How To Crochet Mesh Top
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Five balls of Vinnie's Colors yarn in the color Natural (100% cotton).
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm (although the yarn suggests using a 3.25 mm to 4 mm hook).
- Needle: For sewing the seams.
- Stitch Markers: Optional for marking positions.
Instructions
Front and Back Panels
Step 1: Create the Foundation Chain
- Start with a slip knot.
- Chain 90 stitches. This should measure about 40 cm.
- Note: The front and back panels will each be 40 cm, making a total width of 80 cm for the top.
Step 2: Row 1 – Single Crochet
- Chain 1: This will count as your turning chain.
- Single Crochet: Single crochet in each stitch across. At the end of the row, you should have 90 single crochets.
Step 3: Row 2 – Mesh Pattern Start
- Chain 5: This will count as a double crochet (dc) and a chain 3 space.
- Skip 3 Stitches, Double Crochet in the next stitch.
- Repeat the pattern: Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, and double crochet in the next stitch.
- Continue this pattern until the end of the row.
Steps 4-35: Continuing the Pattern
- Chain 5, Double Crochet in the chain-3 space from the previous row.
- Continue the chain 3, double crochet pattern for 34 more rows (making a total of 35 rows for the mesh pattern). Adjust the number of rows based on your desired length.
Assembly of Panels
- Position Panels: Place the front and back panels together, inside out (wrong sides facing out).
- Sewing/ Crocheting Shoulder Seams:
- Count and mark 8 columns (gaps). (Adjust as per neck hole preference).
- Single Crochet both panels together at the shoulder seams.
Sides of the Top
- Sewing Sides: Single crochet up to the armhole (usually around 20-23 rows from the bottom)
Sleeves
Step 1: Calculate and Chain
- Calculate the Gaps around Armhole: Count the number of gaps around the armhole, multiply by 3.
- Chain: Chain the calculated number.
Step 2: Row 1 – Single Crochet
- Chain 1: This will count as your turning chain.
- Single Crochet in each stitch across.
Step 3: Row 2 – Mesh Pattern Start
- Chain 5: This will count as a double crochet and a chain 3 space.
- Skip 3 Stitches, Double Crochet in the next stitch.
- Repeat the pattern: Chain 3, skip 3 stitches, and double crochet in the next stitch.
- Continue this pattern until the end of the row.
Steps 4-45: Continuing the Pattern
- Continue the chain 5, double crochet pattern for 45 rows (typically) for sleeve length. Adjust as needed.
Assembly
Step 1: Attach Sleeves to Panels
- Sew the Sleeves to the Top: Align the sleeve with the armhole, ensuring each gap aligns, and sew around the armhole.
- Sew the Sides of Sleeves: Single crochet or sew down the sleeve’s side to close.
Finishing Touches
- Neck Band (Optional):
- Single crochet around the neckline to create a clean border.
- Weave in Ends: Securely weave in all loose ends.
- Turn Right Side Out: Flip your top to the right side, and it is ready to wear!
Final Note
The top can be customized in size by adjusting the initial chain length and the number of rows in both the panels and the sleeves. The pattern provided is a basic guideline and can be adapted to fit individual preferences.