Crocheted Begonia Top

Today, I am bringing you a video tutorial for the Crocheted Begonia Summer Top. The pattern is designed for size 152 or XS, and we will be working with 100% cotton yarn.

YARNART BEGONIA comes in a 50 g ball with a length of 169 m, which corresponds to approximately 340 m per 100 g. It is made from 100% mercerized cotton. Thanks to this treatment, the material is already pre-shrunk, the fibre has a beautiful sheen, and the colour should remain vibrant for longer with regular use and proper care. This yarn is suitable for crocheting from spring through to late summer. It can be used to make clothing, toys and home décor. For loose and airy cardigans, I recommend using a larger crochet hook. For garments worn directly against the skin, a smaller hook may be more suitable, although this always depends on the stitch pattern and your crochet tension.

In general, lightweight summer cotton yarns look best when combined with airy stitches, lace patterns, or a mixture of solid and lace sections.

The Story Behind the Top

This top was never meant to have either a written pattern or a video tutorial. It started as a spontaneous idea after my daughter said she would love a trendy crocheted top for the summer. Together, we chose the yarn and the colour. Using a top we already had at home as inspiration, my daughter selected the shape, and we designed the back panel together. Then I started crocheting. I came up with an interesting stitch pattern that created a lovely textured effect, and I was really pleased with how it looked. Since I was not filming the process, I decided to make a slightly more technically challenging garment.

The straps were probably the most difficult part. First they were too long, then they were too short. In the end, everything worked out exactly as it should, and my daughter is delighted with the finished top. You liked the top so much that I thought it would be a shame not to create it in more versions.

VIDEO TUTORIAL PREMIERE – PART I

In this part, we will make the front and back panels and crochet the back insert. You can slow down the video directly on YouTube. The first part of the video also includes subtitles.

VIDEO TUTORIAL PREMIERE – PART II

In this part, we will crochet the decorative motif, finish the armholes, make the straps, and add the lower lace section. You can slow down the video directly on YouTube. The second part of the video also includes subtitles.

The Begonia Top consists of a textured front panel shaped around the armholes and a back panel made from a strip of double crochet stitches. The decorative insert is crocheted separately and then attached to the centre of the back panel. The front and back panels are joined at the sides. The straps are added while finishing the edges. The final section of the top is a lace panel, and you can adjust its length according to your preference. For example, use one pattern repeat for a crop-top version or five to six pattern repeats for a classic-length top.

The top shown in this tutorial is made in size 152 / XS. To make a larger size, measure the chest circumference and divide the measurement by two. This number determines the width of both the front and back panels. I recommend adjusting the armhole shaping and strap length by trying the top on regularly or comparing it with a favourite top or dress. The shape of the front panel is very individual because everyone has a different bust shape.

I hope your Begonia Top turns out beautifully. I would be delighted to see your photos if you would like to inspire others or share your experience with crocheting or styling the top. You can share your photos in the Krampolinka Facebook group. On Instagram, please use the hashtag #topbegonia so others can easily find your projects.  If you tag me in your creations made using my patterns, I can reshare them in my Instagram Stories to inspire others.

BEGONIA TOP

Yarn: YarnArt Begonia, turquoise shade no. 4939 and lilac shade no. 5049, available from Pletemesi.cz
Yarn required: 3 balls for the crop top, 4 balls for the longer version, in size 152 or XS
Crochet hook: 2.5 mm
Measurements: width 37 cm, crop-top length 38 cm, classic top length 46 cm
Other materials: large-eye yarn needle and a decorative label
Estimated time: 10 hours
Skill level: adventurous beginners

ABBREVIATIONS

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
dc BLO – double crochet in the back loop only
sc BLO – single crochet in the back loop only
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
herringbone sc – herringbone single crochet
bobble – triple treble crochet worked together and finished with 1 chain

FRONT PANEL — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Row 1: Begin with a foundation chain of 86 stitches.

Row 2: Ch 2 to turn. Insert the hook into the first stitch of the foundation chain and work 1 sc. Continue with 1 sc in each stitch across. (87 stitches)

Row 3A: Work 1 loose ch in place of the first sc, then work 1 sc BLO into the same stitch. Ch 1, skip 1 stitch, work 2 sc BLO. Continue in the established pattern: ch 1, skip 1 stitch, 2 sc BLO. Repeat to the end of the row. Work 2 sc BLO into the second-to-last stitch and 1 sc BLO into the turning chain. You should have 43 chain spaces in this row.

Row 3B: Continue working into the same row. Ch 2, tilt the work towards you and work 1 dc BLO into each stitch. At the end of the row, work 1 dc into the turning chain. You should have 87 stitches.

Rows 4A and 4B: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B.

Rows 5A and 5B: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B.

Rows 6A and 6B: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B.

Rows 7A and 7B: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B.

