″, 23″) from shoulder, ending w/ a round 3 repeat.
Custom Length: If you prefer a longer top, continue to repeat rounds 2 – 4 until top measures desired length less 1″ (ending w/ a round 3 repeat).
Do not fasten off. Continue on to Split Hem First.
Split Hem First Panel
Row 1: Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 78 (88, 98, 108, 118, 130, 140, 150) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)
Rows 2 – 3: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn.
Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue to Split Hem Second Panel.
Split Hem Second Panel
Row 1: Join yarn w/ a dc in the 80th (90th, 100th, 110th, 120th, 132nd, 142nd, 152nd) st of the last round of top before split hem, dc in each of the next 78 (88, 98, 108, 118, 130, 140, 150) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)
Rows 2 – 3: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, work 1 sc into the top of each dc and 2 sc into the side of each dc around entire hem. Join. (181, 201, 221, 241, 261, 285, 305, 325 sts)
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Finishing
Block, click HERE for a complete tutorial.
If you’d like a tighter fit around the armholes, join yarn w/ a sc (click here for tutorial) at the underarm and sc around opening. Add a small cap sleeve by working 2 – 3 rounds of sc around each armhole.
Which is your favorite: Openwork in the Back or Front? Comment below.
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I actually Love both! My yarn should arrive saturday! I can’t wait to try this one!
In the front!
I love this pattern so much! I did want to double check the medium instructions for row 3 in the Openwork Section Alt-dc, dc in each of the next 31 (36, 43, 46, 51, 57, 63, 67) sts, is what it states but I think it should be 41 sts not 43? I’m going to continue on assuming that the correct number is 41. Correct me if I’m wrong…
Eek! Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Katie! I’m off to edit it right now. Yes, you’re correct, Row 3 should be 41 sts for the medium and each row after is 2 sts less as well. Thanks Again!
Thanks so much!!! Glad I could help! I love this pattern so much it is gorgeous! I am making it in a khaki green
I think the open work should be on both the front and the back.
It is beautiful, nice job.
Such a cute top, Jennifer! Love the subtle waist shaping too!
Thanks, Stephanie!
Hi friend, just popping buy to use your affiliate link to buy some solar lights on Amazon. 🙂 This shirt is adorable and so is your daughter!
Thanks, Jess!!
I absolutely love this pattern. I wish it was print-friendly, but I’ll try to save it. Looks so elegant, functional, and how proud I would be to say “I made this”!
Hi Sandra – I had to remove the print friendly option because the plugin stopped working with my website’s theme. If the two cooperate again in the future, I’ll add it back. Jennifer
I think the openwork should be in the front.
If you have long hair. the beautiful work would be covered up.
I love this blouse. I like the open work in the back mainly because my hair is short. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
I stopped in a new LYS to browse around and found some yummy yarn I had to have. I asked whether they had a swatch or anything made with it so I could see how it worked up. The shop owner had made your My Favorite Summer Top with the yarn I wanted, and it was so lovely! I bought the yarn and am getting this pattern too. I might just reverse the top now and again to wear the openwork in the front and back at different times. We’re coming into fall here, but I bought a self-striping light wool blend in fall colors and thought this would be really nice under a light wrap or jacket.
That’s wonderful, Monique! Please share your finished top with us, we’d love to see!!!
Jennifer