Crocheting a top can be a fun and rewarding project. While I can't show you a video tutorial, I can provide you with a written tutorial for an olive crochet top that can be made in all sizes. Here's a general pattern you can follow:Materials:
- Worsted weight yarn in olive (or any color of your choice)
- Crochet hook suitable for your yarn weight
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Gauge: Start by creating a gauge swatch to determine the number of stitches per inch. Measure how many stitches fit in 4 inches (10 cm) using your chosen yarn and hook size. This will help you adjust the pattern for your size.
- Size and Measurements: Take your bust/chest measurement. You'll need this to determine the starting chain length for your top.
- Foundation Row: Chain a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 (to create a balanced pattern). The total number of stitches should be close to your bust/chest measurement. For example, if your measurement is 36 inches and your gauge swatch has 4 stitches per inch, you would chain (36 x 4) + 3 = 147 stitches. This is just an example; adjust according to your own measurements.
- Row 1: In the fourth chain from the hook, work 1 double crochet (dc). Skip 3 chains, 1 sc in the next chain, skip 3 chains, 3 dc in the next chain, skip 3 chains. Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with 1 sc in the last chain. Turn your work.
- Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc), 3 dc in the next sc, 1 sc in the center dc of the next 3-dc group. Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with 1 dc in the last sc. Turn your work.
- Repeat Row 2: Continue repeating Row 2 until your work measures approximately half of your desired top length. You can try it on to check the fit and adjust if necessary. Remember to end after a Row 2 repeat.
- Armhole Shaping: To create the armholes, we'll begin working on one side and then mirror the shaping on the other side.
- Decrease Row: Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc), 3 dc in the next sc, 1 sc in the center dc of the next 3-dc group. Repeat from * to * until you have 5 stitches remaining. Skip the next 3 dc, 1 sc in the center dc of the last 3-dc group. Turn your work.
- Repeat Decrease Row: Continue repeating the Decrease Row until you have the desired armhole size. For smaller sizes, you may need fewer decrease rows, and for larger sizes, you may need more. Adjust accordingly.
- Mirror the Shaping: Once you've completed the armhole shaping on one side, you'll mirror the same shaping on the other side. To do this, join yarn at the beginning of the row (right side), and work the Decrease Row as before, but in reverse. This will create the symmetrical armhole shaping.
- Continue in Pattern: After completing the armhole shaping on both sides, continue working in the established pattern (Row 2) until your top reaches the desired length.
- Edging: For the bottom edge and neckline, you can choose your preferred edging. Options include a round of single crochet, a decorative stitch pattern, or a ribbed edging. Be creative and choose what you think looks best with your top.
- Finishing: Weave in any loose ends using a yarn needle. Block your top by gently washing it and laying it flat to dry. This will help even out the stitches and give it a professional finish.