Rows 8–9: Ch 2 in place of the first dc. Work 1 dc into each dc across. Count the stitches carefully. Finish the row with 1 dc into the turning chain. (87 stitches)

Rows 10–16: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B through Rows 7A and 7B, including Rows 8 and 9, which are two rows of double crochet.

Rows 17–20: Repeat Rows 3A and 3B through Row 7A.

Row 21: Begin shaping the armholes in this row. This is the final patterned row, corresponding to Row 7B, in which the double crochet stitches are worked through the back loop only. Ch 3 in place of the first dc. Crochet the next 2 dc BLO together. Crochet the following 2 dc BLO together, then crochet the next 2 dc BLO together. Continue working dc BLO across.

When 7 stitches remain, crochet the seventh and sixth stitches together as 2 dc BLO worked together. Crochet the fifth and fourth stitches together, then crochet the third and second stitches together. Finish with 1 dc into the turning chain. Turn.

Row 22: Ch 3 in place of the first dc. Crochet the second and third stitches together as 2 dc BLO worked together. Crochet the fourth and fifth stitches together in the same way. Continue with 1 dc into each dc across. When 5 stitches remain, crochet the fifth and fourth stitches together as 2 dc BLO worked together. Crochet the third and second stitches together. Finish with 1 dc into the turning chain. Turn.

Rows 23–27: Repeat Rows 21 and 22. Fasten off.

BACK PANEL — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Row 1: Begin with a foundation chain of 85 stitches.

Row 2: Ch 2 in place of the first sc. Insert the hook into the first stitch of the foundation chain and work 1 sc. Continue with 1 sc in each stitch across. Turn. (86 stitches)

Row 3: Ch 2 in place of the first dc, then work 1 dc into the stitch at the base of the turning chain. Continue with 1 dc in each stitch across. Count the stitches carefully. Finish with 1 dc into the turning chain. (86 stitches)

Row 4: Ch 2 in place of the first dc, then work 1 dc into the stitch at the base of the turning chain. Continue with 1 dc in each dc across. Count the stitches carefully. Finish with 1 dc into the turning chain. (86 stitches)

Rows 5–22: Repeat Row 4. Count the stitches and make sure the sides remain straight. In the final row, crochet the 43rd and 44th stitches together in the centre of the back panel. You should have 85 stitches at the end of the row.

JOINING THE SIDE SEAMS — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Join the side seams from the lower edge upwards, working on the wrong side with slip stitches. Place the front and back panels together and join them with slip stitches. Work into the edge posts and into the top loops of the edge stitches. Work 2 loose slip stitches into each row of double crochet. Fasten off and repeat the same process on the other side.

BACK INSERT — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Round 1: Work 3 ch into a magic ring, then crochet 23 dc. Join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 2: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, then work 1 dc into the next stitch and ch 1. Repeat: 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 1. Finish with ch 1 and join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 3: Ch 3 in place of the first dc. Work 1 dc into the next dc and ch 2. Repeat: 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 2. Finish with ch 2 and join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 4: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, work 1 dc into the next dc and ch 4. Repeat: 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 4. Finish with ch 4 and join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 5: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, 1 dc into the next dc, ch 2, 1 sc into the chain space, ch 2, 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 1, 5 dc into the next chain space, ch 1. Repeat the following pattern around: 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 2, 1 sc into the chain space, ch 2, 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 1, 5 dc into the next chain space, ch 1. Join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 6: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, 1 dc into the next dc, skip the central motif and work 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc into the chain space, 1 dc into each of the next 5 dc, 2 dc into the next chain space, ch 2.

Repeat the following pattern around: 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, skip the central motif, 1 dc into each of the next 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc into the chain space, 1 dc into each of the next 5 dc, 2 dc into the next chain space, ch 2. Join with 1 sl st into the turning chain.

Round 7: Ch 3 in place of the first dc and crochet the next 3 dc together. Ch 2, work 2 dc into the chain space, 1 dc into each of the next 9 dc, 2 dc into the next chain space, ch 2. Repeat the following pattern around: crochet 4 dc together, ch 2, 2 dc into the chain space, 1 dc into each of the next 9 dc, 2 dc into the next chain space, ch 2. Join with 1 sl st into the turning chain. Do not fasten off.

ATTACHING THE BACK INSERT — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

One side of the insert, measured from one group of joined stitches to the next, contains 19 stitches. The final row of the back panel contains 85 stitches. Position the insert in the centre of the back panel. Count 33 stitches in from the edge to find the starting point. Join the insert on the wrong side. Attach the group of joined stitches to the back panel with a slip stitch. Insert the hook through the front loop of one piece and the back loop of the other piece, then work 1 sl st. Continue in the same way along the entire side of the motif.

STRAP — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Count 16 stitches from the outer edge of the motif. Insert the hook into the 16th stitch and work 1 ch. Work a foundation chain of 16–18 stitches and attach it to the group of joined double crochet stitches. The chain will be quite loose, which is fine, because in the next step we will crochet around it. This will make it firmer and slightly shorter.

