Crochet Lightweight Summer Top

The Crochet Lightweight Summer Top is the perfect blend of style and comfort for those sunny days ahead. With its breezy fabric and cute design, you'll feel effortlessly chic while staying cool all season long. Pair it with your favorite denim shorts or flowy skirt for a versatile look that's sure to turn heads. Whether you're heading to the beach or a picnic in the park, this top has got you covered in style!

Materials and Preparation

To create this beautiful babydoll summer top, you will need the following materials:

Yarn:

• Type: Caron Cotton Ripple Cakes Yarn (Lightweight size 3)
• Amount: 1 skein (approx. 491 yards)
• Color: Summer Rain (or your preferred color—ideal for summer projects)

Hook: Size H (5 mm crochet hook)

Additional Supplies:

• Pair of scissors
• Blunt needle
• Stitch markers
• Measuring tape

This project is suited for medium sizes but includes adjustment tips for larger or smaller measurements.

Abbreviations and Notes

Here are the crochet abbreviations used and some important notes for clarity:

Abbreviations:

• CH: Chain
• DC: Double Crochet
• SC: Single Crochet
• SL ST: Slip Stitch

Notes:

Pattern Multiples: There are no specific multiples for this design—just follow the chain counts provided for each section.

Adjustments: If larger or smaller sizing is required, you can adjust the yoke width or length. Add more rounds using Round 6 (for yoke increases) or adjust armhole chain counts for a tailored fit.

Special Techniques: Basic increases occur by crocheting 2 DC in the same stitch.

Gauge, Approximate Size, and Pattern Notes

Gauge:

Gauge is not crucial for this pattern, but you can complete a swatch using DC stitches to match the approximate measurements.

Finished Dimensions:

• Upper Body Width: ~18 inches
• Lower Body Width: ~23 inches
• Length: ~18 inches (measured from neck down)
• Neck Opening: ~8 inches
• Depth: ~2 inches

Pattern Notes:

This top is worked from the neckline down, transitioning from yoke to body, and ends with an openwork design.

Feel free to extend the bottom rounds to create a dress or longer tunic.

Step-by-Step Pattern

Yoke Section (Rounds 1–11)

Foundation Row:

Start with a slip knot and make CH 76.

Join in the first chain with a SL ST to form a ring. Ensure that the chain isn’t twisted.

Round 1:

CH 3 (counts as DC).

DC in each chain around.

Join with SL ST into the 3rd chain of the starting CH-3.

Round 2: (Increase Round)

CH 3.

2 DC in next stitch.

1 DC in next stitch.

Repeat: 2 DC in next stitch, 1 DC in next stitch.

Join with SL ST to the 3rd chain of the starting CH-3.

Rounds 3–5:

CH 3.

DC in each stitch around (no increases).

Join with SL ST to the 3rd chain of the starting CH-3.

Round 6: (Increase Round)

CH 3.

1 DC in next stitch, 2 DC in next stitch (increase pattern).

Repeat: 1 DC in each of next 2 stitches, 2 DC in next stitch.

Join with SL ST at the end of the round.

Rounds 7–11:

CH 3.

Crochet 1 DC in each stitch (no increases) for all 5 rounds.

Tip: Try the yoke on after Round 11 to check the fitting. Place stitch markers under your armpits to mark transitions to the body section

Creating the Armholes (Round 1 of Body)

Continue from where you left off.

CH 3, 1 DC in each stitchuntil you reach the first marker.

CH 10 (or adjust the number of chains as needed for larger/smaller armholes).

Skip stitches within the stitch marker range.

Repeat for the other armhole:

DC in each stitch until the next marker.

CH 10 (repeat for the second armhole).

Skip stitches within the marker range and complete the round, joining with SL ST.

Body Section (Rounds 2–5)

Rounds 2–5:

CH 3, then DC in each stitchincluding the armhole chains.

Continue working until just below the chest, then switch to openwork design.

Openwork Design (Rounds 6–22)

Round 6 (Start Openwork Design):

CH 4, SC in next stitch, CH 1, DC in next stitch.

Repeat: CH 1, SC, CH 1, DC.

End with SC, CH 1, and join with SL ST.

Round 7: (Increase Pattern)

CH 6, skip next 2 chain spaces, DC in next DC.

CH 3, skip next 2 chain spaces, DC in next DC.

Repeat until end of round, joining with SL ST.

Round 8: (Alternate Openwork)

CH 4, SC in center of chain space, CH 1, DC in next DC.

Repeat for the entire round, ending with SL ST.

Rounds 9–22:

Alternate Round 7 and Round 8 until achieving your desired length.

Finishing Touches

Neckline:

Crochet 1 round of Half Double Crochet to give a clean finish.

Armholes:

Crochet 1 round of Single Crochet around each armhole opening.

Measurements Recap:

Upper body width: 18 inches

Lower body width: 23 inches

Neck opening: 8 inches

Total length: 18 inches