Learn to make a chic top using the timeless crochet technique. Step-by-step guide to create a striking garment that exudes effortless style. 

06/07/2023

Ready to get your wardrobe summer-ready? Marta Ovelha, also known as Dona M Handmade, is a renowned crochet designer hailing from Alentejo, the picturesque region of Portugal. While Marta's greatest passion lies in her daughters, Joana and Carolina, she also finds immense joy in the world of crochet. 

In this article, Marta presents the Paraiso Top pattern, a contemporary design that pays homage to the rich crochet tradition. For her summer creation, Marta handpicked Katia Paraiso, a remarkable 100% cotton yarn featuing an array of vibrant colors. Delve into this free pattern below and master the art of crafting a unique crochet top, featuring a deep V-neckline and elegant shoulder pads. As you work with the yarn, which emanates the essence of summer through its captivating color gradient, watch your creation come to life effortlessly.

From Crochet Tutorials to a Thriving Community

Marta's journey into the world of crochet began four years ago when she stumbled upon YouTube videos showcasing the artistry of crocheting. Instantly captivated, she felt a surge of passion and a deep-seated desire to create her own pieces. The versatility and simplicity of crochet fascinated her, along with the discovery of various types of yarn. Marta describes her crochet style as a blend of modern aesthetics and traditional influences, a seamless fusion of the past and present. Since that fateful encounter, her dedication to crochet has remained unwavering. Today, she not only designs her own patterns but also imparts her knowledge as a crochet teacher, igniting a newfound passion within her.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Marta's crochet journey is the sense of community she has discovered along the way. Through her craft, she has had the pleasure of connecting with like-minded individuals, both locally and globally. The spirit of sharing and support extends beyond the borders of Portugal, with a united crochet community spanning the world. Marta finds inspiration in the work of numerous Spanish crochet designers, cherishing their artistry and the impact they have on her own creative endeavors.

Ready to embrace the freedom of customization as you embark on this creative journey? Add  your personal touch to this must-have summer fashion piece! Let’s go!

How to Make a V-Nick Top with the Paraiso Pattern

by Marta Ovelha @donamhandmade

Sizes

Women a) S/M, b) L, c) XL

• Height: a) 60cm, b) 62cm, c) 64cm
• Width: a) 48cm, b) 50cm, c) 52cm

Materials

• Katia Paraiso col. 100: a) 2 balls, b)3 balls, c) 3 balls
• 4mm crochet hook
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• 2 shoulder pads

Gauge

Using 4mm crochet hook in dc

10cm* 10cm = 20sts / 10r

Learn to crochet a V-neckline garment

The top is made in two pieces (front and back). It is worked flat from the bottom up.

Abbreviations

ch · chain

dc · double crochet

dec · decrease

sc · single crochet

sl st · slip stitch

EOR · end of row

prev · previous

R/r(s) · row(s)

Rep · Repeat

RS · right side of work

sk · skip stitch

st(s) · stitch(es)

WS · wrong side of work

Notes

• Ch 3 at EOR counts as the 1st dc of next r.
• On neckline decreases, consider the ch space (forming a square) as 1 st.

Front

Chain a) 90+3, b) 106+3, c) 122+3.

R1: starting on 4th ch from hook, work following Chart A: *Dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1*, rep **, dc 3. Ch 3 and turn.

a) R2-29: Rep R1

b) R2-31: rep R1

c) R2-33: rep

Neckline Decreases

Split the work in half; place a marker in the center leaving a) 45 sts, b) 53 sts, c) 61 sts on each side.

Right side (with RS facing)

R1: *dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1*, rep ** to marker. Turn.

R2: sl st 1, follow the motif of the prev r until EOR. Ch 3, turn.

R3: *dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1*, rep ** until 1st left. Turn.

R4-8: rep R2-3 2 more times, rep R2 1 more time.

R9-20: *dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1*, rep ** until EOR. Ch 3, turn.

R21-26: dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 11, ch 1, sk 1, dc 13, ch 1, sk 1, dc 3, ch3, turn.

Left Side (with RS facing)

R1: Remove the marker, attach the yarn and ch 3+1, *sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 3*, rep ** until EOR. Ch 3, turn.

R2: *dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1 sk 1*, rep ** until 1st left. Turn.

R3: sl st 1, follow the motif of the prev r until EOR. Ch 3, turn.

R4-8: rep R2-3 2 times, rep R2 1 more time.

R9-20: *dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1, dc 1, ch 1, sk 1*, rep ** until EOR. Ch 3, turn.

R21-26: dc 3, ch 1, sk 1, dc 11, ch 1, sk 1, dc 13, ch 1 sk 1, dc 3, ch3, turn.

Front edging

Work around the front edge as follows:

• Bottom and shoulders: sc 1 into each st.
• Sides: sc 1 into the dc, sc 1 into the st join.
• Neckline: sc 1, ch 1, sc 1 into each st join.

Back

Rep all instructions for the front.

Finishing

With WS facing, join the shoulders with sc. Join the sides, starting from the bottom up, for 40 cm.

Neckline edging: With RS facing, work 4 rounds of sl st through the back loop around the neckline.

Weave in ends.

Place the shoulder pads centered with the shoulder seam, one side aligned with the neckline. There will be a fabric excess at the shoulder side, roll it inward. Using a tapestry needle, sew the pads with a small stitch on both sides.

Now you know how to make a crochet top with v-neckline and shoulder pads after following the pattern by Dona M Handmade!

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