Summer Top Crochet Pattern

I have a fun summer top crochet pattern to share today!

The Coral Skies Top is the perfect layering piece for summer. Wear it over a tank with your favorite cut-offs for easy summer style.

Sizes include XS/S, M/L, 1X/2X, and 3X/4X so you’ll be able to make one for yourself and one for a friend.

Constructed from two rectangles, the design of this piece is very simple. Once you create the front and back panel, simply join the shoulder and side seams and you’re all done!

Testers were a big help with this design! We had some issues with gauge and hook size that they helped me work out. Most testers used a different size hook than I did in order to get the correct gauge. I talk more about gauge below, but it’s always a good reminder that not everyone will use the same hook size for every project.

See what testers liked about this pattern:
“The peek-a-boo holes are fun to make and such a cute top!!!” ~Kristen
“The ease of making it and the seaming. And that it was a fast pattern to make.” ~Katiusca
“That it was easy to join together and not worked in a yoke (as was nice for a change).” ~Verity
“The repeats when the stitches were right which took me a while.” ~Holly

Thanks, Ladies! Testing has become such a valuable part of the crochet design process for me. I learn a lot and love the feedback, both positive and constructive.

You can also purchase the Coral Skies Crochet PDF on Etsy, Ravelry, or Love Crochet.

Video Tutorial

If you’d rather watch how to make this summer top crochet pattern, there is a video tutorial as well!

The pattern for this top is probably an intermediate level crochet pattern. If you are a beginner, I would recommend watching the video all the way through first before you begin.

And here’s the Coral Skies Top crochet pattern!

You can also purchase the Coral Skies Crochet PDF on Etsy, Ravelry, or Love Crochet.

General Instructions: This women’s top makes a great layering piece or swim cover up for summer. Openings are made by a series of chain stitches staggered throughout in a pretty pattern.  The top is comprised of two rectangles finished off with simple seaming to make the shoulders and side seams.  This quick and satisfying project is a fun addition to your summer wardrobe.

Supplies: Size 4.5mm and 5.0mm crochet hooks (or sizes needed to obtain gauge), tapestry needle, ruler

Yarn:  #4/Medium (cotton blend recommended); Caron Cotton Cakes in Coral (60% cotton, 40% acrylic); 720 (780, 1,043; 1,344; 1,515) yards.

Be sure to make a gauge swatch! When I was a beginner I never followed that advice…but a couple times of something coming out way too big or way too small and I learned my lesson.

A gauge swatch takes maybe 15 minutes to make and could save hours of work later. It’s really easy, I promise!

Here’s how to make a gauge swatch:

With smaller hook, ch 20.
Switch to larger hook.
Note: Chains at the beginning of a row count as 1 stitch.
Row 1: Sc in 4^th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch; rep from * across, turn. (18 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * across, ending with sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.
Rep row 2 for a total of 16 rows (including rows 1 and 2).
Finished swatch should measure 4×4”.  If swatch is too small, use a larger hook. If swatch is too big, use a smaller hook.

Finished Measurements:
To find your size, measure your chest and add 8-14”. Choose the size with the finished circumference closest to this number.
Finished circumference: 40 (49, 58, 67) inches
Suggested Sizing: XS/S (M/L, 1X/2X, 3X/4X)

Abbreviations and Special Stitches
ch: chain
rep: repeat
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
sp: space
st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Note:Ch 2 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 stitch.

Front

With smaller hook, ch 92 (112, 132, 152).
Switch to larger hook for remainder of front.

Row 1: Sc in 4^th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch; rep from * across, turn. 90 (110, 130, 150) sts           

Row 2: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * across, ending with sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 3: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp; ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 8x; ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * 3 (4, 5, 6)x, ch 1, sk 1, sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 4: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 7x; ch 5, sk 5, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * 3 (4, 5, 6)x, ch 1, sk 1, sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 5: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, ch 7, sk 7 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x; ch 7, sk 7, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * 3 (4, 5, 6) x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 6: Ch 2, sk 1, sc in 1^st ch, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x; ch 1, sk 1, sc in 1^st ch, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch; rep from * 3 (4, 5, 6)x, ch 1, sk 1, sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 7: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch st) 3x, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 7x; (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch st) 3x; rep from * 3 (4, 5, 6)x, ch 1, sk 1, sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 8: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * across, ending with sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 9: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 8x, ch 3, sk 3 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * 2 (3, 4, 5)x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 10: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 5x, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 7x; ch 5, sk 5, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from * 2 (3, 4, 5)x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 11: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 5x,ch 7, sk 7 sts, sc in next ch 1 sp, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, ch 7, sk 7, sc in next ch 1 sp; rep from *  2 (3, 4, 5)x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 5x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 12: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1) 4x, sc in next ch, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch, *ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, (sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk 1) 5x, sc in next ch, ch 5, sk 5 sts, sc in next ch ; rep from * 2 (3, 4, 5)x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Row 13: Ch 2, sc in first ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 5x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch st) 3x, *(ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 7x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch st) 3x; rep from * 2 (3, 4, 5)x, (ch 1, sk 1, sc in next ch 1 sp) 6x, placing last sc in ch 2 sp at end of row, turn.

Rep rows 2-13 5 (5, 6, 7)x.
Rep row 2 once more. Tie off, weave in loose ends.

Back

Work same as for front through row 13.
Rep rows 2-13 6 (6, 7, 8)x.
Rep row 2 once more. Tie off, weave in loose ends.

Seaming

Lay front on top of back, lining up top edge and side seams (back will be longer than front).  Working through both layers, join yarn to top corner of sweater.  Sl st shoulder seam together for a total of 3 (5, 7, 8)” measured from corner.  Tie off, weave in loose ends.

Flip sweater over and repeat for other shoulder.

Lay sweater flat again and measure from the top corner down the side seam 10 (11, 12, 14)” and mark this stitch. Working through both layers, join yarn to marked st. Sl st side seam together until 2” of front piece remains (back piece will be longer), forming a slit. Tie off, weave in loose ends. 

Flip sweater over and repeat for other side.

You can also purchase the Coral Skies Crochet PDF on Etsy, Ravelry, or Love Crochet.

You’re all done! I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Say hi on Instagram and follow @tealandfinch. Use #coralskiestop and #tealandfinch when sharing your project, I love to see them!