Materials Needed
- Yarn (not too thick). Example: 100 g, 350 m
- Crochet hook (4.5 mm or as recommended on yarn label)
- Scissors
- Needle
Instructions
Step 1: Starting Chain
- Chain 51 (this will be the height of the top under your chest). Adjust the number of chains according to your size preference.
Step 2: First Row
- Insert the hook into the second loop from the hook (the loop on the hook does not count).
- Single crochet (sc) into the second loop.
- Continue to single crochet in each loop until the end of the chain.
- At the end of the row, chain 1 and turn your work.
Step 3: Simple Version
- Insert the hook into the second loop from the hook through the back loop and make a single crochet.
- Continue making single crochets through the back loop until the end of the row.
- At the end of each row, chain 1 and turn your work.
- Repeat until you reach approximately 87 rows or adjust according to your chest circumference.
Step 4: More Difficult Version (with a braid pattern)
- Insert the hook into the second loop from the hook through two strands and make a single crochet.
- Insert the hook into the loop under the braid (horizontal line under the braid) and make a single crochet.
- Continue alternating between the two types of stitches until the end of the row.
- At the end of each row, chain 1 and turn your work.
- Repeat until you reach approximately 87 rows or adjust according to your chest circumference.
Step 5: Joining Edges
- Insert the hook into the very first loop of the first row and the corresponding loop from the other side. Make a single crochet.
- Continue making single crochets joining the edges together until the end of the row.
- Chain 1, cut the yarn, and secure.
Step 6: Upper Part of the Top
- Using two threads, insert the hook near the seam and make a single crochet.
- Make two single crochets in the next free space.
- Continue making two single crochets in each free space until you have the same number of stitches as the number of rows on the band.
- Join with a slip stitch, chain 1, and turn your work.
- Skip one stitch, make two single crochets in the next stitch. Repeat until the end of the row.
- Join with a slip stitch, chain 1, and turn your work.
- Continue this pattern for 21 rows or until desired height is reached.
Step 7: Straps
- Chain 2, insert the hook into the second loop from the hook and make two single crochets in one stitch.
- Chain 1, turn your work, and repeat until the desired strap length is reached (approximately 30-34 cm).
- Chain 1, leave a long tip, cut the yarn, and secure.
- Sew the straps to the top and hide the ends through the stitches.
Step 8: Ruffles (Optional)
- Insert the hook from the wrong side in the stitch near the strap, make a slip stitch.
- Insert the hook into the next stitch and make a slip stitch.
- Chain 2 and turn your work.
- Insert the hook into the slip stitch, make a double crochet.
- Repeat the pattern of single crochet, slip stitch, single crochet, and three double crochets until reaching the next strap.
- Chain 1, cut the yarn, and hide the ends through the stitches.
Final Touches
- Adjust and tighten the stitches if needed.
- Ensure all ends are securely hidden.
- Try on the top and make any final adjustments as necessary.
Measurements (for reference)
- Height of the rubber band: 22 cm
- Height of the upper part of the top: 13.5 cm
- Width of the upper part: 32.5 cm
- Width of the rubber band: 30 cm
- Distance between markers for straps: 16.5 cm, 8 cm from each side