An Easy Crochet Top- The Ivy Tee is a Free Pattern here on the Blog.

Read through my inspiration and design process, scroll down for the Free Pattern or Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF here!

Inspiration + Design

When I designed this crochet top back in the end of last year, I was looking to design a perfect transitional piece to add to my wardrobe. After a bit of brainstorming, and some trial and error, the Ivy Tee was born!

Let me walk you through some of the process…..

Before I even start the design process, there are a few things I always take into consideration. First, is the type of yarn I want the particular garment to use. In this case, since I wanted to create a crochet top that transitioned between the seasons, I knew I would be using a lighter weight yarn.

The next thing I consider is the actual stitches that I may want to use. Do I want the crochet top to be light and airy, do I want it to be warm and cozy, do I want to use one stitch or a combination of multiple stitches? These are all questions that I ask myself before I even pick up my hook.

The Last thing I think about before I start a design is how do I want this particular piece to be constructed. And if you are familiar with any of my designs, you know that I always lean towards simplicity.

So once I have my three main questions answered, I can then begin to actually crochet! For this Crochet top, I chose to use a fine (category 2) size yarn and very airy Treble stitches combined with rows of Bean Stitches to add some fun texture. And the construction doesn’t get much simpler than this. If you can crochet two squares, you can make this crochet top, seriously it’s that easy!

Pattern

~Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF Here

~ Save it to your Ravelry Here

To Sum it up:

This easy crochet top is the perfect combination of simplicity and that subtle boho style that I love so much. It is made by alternating rows of treble stitches with rows of bean stitches, which I think makes this crochet top really stand out!

Don’t know how to do the Bean stitch? No need to worry, there is a complete photo tutorial to walk you through each step.

Yarn

~Size 2 Fine weight yarn

For my Ivy Crochet top, I used Yarn Bee Comfy Cozy Yarn. Since this was my first time ever using this particular yarn, I wasn‘t sure how it would work up. I am always a little hesitant when trying new yarns, because if you spend days or weeks making something, you want to know that the yarn will hold up well. However, this yarn worked up so easily and the texture of it is something not quite like anything I have used before. I will be adding this yarn to my Favorites list for sure!

Below is the approximate yardage for all sizes:

Notions

~Size G (4.25mm) Hook

~Stitch Markers (optional)

~Yarn Needle

Gauge

Gauge can be measured in a couple different ways

15 SC=4” 

6 TR V-ST or 12 TR = 5”

9 BS = 4”

4 TR + 4 BS rows =4”

Sizing

This Crochet top pattern is designed to be slightly loose fitting with approximately 4” of positive ease added. The Bust measurements are Finished garment sizes, not actual bust measurements!

Abbreviations Used

CH- Chain 

YO- Yarn Over 

SC- Single Crochet 

TR- Treble Crochet 

BS- Bean Stitch

TR V-ST- Treble V- Stitch 

SC2TOG- Single Crochet 2 Together 

Pattern Notes

-CH 4 counts as a Treble stitch throughout 

-CH 1 does NOT count as a stitch throughout

-Make sure to do your bean stitch loosely 

-Crochet top is made in 2 identical panels except the back is 4 rows longer than the front.

Special Stitches

Treble V-Stitch- Treble crochet into indicated stitch, chain 1, Treble crochet into the same stitch. This is exactly the same as a regular V-Stitch with the exception that we are using Treble crochet rather than double crochet.

Bean Stitch- Insert hook into the ST, YO, draw up a loop (2 loops on your hook). YO, insert hook back into the same ST, YO, draw up a loop (4 loops on your hook). YO, insert hook back into the same ST again, YO draw up a loop (6 loops on your hook). YO, pull through all 6 loops. CH 1 to secure the ST.

