Let's Crochet a Summer Top  

About this crochet course

Let's crochet a Summer Top!
I have designed a simple summer top/t-shirt using a light yarn and an inverted v-stitch pattern.

The top features a relaxed fit, scoop neck and gentle cap sleeves.
Worked in two flat pieces which are made separately and then seamed by sewing.
 
We have the option for some subtle shaping in the body & shoulder sloping for optimized fit.

The level of shaping and size modification will depend on the skill level and confidence of the student.

Newish or improvers have to option to simplify the design.


Venue

St. Erconwald’s Church Hall
22 Esher Avenue,
Walton-On-Thames
Surrey  KT12 2TA

Skill levels 

Important : students must be confident with basic crochet techniques such as:
   
 ✧ dc(UK)/sc(US).
 ✧ tr(UK)/dc(US).
 ✧ slip stitching.
 ✧ chaining.
 ✧ counting stitches.
 ✧ reading basic pattern instructions.

If you have not crocheted anything in a while, make sure you re-familiarize yourself with these stitches, as we won’t have time for refreshing the basics.    

All other techniques will be taught in class.

Adventurous Improvers
Will learn to:
✧ work in a foundation chain.
 ✧ crochet in turned rows (flat fabric).
 ✧ use a repeating stitch pattern.
 ✧ increase stitches in a repeating stitch pattern.
 ✧ improve chart reading skills.  

Intermediate & Adventurous
 Will explore:      
 ✧ customizing fit.    
 ✧ adding shaping to shoulders with stepped rows.    
 ✧ using a chart to plan shaping. 

Tools & Materials 

To practice the stitch pattern in the first class, please bring some 4ply cotton yarn & a 3.5mm hook. You can also use DK cotton & a 4mm hook for practice.

For Making a Top

Hooks  
You will need at least 2 different hook sizes. A main hook and a smaller hook for the hems and other bits.
Recommended sizes to bring:      
 ✧ 3mm    
 ✧ 3.25mm    
 ✧ 3.5mm    
 ✧ 3.75mm

What kind of yarn? 
Yarns with a solid colour work best – variegated or multi-coloured yarns can detract from the stitch and make reading the stitches tricky.  
A non-mercerised 4ply cotton works best.

How much Yarn?   
This really depends on what size you are making, the list below is a very rough guide based on 185.91 yds or 170 m per 50g ball.  
   
 ✧ Small - 6 balls    
 ✧ Medium - 8 balls    
 ✧ Large - 10 balls    
 ✧ X Large - 12 balls    
 ✧ and so forth.

Alternative yarn ideas
  
Don't like cotton? 
You could also try a 4ply sock yarn, a merino blend would work. Linen blends would also be worth exploring.  

Don't like 4ply? 
You could switch to a DK or sportweight in cotton or a merino blend - bear in mind this will make a more open fabric & a warmer garment.
You will of course need larger hooks if using DK:  

 ✧ 3.5mm
 ✧ 3.75mm
 ✧ 4mm
 ✧ 4.25mm  

 Other Tools 

 ✧ Small stitch markers - at least 30.      
 ✧ Scissors    
 ✧ Wool or tapestry needle    
 ✧ Tape measure    
 ✧ Ruler    
 ✧ Pencil & rubber