Play Time Top – Crochet Summer Vest Pattern
The Play Time Top is designed to match its name – to play! Play is something we all need to remember to do but easily forget in our frantic lives.
This camisole style vest top, made in bright summer colours is a simple and quick make, perfect to whip up last minute.
The tie straps were inspired by my love of dungaree ties I think they add an extra element of fun to the top, as well as allowing you to adjust it for a customised fit.
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Skills Used
This pattern uses simple stitches to create a bright, playful crochet camisole top.
- Knowledge of basic crochet stitches, techniques and terminology is assumed
- Working in turned rows
- Simple decreases
Materials
Hook: 5.5mm for the body, 4.5mm for the straps, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: The top pictured is made from Drops Paris Aran weight Cotton yarn, 100% cotton, 50g ball = 75m / 83yds
The two colours used are as follows :
Col. A: Peach, 2-3 x 50g balls, approx 120(140, 160, 170, 190, 210, 240)yds
Col. B: Light Turquoise, 4-9 x 50g balls, approx 300(340, 370, 450, 510, 570, 650)yds
Other: Yarn needle & scissors
You may wish to block this project, in which case I recommend a blocking matt and pins.
Learn more about blocking here.
Substitution Options:
You may find this post useful when choosing yarn.
How to purchase a Dora Does crochet pattern:
I sell my PDF crochet patterns in my Etsy, Ravelry and Love Crafts stores. You can purchase this pattern on any of these platforms, depending on your preference. Simply click the relevant links throughout this pattern page to be taken to the listing, or visit the store homepages in the links at the start of this paragraph.
Measurements & finished size
The pattern is designed for adults and offered in 7 women’s sizes. The item you see pictured is a size S worn by me, UK size 8-10 (US 4-6), 5ft 1in.
- Sizes XS(S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) are offered to fit chest sizes 30(34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54) inches respectively
- Size depends on meeting the gage so please do take the time to make a gauge swatch before choosing your size.
- The top is designed to be close fitting and the fabric is has minimal drape
- Instructions for different sizes are written in increasing order, with the smallest size first and larger sizes following in brackets
Stitches & Abbreviations (US terms)
(UK Equivalent in Brackets)
- ch = chain
- ch-sp = chain space
- fsc = foundation single crochet (UK foundation double) – chainless foundation row tutorial
- rep = repeat
- RS = right side
- sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
- sc2tog = single crochet 2 together (UK double crochet 2 together) – learn about decreases here
- sk = skip (UK miss)
- sp = space
- ss = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
Gauge
14 stitches and 14 rows in 10cm of moss stitch using a 5.5mm hook or size needed to obtain gauge. (chain spaces are included in the stitch count for gauge)
Learn how to make and measure a gauge swatch here
Okay… Let’s Play!
The Pattern
Front panel
Using a 5.5mm hook;
Row 1 (WS): In Col. A, make 36(40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 84) fsc. 36(40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 84) sts
Row 2: Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), 1sc in each st to end, turn. 36(40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 84) sts
Row 3: Rep row 2
Row 4: Ch1, 1sc in each of the first 4 sts, ch3, sk 4 sts, 1sc in next20(24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 68) sts, ch3, sk 4 sts, 1sc in each of the last 4 sts, turn. 34(38, 46, 54, 62, 70, 82) sts
Row 5: Ch1, 1sc in each of the first 4 sts, 4sc in ch3-sp, 1sc in next 20(24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 68) sts, 4sc in ch3-sp, 1sc in each of the last 4 sts, turn. 36(40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 84) sts
Rows 6-8: Ch1, 1sc in each st to end, fasten off Col. A, join Col. B
Row 9: In Col. B, ch3 (counts as sc ch1 for increase section), turn, 1sc in first st, *ch1, sk one st, 1sc in next st; rep from * to last st, ch1, 1sc in last st, turn. 19(21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 43) sc, and 18(20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 42)ch1-sp and ch3
Row 10: Ch3, 1sc in first sc, ch1, 1sc in first ch1-sp, *ch1, 1sc in next ch1-sp; rep from * to end, working 1sc into the ch3-sp, ch1, 1sc in second ch of ch3, turn. 21(23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 45) sc, 20(22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 44) ch1-sp and ch3
