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Scarlet Stripes Top
Crochet is not just about making a garment: it’s about taking time for yourself, slowing down, breathing, and watching something unique come to life through your own hands.
This red striped top — simple, quick, and versatile — is meant to symbolize a more mindful, creative, and slow lifestyle. You don’t need to be a master: all you need is patience, courage to try, and the desire to wear something that tells your story.
With a special technique inspired by Tunisian crochet, you will work several rows at the same time: this means your top will be ready in no time (even in less than 8 hours!). It’s the perfect project if you love to create with ease and style.
Tip: always make a swatch before starting, to calculate the right number of chains according to your size and tension.
Materials & Yarn Tips
Recommended yarns: cotton, silk, or viscose (natural fibers let your skin breathe).
Yarn weight: fingering to sport.
Quantity: 150–200 g for a medium size.
Hook size: 3–3.5 mm.
Extras: stitch markers, yarn needle, scissors.
Finished measurements (size M):
Length: 40 cm
Width: 42 cm
Abbreviations used (US terminology)
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet — mentioned in the final border
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
4R mesh st = 4 rows of net stitch worked simultaneously
2R mesh st = 2 rows of net stitch worked simultaneously
2R dc st = 2 rows of double crochet worked simultaneously
Stitch Pattern Guide
How to make multiple rows of mesh stitch worked at the same time:
Written guide:click here
Video guide: click here
How to make multiple rows of double crochet at the same time:
Written guide: click here
Video guide: click here
Structure of the Top
The top is made of 2 rectangular panels (front and back), worked from the bottom up.
The main differences are:
Back panel: row 3 is worked in 2R mesh st.
Front panel: row 3 is worked in 2R dc st.
Once both panels are ready, they are joined at the shoulders and sides, then finished around neckline, hem, and armholes.
Back Panel Instructions
Start with 75 chains (odd number).
Work as follows:
Row 1: ch13, repeat 4R mesh st across
Row 2: ch1, sl st hdc–sl st across
Row 3: ch7, 2R mesh st across
Row 4: repeat row 2
Row 5: repeat row 1
Row 6: repeat row 2
Row 7: repeat row 3
Row 8: repeat row 2
Row 9: repeat row 1
Row 10: repeat row 2, fasten off
Count 8 stitches from each side and place stitch markers on the 9th stitch on both sides.
Rejoin yarn and work between the markers:
Row 11: repeat row 3
Row 12: repeat row 2
Row 13: repeat row 1
Row 14: repeat row 2
Now create the straps (13 stitches each):
Row 15: repeat row 3 (on 13 stitches)
Row 16: repeat row 2
Row 17: repeat row 1
Row 18: repeat row 2
Row 19: repeat row 2
Repeat the same steps for the second strap, starting from the 13th stitch counting from the left.
Front Panel Instructions
Start with the same number of chains (75) and work as follows:
Row 1: ch13, repeat 4R mesh st across
Row 2: ch1, sl st hdc–sl st across
Row 3: ch7, sl st 2R dc st across
Row 4: repeat row 2
Row 5: repeat row 1
Row 6: repeat row 2
Row 7: repeat row 3
Row 8: repeat row 2
Row 9: repeat row 1
Row 10: repeat row 2, fasten off
Count 8 stitches on each side, place markers on the 9th stitch, and work between them:
Row 11: repeat row 3
Row 12: repeat row 2
Row 13: repeat row 1
Row 14: repeat row 2
Create the straps in the same way as the back panel.
Row 15: repeat row 3 (on 13 stitches)
Row 16: repeat row 2
Row 17: repeat row 1
Row 18: repeat row 2
Row 19: repeat row 2
Repeat the same steps for the second strap, starting from the 13th stitch counting from the left.
Assembly & Finishing
Sew together the straps and side seams.
Finish neckline, armholes, and bottom hem by working on the wrong side: sl st – hdc.
Place the sl st at the joins between rows, and the hdc over the lateral bar.
Customizations
Longer top: add more rows.
Wider top: start with more chains.
Strap width: increase/decrease stitches.
Colors: alternate different shades (ex. Row 1 & 3 in one color, separator rows in another).
Creative twist: change color only in Row 3 or only on the back panel.
Your Scarlet Stripes Top is ready
But remember — it’s not just a garment, it’s time you have given yourself, an act of love and care. Don’t be afraid of mistakes: each one is practice, each stitch tells your story.
A handmade piece is never identical to another — it’s as unique as you are.
Wear it proudly, choose handmade over fast fashion, and let crochet become not only a hobby but also a source of beauty, mindfulness, and freedom.
Create. Share. Inspire.
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