Over the Top

Crochet Uncut > Patterns > Pullovers > Over the Top

Author: February 21, 2009 0 Comments

Pullovers

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Over the Top Shell

When I set out to create this design I knew that I wanted to make a top that was simple to work but still flattering. Something appropriate for both the crocheter making her first garment as well as the amateur designer (me) designing her first multi-sized pattern. Inspiration was hanging in my closet: I have a jersey shell that looks like a rectangle on the hanger but is quite flattering on. A rectangle, I thought. I can do that …

The key to making a figure-flattering top with minimal shaping is IN creating a soft, loose, fluid fabric. To achieve this, I chose a soft DK-weight yarn, a larger than recommended hook, and a stretchy stitch pattern. The alternating rows of front loop dc and back loop dc make a gently rippling effect, unlike the ridged look of the more familiar back loop dc pattern.

This design is essentially an elongated, slightly misshapen rectangle with a hole in the middle.

 
Sizes and Materials List …
Size:

S [M, L, 1X, 2X]
Finished Measurement: Chest: 32 [36, 40, 44, 48] inches
Top is loose fitting with about 2″ positive ease.
Hook(s):

US H/8 (5 mm)
Yarn:

Patons Silk Bamboo [70% Bamboo, 30% Silk, 102 yds/65 g] or similar DK weight yarn
Colors &
Approx. Yardage:

Plum, aprox. 500 – 800 yards

Notions:

Yarn Needle
Gauge:

15.5 st and 7 rows = 4″ in st. pattern.
Remember to check your gauge.
Skill Level Easy Download pattern in PDF format
Notes …
Blocking & Sizing
  • Be sure to block your swatch before measuring. This is a stretchy stitch pattern and will grow. Top is also likely to grow vertically with wear.
  • Try on to check sizing as you go, particularly when you get to the neck opening. Heads don’t necessarily follow standard sizing.
  • The extra stitches added at the neck opening and following decreases are intended to provide some extra room at the bust for those of us who need it. Those who wear a B cup or smaller might want to omit this.
Stitches Used Chain (ch)
Double Crochet (dc)
Front Loop Double Crochet (fldc)
Back Loop Double Crochet (bldc)
Front Loop Double Crochet Two Together (fldc2tog)
Back Loop Double Crochet Two Together (bldc2tog)

Stitch Guide

Front Loop Double Crochet: Yo, insert hook under front loop of next ch or st; yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru 2 loops.

Back Loop Double Crochet: Yo, insert hook under back loop of next st; yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru 2 loops.

Front Loop Double Crochet Two Together (decrease): (Yo, insert hook under front loop of next st, yo, pull thru 2 loops) twice; yo, pull thru 3 loops.

Back Loop Double Crochet Two Together (decrease): (Yo, insert hook under back loop of next st, yo, pull thru 2 loops) twice; yo, pull thru 3 loops
Instructions … Instructions are for S[M, L, 1X, 2X]
Base Chain

Ch 65 [73, 81, 89, 97]

Row 1

Fldc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 3, turn. (62 [70, 78, 86, 94 sts)
Row 2

(Ch 3 counts as first st for all rows) Bldc in 2nd st and each st across to end, bldc in top ch of beginning ch 3. Ch 3, turn. 62 [70, 78, 86, 94 sts) sts).
Row 3 Fldc in 2nd st and in each st across to end, fldc in top ch of beginning ch 3. Ch 3, turn. 62 [70, 78, 86, 94 sts) sts).
Row 4 Bldc in 2nd st and each st across to end, bldc in top ch of beginning ch 3. Ch 3, turn. 62 [70, 78, 86, 94 sts) sts).
Rows 5 – 34 Repeat rows 3 and 4. (62 [70, 78, 86, 94] sts)
Row 35 Repeat row 3. 62 [70, 78, 86, 94] sts)
Row 36 Bldc in next 16 [18, 22, 24, 28] sts, dc in next st (dc through both loops to add a bit of stability), ch 34 [40, 40, 48, 48), skip 26 [30, 30, 34, 34] sts and join with a dc in next st. bldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (70 [80, 88, 100, 108] sts)
Rows 37 – 52 Repeat rows 3 and 4. (70 [80, 88, 100, 108] sts)
Row 53 Repeat row 3. (70 [80, 88, 100, 108] sts)
Row 54 Bldc in next 16 [18, 22, 24, 28] sts, bldc2tog, bldc in next 32 [38, 38, 46, 46] sts, bldc2tog, bldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (68 [78, 86, 98, 106] sts)
Row 55 Fldc in next 16 (18, 22, 24, 28) sts, fldc2tog, fldc in next 30 [36, 36, 44, 44] sts, fldc2tog, fldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (66 [76, 84, 96, 104] sts)
Row 56 Bldc in next 16 (18, 22, 23, 27) sts, bldc2tog once [once, once, twice, twice], bldc in next 28 (34, 34, 40, 40) sts, bldc2tog once [once, once, twice, twice], bldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (64 [74, 82, 92, 100] sts)
Row 57 Fldc in next 16 [18, 222, 23, 27] sts, fldc2tog once [once, once, twice, twice], fldc in next 26 [32, 32, 36, 36) sts, fldc2tog once [once, once, twice, twice], fldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (62 [72, 80, 88, 96] sts)
Row 58 (Size S) Bldc in each st across. Ch 3, turn. (62 sts)
(M, L, 1X, 2X) Bldc in next (18, 22, 23, 27] sts, bldc2togs, bldc in next 30 (30, 34, 34) sts, bldc2tog, bldc to end. Ch 3, turn. (70, 78, 86, 94 sts)

Rows 59 – 72

 All sizes: Repeat rows 3 and 4. (62 [70, 78, 86, 94] sts)
Finishing …

Fasten off and weave in ends. Seam sides leaving an opening of approx 7 – 8″ for armholes.

Over the Top Shell
Pattern and photos © Kristi Thompson

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