A quick and easy Lightweight Crochet Top ~ The Aurelia Top ~ is a Free Pattern here on the blog!

Read through my inspiration and design process, scroll down for the Free Pattern or purchase the Full Color coded Printable PDF Here!

Inspiration + Design

The temperatures are beginning to rise, the flowers are beginning to bloom and the sun is staying up a little bit later each day. It’s official, spring is in the air! And so of course it’s time to start working on all the new spring and summer makes!

For me, this is the season where I am most inspired. Maybe it’s because of my love for all light weight clothing. So when I was brainstorming for this design, I knew that I wanted to create a lightweight transitional piece that could easily go from spring to summer. I also knew I wanted to experiment with a different type of design technique than what I usually do, but still keep to my beginner friendly style. The Aurelia Top definitely checks all those boxes!

A Lightweight Crochet Top For Everyone

Like with all designs, the small details and construction techniques are what really makes a pattern unique, and this lightweight crochet top is no exception. The delicate lacy details combined with simple stitches and a super easy construction make for a perfect mindless beginner pattern. If you need a little more help with the lacy stitches, I have included a very detailed Full Photo Tutorial in the inexpensive Printable PDF.

The Yarn

For this Lightweight Crochet Top I used 2 different yarns from a local yarn store. The first was Lana Grossa Aria for the lace section. It is a Category 3, light weight yarn that has almost a ribbon or tape like quality. And the second was Cleo from Plymouth Yarns, also a category 3, light weight yarn. I really enjoyed working with both of these yarns. The different materials gave the top a very nice and lightweight texture.

Since I know that those yarns are not easily accessible, I have made a list of yarn substitutions. These particular yarns have been tested by my testers and work up beautifully.

–Lion Brand Yarn Coboo

–Lion Brand Truboo

-Premier Cotton Fair

Pattern

~Purchase the Color Coded Printable PDF Here.

~Save it to your Ravelry Here.

To Sum it up:

The Aurelia Top is an oversized, boxy and slightly cropped top that is perfect for the spring and summer weather. It is made in 2 long rectangles, and then folded and seamed in the middle making the construction of this top a breeze.

Yarn

~Category 3 Light weight yarn

Below is the approximate yardage for all sizes:

Notions

-Size (5.0 mm) Hook

-Yarn Needle

-Stitch Markers

Gauge

Not Blocked 

Working your Hdc stitches IN BETWEEN the stitches from the previous row.

13 Hdc and 17 Hdc rows = 4” x 4” square 

Blocked 

Working your Hdc stitches IN BETWEEN the stitches from the previous row.

13 Hdc = 4” and 20 Hdc rows = 5”

Sizing

This Crochet top is made to be slightly cropped with an oversized fit. It has approximately 6”-8” of positive ease added. The measurements are Finished garment sizes, not actual bust measurements. When choosing your size, find the bust measurement that equals approximately 6”-8” more than your actual bust measurement and make that size. 

Abbreviations Used

Ch- Chain

Yo- Yarn Over

St- Stitch 

Hdc- Half Double Crochet 

Fsc- Foundation Single Crochet 

Dc- Double Crochet 

Hdc2tog- Half Double Crochet 2 Together 

Pattern Notes

-Pattern is worked in 2 long rectangles and then seamed together at the end.

-Ch 3 counts as a stitch throughout.

-Ch 2 does NOT count as a stitch throughout.

-Total Stitches are indicated between [ ]

-The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X). E.g. “Ch 152(152, 152, 152, 158, 158, 158, 158, 158)” means Ch 152 for XS, Ch 152 for Small, Ch 152 for Medium, Ch 152 for Large, Ch 158 for XL, Ch 158 for 2X, Ch 158 for 3X, Ch 158 for 4X, Ch 158 for 5X. If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

Special Stitches

Hdc in between the Hdc from previous row- All of the Half Double crochet stitches in this pattern are done in between the stitches from the previous rows instead of into the top two loops as you usually would. Make sure to go under all 3 loops and to the left of the stitch post. 

The Aurelia Top

Sizes Written XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

Panels (Make 2)

Row 1: Fsc 151(151, 151, 151, 157, 157, 157, 157, 157).

*If you are uncomfortable with the Fsc, you can Ch 152(152, 152, 152, 158, 158, 158, 158, 158), Sc in the 2nd Ch from the hook and in each Ch across*

Row 2: Ch 3, Turn. Dc in the second St. Skip the next St, (Dc, Ch 2, Dc) in the next St, *Skip the next 2 St, (2 Dc, Ch 1, 2 Dc) in the next St. Then Skip the next 2 St, (Dc, Ch 2, Dc) in the next St.* Repeat from * to * until the last 3 St. Skip the next St. Dc in each of the last 2 St. 

A Full Stitch Tutorial to walk you through the tricky parts of the pattern is available in the Printable PDF.

Row 3: Ch 3, Turn. Dc in the second St. *(2 Dc, Ch 1, 2 Dc) in the Ch 2 space, (Dc, Ch 2, Dc) in the Ch 1 space*. Repeat from * to * until the last 2 Dc. Dc in each of the last 2 St (the last Dc will be in the top of the Ch 3 turning chain).  

Row 4: Ch 3, Turn. Dc in the second St. *(Dc, Ch 2, Dc) in the Ch 1 Space, (2 Dc, Ch 1, 2 Dc) in the Ch 2 space.* Repeat from * to * until the last 2 Dc. Dc in each of the last 2 St (the last Dc will be in the top of the Ch 3 turning chain). 

Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have a total of 8 rows of lace. 

Row 10: Ch 2, Turn. Hdc2tog in the first 2 Dc. Hdc in each of the Dc across. [151(151, 151, 151, 157, 157, 157, 157, 157) Hdc]

Row 11: Ch 2, Turn. Hdc (in between) each Hdc across. [151(151, 151, 151, 157, 157, 157, 157, 157) Hdc]

Repeat row 11 until you have 22(26, 32, 35, 39, 44, 48, 52, 56) rows of Hdc or until your panel measures 8.5”(9.5”, 10.5”, 11.5”, 12.5”, 13.5”, 14.5”, 15.5”, 16.6”) wide. 

Finish off leaving a tail for seaming. 

Construction 

Once you have both panels made, steam and block the panels into shape. Each panel should grow approximately 1” in width. Then fold each rectangle panel in half length wise, lining up the lace pattern. Measure approximately 7.5”(8”, 8.5”, 9”, 9.5”, 10”, 10.5”, 11” 11.5”) from the fold down and place a stitch marker. This will be your arm hole. Take a long piece of yarn and mattress seam from the bottom of your panels up to the stitch marker. Repeat for the second panel. 

Once both panels are seamed at the sides, lay your rectangles next to each other to form your top. Count approximately 70(70, 70, 70, 73, 73, 73, 73, 73) Hdc St from the bottom on the back side of both panels and place a stitch marker. Count approximately 45(45, 45, 45, 48, 48, 48, 48, 48) Hdc St from the bottom on the front side of both panels and place a stitch marker. You will now have 36 stitches in between your stitch markers. This is your neck hole. If you would like your neck opening to be bigger or smaller, adjust the amount of stitches in between your stitch markers. Take your yarn tail and mattress seam up to the stitch marker on both panels. 

Tie off, tuck in those ends and enjoy your new Aurelia Top!

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 Aurelia Tops, and I would love to share your pics! 🌵

Other Free Crochet Patterns You Might Love

The Rowan Racerback// The Wren Tank// The Ivy Tee// The Kahe Kai Top