Row 11: Rep row 10. 23(25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 47)sc, 22(24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 46) ch1-sp and ch3
Row 12: Ch2 (counts as 1sc, ch1), 1sc in first ch1-sp, *ch1, sc in next ch1-sp,* rep * to end, turn. 23(25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 47) sc, 22(24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 46) ch1-sp and ch2
Rows 13-18: Rep rows 10-12. 31(33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 55 ) sc, 26(30, 36, 40, 44, 48, 54) ch1-sp and ch2
Continue, following the relevant instructions for your size
XS
Rows 19-21: Rep rows 10-12. 35 sc, 34 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 22-54: Rep row 12
S
Rows 19-24: Rep rows 10-12. 41 sc, 40 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 25-57: Rep row 12
M
Rows 19-24: Rep rows 10-12. 45 sc, 44, ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 25-57: Rep row 12
L
Rows 19-27: Rep rows 10-12. 53 sc, 52 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 28-62: Rep row 12
1X
Rows 19-27: Rep rows 10-12. 57 sc, 56 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 28-64: Rep row 12
2X
Rows 19-30: Rep rows 10-12. 65 sc, 64 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 31-67: Rep row 12
3X
Rows 19-30: Rep rows 10-12. 71 sc, 70 ch1-sp, ch2
Rows 31-69: Rep row 12
Fasten off
Back Panel
Row 1 (WS): In Col. A, work 50(52, 60, 64, 70, 72, 74)fsc. 50(52, 60, 64, 70, 72, 74) sts
Row 2: Ch2, 1sc in second st, *ch1, sk next st, 1sc in next st;* rep from * to last st, ch1, 1sc in last st, turn. 25(26, 30, 32, 35, 36, 37) sc, 24(25, 29, 31, 34, 35, 36) ch1-sp, ch2
Row 3: Ch2, 1sc in first ch1-sp, *ch1, sc in next ch1-sp; rep from * to end, working last sc in ch2-sp
Rows 3-34(34, 34, 36, 38, 38, 40): Rep row 3
Fasten off, block panels if desired
Side seams
Lay the panels RS facing inwards, with back panel centred over the front and the bottom edges aligned. Sew each side together bottom row-end up to the top of the back panel. You will stop where the where the decrease towards the neckline on the front panel starts.
I like to use the mattress stitch for sewing seams.
Neckline trim
Row 1 (RS): Join Col. B, at side seam, 1sc in each st round the top of the body panels. underarm, and neckline, join to first st with ss
Fasten off, sew in ends
Bottom Hem
Row 1 (RS): Join Col. A at the bottom of one of the side seams, ch1, 1sc in each st around the bottom of the body (working into the back of the fsc), join to top of first st with a ss, turn
Rows 2-7: Ch1, 1sc in each st to end, join to top of first st with ss, turn.
Fasten off
Straps
Make 2
The straps are made the same for all sizes.
The straps are 5 sts wide and should be attached 10 sts in from the seam of the back panel (so the centre side of the strap will be 15 sts in on from the side seam).
If desired you can adjust the positioning of your straps to suit. You may wish to try on the body of the top before starting your straps and use stitch markers to mark where you would like to place your straps. Ensure they are positioned symmetrically on each side.
You can adjust the length of your strap by changing the number of rows worked in the strap body.
Strap Body
Using Col. A and a 4.5mm hook, ch6;
Row 1: 1sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. 5 sts
Rows 2-42(42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60): Ch1, 1sc in east st to end, turn.
Strap decrease & half bow detail
Continue from strap body without fastening off
Row 1: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc, sc2tog, turn. 3 sts
Row 2-23: Ch1, 1sc in 3 sts
Row 24: Ch1,1sc in 2 sts, 2sc, turn. 4 sts
Row 25: Ch1,1sc in 3 sts, 2sc, turn. 5 sts
Row 26: Ch1,1sc in 4 sts, 2sc, turn. 6 sts
Row 27: Ch1, 1sc in 5 sts, 2sc, turn. 7 sts
Rows 28-29: Ch1, 1sc in each st across, turn
Row 30: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc in 5 sts, turn. 6 sts
Row 31: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc in 4 sts, turn. 5 sts
Row 32: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc in 3 sts, turn. 4 sts
Row 33: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc in 2 sts, turn. 3 sts
Row 34: Ch1, sc2tog, 1sc in 1 st, turn. 2 sts
Row 35: Ch1, sc2tog. 1 st
Fasten off, sew your straps to the body and sew in any remaining ends
To wear your top, thread the straps through the holes made in Row 4 of the front panel and tie to correct length with bow feature pulled right through the knot.
How to find me and share your finished makes
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Happy Hooking
Dx
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