Crocheting your own top can be a rewarding and creative experience. In this tutorial, we’ll cover how to make the Lilly Top, a charming and stylish design that’s easy to make. Perfect for beginners, this pattern can be customized for different sizes, making it a great choice for women’s tops. Let’s get started!
Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn: Lily Sugar and Cream Cotton (any color you like, but the tutorial uses Jade Mist)
- Hook: 5mm crochet hook (Clover Amore is recommended for comfort)
- Needle and scissors: for knitting ends and cutting yarn
- Stitch markers: to keep track of key stitches
- Sizing guide: be sure to refer to the sizing guide for personalized instructions
Step-by-step instructions
Starting the base:
- Start by making a knot! First make a knot, then fasten off 12 stitches with the chain.
- Knit a single crochet at the back hump of the chain. Remember to skip the first chain and move onto the second chain.
- When you reach the last chain, work 3 single crochet stitches in the same space to form a semicircle.
Shape the cup:
- Once you have completed the first row, continue crocheting up one side of the cup and down the other. Make sure you do 3 single crochet stitches to the center one.
- Continue working the rows until you reach the desired number of rows. For smaller sizes, this is about 10 rows.
Add double crochet and chain space:
- For the next row, switch to double crochet with chain space. The pattern looks like this: chain 1, skip a stitch, double crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the cup.
- In the center of the top, form a v-stitch with two double crochet stitches, sandwiching a chain in between.
To complete the trophy:
- Continue on the other side of the cup. Repeat double crochets and chain spaces. Once complete, cut the yarn, but make sure to leave enough knitting space at the ends.
Creat bottom strap:
- For the bottom strip, stretch the sides of your cup with chain stitches. If it’s a small size, use a chain fastener for 7 stitches.
- Attach the chain to the bottom of the cup with a single crochet. Make sure both cups are facing the same direction.
- Knit a row of double crochet stitches, then add a few rows of single crochet stitches to finish the bottom band.
Tips and FAQs
Q: What if my cups look uneven?
- If your cups look uneven, check to see if you are practicing the back loop correctly. Crocheting with the wrong stitch can result in an unbalanced shape.
Q: How can I make my top fit better?
- To achieve a better fit, you can reduce the number of rows or adjust the cup size. You can also try different yarn types to make them more stretchy or sturdier.
Q: How do I make my straps longer?
- For longer straps, simply increase the number of chains. For a small restaurant, 180 chains would be fine, but you can adjust it to your liking.
Personalization Ideas
Crochet projects are perfect for personalization. Try these fun ideas to make your Lilly top stand out:
- Use brightly colored bands: instead of the same yarn color, add vibrant bands or backing bands for contrast.
- Add embellishments: add some crocheted flowers or beads as decoration.
- Adjust the fit: don’t be afraid to try to customize the fit of your rows.
Want to try another DIY project? Check out this guide on How to Cut a Crop Top Shirt to transform any shirt into a stylish crop top!
This is your very own Lilly top! This design, with its clean lines and customizable fit, is a closet staple for sure. This crocheted piece is perfect for a summer party, vacation, or hanging out with friends. It will definitely stand out. Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you wear something you’ve made is unmatched. Don’t forget to tag your creations and share them with your crochet community!