If you’ve always wanted to try making a crochet top, then this is your sign to start! Introducing the latest free crochet pattern from Designs by Key – the Tiki Top! If you’d like to know more about how this crochet top came to be, keep reading! Or scroll down to get right to the free pattern!
PIN NOW, MAKE LATER
You can find the printer friendly PDF in my Ravelry Shop or in the DBKey Shop. The ad free PDF version of this pattern contains a 5-page full color pattern with row by row instructions.
Although Summer is winding down, it’s not over yet. There’s still time to create your dream Summer wardrobe, and you’re going to want to add the Tiki Top to that collection.
The Tiki Top features rows of the lemon peel stitch followed by rows of double crochet to create a beautifully textured piece that is also light enough to wear during the warm weather. And if the texture isn’t enough to win you over, the gorgeous feminine neckline will do the job.
Beginner Crochet Top
The most exciting part of creating beginner friendly patterns is when beginners actually use them successfully. Beginners tend to shy away from crochet garments as their first project, but I’m here to tell you, if you can crochet a rectangle, then I promise you can make a garment. The best thing about the Tiki Top pattern is how simple it actually is! The texture can look a bit intimidating at first, but once you get into it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in the first place. The Tiki Top is constructed from only 2 panels. That’s right, you can have a wearable crochet top just by seaming 2 panels together!
The Yarn from LionBrand
For this crochet top, I chose to use Nuboo from Lionbrand Yarns. This is the first time I’ve ever used this yarn, and overall I’m throughly impressed. I’m not normally a fan of shiny yarn, but Nuboo has a subtle sheen that instantly draws you in. I mean, I don’t think this yarn could get any softer. At first glance, I expected the yarn to be splitty when crocheting with it, and it was, but I think that was my fault. I didn’t follow the recommended hook size (I never do), and the smaller hook was causing some snags. But let me tell you, once I sized up a hook, it was smooth sailing. Don’t just take my word for it, try it for yourself.
Nuboo is made of 100% Lyocell, which is a super-strong and soft fiber made from sustainably harvested bamboo pulp. This fabric is also breathable which makes it great for Summer projects. Nuboo comes in skeins of 157 yards so a few balls is definitely enough to make something beautiful. Coming in at $5.99 a skein, you’re definitely going to want to get your hands on this yarn. The Tiki Top uses 4-7 skeins depending on size and gauge. So go ahead and pick out your yarn for the Tiki Top of your dreams.
Have you seen the Hooker Tee?…
Yarn Subs
Can’t get your hands on Nuboo? No worries! Feel free to use any worsted weight yarn that you’d like!
The Tiki Top Crochet Pattern
- Get the printer friendly, ad free PDF version of the pattern here.
- CLICK HERE to pin for later
- CLICK HERE to fave on Ravelry
Materials
- H/5.00 mm crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn
- Sample made with Nuboo from Lionbrand Yarns
- 4 (4, 4, 5, 6) (6, 6, 6, 7) skeins
- Alternative: Approx. 628-1099 yards of worsted weight yarn depending on size and gauge.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry Needle
- Your favorite show to “watch”
Gauge
- 4 inch square = 15 sts x 12 rows measured over Lemon Peel stitch pattern.
Finished Size
- Bust – 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62)”
- XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Abbreviations
- fdc – foundation double crochet
- ch – chain
- sk – skip
- st – stitch
- sts – stitches
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- t-ch – turning chain
- rep – repeat
- rs – right side
- rnd – round
Pattern Notes
- The pattern is written in nine sizes as follows: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). Be sure to follow the instructions for the size you’re making. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to highlight instructions for corresponding size in printed versions.
- The pattern is worked in two panels from the bottom up.
- The measurements of the finished piece are taken with the top laying flat, but due to the loose nature of the finished piece, it will stretch when worn.
- Turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Special Stitches
Foundation Double Crochet (fdc). For more help with this stitch, click here.
Start Here…
Panel (Make 2)
Row 1 (RS): Fdc 57 (63, 71, 79, 87) (93, 101, 109, 117). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in first st, *sc in next st, dc in next st, rep from * to end.
Row 3: Ch 1, sk first st, *dc in next sc, sc in next dc, rep from * to end, dc in t-ch. Turn.
Rows 4-10: Rep row 3.
Rows 11-14: Ch 2, sk first st, dc across, dc in t-ch. Turn.
Row 15: Ch 1, sk first st, *dc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * to end, dc in t-ch.
Rows 16-23: Rep row 3.
Rows 24-27: Rep row 11.
Rows 28-53: Rep rows 15-27 consecutively. (Note: There will be 9 rows of Lemon Peel stitch followed by 4 rows of dc)
Shoulder Section
Row 54: Ch 1, sk first st, *dc in next st, sc in next st, rep from * for the next 15 (17, 19, 23, 25) (27, 29, 31, 33) sts. 17 (19, 21, 25, 27) (29, 31, 33, 35) sts.
Rows 55-61: Rep row 3.
Fasten off.
Next Steps: Attach yarn to opposite end of row 53, rep rows 54-61.
Fasten off.
Assembly
- All assembly is done with a tapestry needle using the whip stitch. Feel free to use your preferred method of seaming.
- Layout panels with rs facing each other. Use stitch markers to keep panels aligned.
- Seam the top panel to the bottom panel across the shoulder section only. Fasten off and cut yarn. Complete on the opposite side.
- Seam side of front panel to back panel leaving an armhole depth of 6.5 (7, 7.5, 8, 8.5) (9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches.
Edging
Neckline Edging
With rs facing upward, attach yarn to inside shoulder seam near the neckline.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the neckline, sl st to first st.
Fasten off.
Armhole edging
With rs facing upward, attach yarn to bottom of the armhole (near top of side seam). Repeat this step for both armholes.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole, sl st to first st.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