The Easy Crochet Top Pattern

Instructions written XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

***Front***

Row 1: CH (65, 71, 83, 89, 95, 107) SC in the 2nd CH from the hook and in each ST across.  CH 4, Turn. (64, 70, 82, 88, 94, 106 SC)

Row 2: *SK the next 2 ST, TR in the 3rd ST, CH 1, TR in the same ST (1 V-ST created)* repeat   from * *  across, ending with a TR in the last ST. CH 4, Turn. (42, 46, 54, 58, 62, 70 TR)

Row 3: TR V-ST (TR, CH 1, TR) in the first CH space and in each CH space across, ending with  a TR in the last ST. CH 1, Turn. (42, 46, 54, 58, 62, 70 TR)

Row 4: SC in the same ST as your CH 1, SK the next ST. BS in the next ST (the CH space)  don’t forget the CH 1 to secure the stitch. *SK the next ST, BS in the next ST* (the first  TR of the V-ST). Repeat from * * across, ending with a SC in the last ST. CH 1, Turn.  (30, 33, 39, 42, 45, 51 BS)

TIP: Every third BS is in a CH space from the previous V-ST row. 

Row 5: SC in the SC from previous row, *SK the next ST, BS in the next ST (the closing CH ST  from the BS in previous row)*. Repeat from * * across, ending with a SC in the last ST.  CH 4, Turn. (30, 33, 39, 42, 45, 51 BS)

Row 6: SK the second ST, TR V-ST in the 3rd ST, *SK 2 ST, TR V-ST next*. Repeat from * *  across to the last 2 ST. SK the next ST, TR in the last ST. CH 4, Turn. (42, 46, 54, 58,  62, 70 TR)

Rows 7-(41, 41, 45, 45, 49, 49): Repeat rows 3-6 alternately ending with row (41, 41, 45, 45, 49, 49) being a BS row. 

Row (42, 42, 46, 46, 50, 50): CH 1, Turn. SC in each ST across. (64, 70, 82, 88, 94, 106 SC)

Finish Off, leaving a long tail for sewing up the shoulders

***Back***

Rows 1-6: Repeat rows 1-6 from the front panel

Rows 7-(45, 45, 49, 49, 53, 53): Repeat rows 3-6 alternately ending with row (45, 45, 49, 49,    53, 53) being a BS row. 

Row (46, 46, 50, 50, 54, 54): CH 1, Turn. SC in each ST across (64, 70, 82, 88, 94, 106 SC)

Finish Off, leaving a long tail for sewing up the shoulders

Construction

Lay the front panel on top of the back panel, making sure to line up your rows evenly. Using your yarn needle and the yarn tail, seam the shoulders together using the mattress stitch. You can make your neck line as big or as small as you would like. I seamed mine up 8 stitches on each side. 

Once you have your shoulders seamed, cut a piece of yarn about 3 times as long as your side seam. Place a stitch marker on your top marking where you want your seam to stop and your armholes to start. 

**For size XS & S seam up to row 25 on the front panel and row 29 on the back panel. 

**For size M & L seam up to row 29 on the front panel and row 33 on the back panel. 

**For size XL & 2XL seam up to row 33 on the front panel and row 37 on the back panel.

Sleeves

Round 1: Join your yarn right on the top seam and CH 5 (this counts as a TR +CH 1), TR in the same space as your CH 5 (one TR V-ST made). Continue to TR V-ST in the end spaces of the body piece. You should have 29 V-ST or 58 TR, however you want to count it. Join to the 4th CH from the beginning CH 5. (58, 58, 60, 60, 62, 62 TR)

Round 2: CH 1, SC in the same ST as your CH 1, and around. Join to the 1st SC. (87, 87, 90, 90, 93, 93)

Round 3: CH 1, SC2TOG, in the same ST as your CH 1, *SC 3, SC2TOG*.  Repeat from * *      around, ending with a SC2TOG. Join to the 1st SC. (69, 69, 72, 72, 75, 75)

Round 4: CH 1, SC around. (69, 69, 72, 72, 75, 75)

Finish Off 

Repeat for the other sleeve. 

Choose to keep your crochet top in a solid color or, add a pop of color to the sleeves for your own unique look!

Make sure to pin this pattern for later, and if you do make one tag me @Cactus.and.lace on Instagram and use the hashtag #CactusandlaceDesigns . I can’t wait to see your Ivy Tees, and I would love to share your pics! 🌵

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