Work 1 ch, then crochet herringbone sc along the side of the motif. (18 stitches) From the next group of joined dc stitches, continue by working another foundation chain, which will form the shoulder strap.

TIP: At this stage, I recommend edging the inner triangular section of the back panel first. This is the inner back edge created by attaching the motif and adding the chain. Once you have worked the herringbone sc edging, you will be able to see whether 18 foundation-chain stitches are too many or too few. Then continue with the straps.

For the strap, work a foundation chain of 40–48 stitches. I used 44 stitches. Attach the strap to the front panel at the armhole shaping with 1 sc, then work 1 sl st into the neighbouring edge stitch. Make sure the chain is not twisted. Fasten off.

ARMHOLE EDGING — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Round 1: Join the yarn at the side seam. Ch 1, then continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only along the back panel. Work herringbone sc into the stitches of the foundation chain, then continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only along the side of the motif. Next, work herringbone sc into the foundation-chain stitches of the shoulder strap. Work 3 herringbone sc along the shaped edge of the front panel. Join with 1 sl st.

Round 2: Ch 1 in place of the first sc. Continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only around the entire inner edge of the armhole. Join with 1 sl st. Fasten off.

INNER BACK EDGING — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Round 1: Join the yarn in the second stitch from the shoulder strap. Ch 1 in place of the first sc. Continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only along the back panel and along the side of the motif. Work 1 herringbone sc into each chain space. Then work herringbone sc into the stitches of the foundation chain. Join with 1 sl st. Fasten off.

NECKLINE EDGING — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Round 1: Join the yarn to the back panel. Ch 1 in place of the first sc. Continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only along the side of the motif. Work 1 herringbone sc into each chain space. Along the shoulder straps, work herringbone sc into the foundation-chain stitches. Along the front panel, work herringbone sc through the back loop only. Join with 1 sl st.

Round 2: Ch 1 in place of the first sc. Continue with herringbone sc through the back loop only along the entire front panel. Join with 1 sl st. Fasten off.

TIP: At this stage, I recommend weaving in all yarn ends. Then decide whether you would like to add the lace edging and how many rows you want to crochet.

LACE EDGING — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

The pattern repeat is worked over 7 stitches. For a fuller, more gathered effect, begin the repeat over 6 stitches. Repeat the lace pattern once for the crop-top version and five times for the classic-length version. Do not increase.

Round 1: Ch 1 in place of the first sc, then work 1 sc into the same stitch. Ch 3 for the pattern and work dc–ch 3–dc into the third stitch. Repeat the following pattern around: ch 3, skip 3 stitches, work 1 sc into the fourth stitch, ch 3, skip 2 stitches, then work dc–ch 3–dc into the third stitch. Join with 1 sl st into the first sc.

Round 2: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, then ch 3 for the pattern. Work 5 sc into the chain space. Repeat the following pattern around: ch 3, work 1 dc into the sc, ch 3, then work 5 sc into the chain space. Join with 1 sl st into the third turning chain.

Round 3: Ch 1 and work 1 sc into the same stitch. Ch 1, then work a triple-yarn-over half double crochet into the first sc, close the stitch with ch 1, and ch 1 for the pattern. This creates a bobble. Work 1 bobble followed by ch 1 into each sc, five times in total, then work 1 sc into the dc. Repeat the following pattern around: ch 1, 5 bobbles each followed by ch 1, then 1 sc into the dc. Join with 1 sl st into the first sc.

Round 4: Ch 3 in place of the first dc, then ch 2 for the pattern. Between the bobbles, work 1 sc into the chain space and ch 2. Repeat this three times. Repeat the following pattern around: ch 2, work 1 dc into the sc, ch 2, then work 1 sc into the chain space and ch 2 three times. Join with 1 sl st into the third turning chain.

Round 5: Begin the pattern repeat. Ch 1 in place of the first sc, then work 1 sc into the same stitch. Ch 3 for the pattern and work dc–ch 3–dc into the middle chain space. Ch 3 and work 1 sc into the dc. Repeat the following pattern around: ch 3, work dc–ch 3–dc into the middle chain space, ch 3, then work 1 sc into the dc. Join with 1 sl st into the first sc.

Rounds 6–20: Repeat Round 5, followed by Rounds 2–4. Finish with a round of sc and ch stitches.

LOWER EDGING — 2.5 MM CROCHET HOOK

Round 1: Ch 1 in place of the first sc, then work 1 sc into the same stitch and make a picot: ch 3 and join with 1 sl st. Work sc into the chain spaces and 1 sc into each sc across the entire fan section. Above each dc, work 1 sc and make a picot. Join with 1 sl st.

Finishing

Weave in all loose yarn ends. I recommend sewing the ends of the elastic waistband together using a sewing machine. Add a decorative label if desired.