Sweet Nothings Crochet: January 2022

PINEAPPLE BEACH TOP

Worked with soft light cotton yarn, the Pineapple Beach Top is one you just must try ! If you have worked the pineapple stitch before, then this one is a breeze

With all my patterns, you need to think just a wee bit - but that also allows you to be creative and to use this to make my patterns to any size, using any yarn and a suitable hook.

This pattern too has variations that will make you smile.

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Materials used : Today I’ve used about 100 gms unbranded knitting cotton with a 3 mm crochet hook

Note : Amount of yarn needed for individual project(s) depends on size of yarn / hook, size you are making it for as well as the tension with which you work. Amount given here is only for rough estimation for the size I’ve made it for.

For Indians : The yarn I’ve used is similar in thickness to our Laura knitting cotton. Our lovely Indian Anchor knitting cotton , Red rose or White rose knitting cotton yarns are a good substitute. I’d also suggest Alize cotton yarn

For Non-Indians : This yarn is similar in thickness to Lily Sugar n Cream cotton yarn. The other international yarns I’ve used of this thickness are Milford Satin knitting cotton, DMC Petra knitting cotton & Aunt Lydia Bamboo Viscose 10 knitting cottons.

You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

Size made : 34 - 36” (M/L)

Difficulty level : Advanced Skill level.

Stitches used :

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

How to hold your yarn in crochet : https://youtu.be/FwOlCbGdbqY

What is a chain stitch ? https://youtu.be/pXx5ukBjKkY

What is a crochet slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Here is a sizing chart for general sizing. https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837597366/
and https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837560772/

Abbreviations used : (Using U.S terminology)

lp(s) : Loop(s) sc : Single crochet

dc : Double crochet sp : Space

sl-st : Slip stitch ch : Chain

st(s) : Stitch(es) hk : Hook

yo : Yarn Over

Instructions : (Using U.S terminology)

Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.

Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.

Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

In my patterns I work with the principle of stitch count and body measurement. This means that you need to work the stitch count in pattern, till you get the measurement (length and/or width) that you need for your project.

Before we head off to the project, let’s get an idea of what we’re creating here today.

Today's pattern starts at the neck and is worked down with pineapples facing downwards. The start row is a fixed number of stitches and it slowly opens out with the pineapples that fan out

You need to decide (& measurements you need) before you start :

1) Length of top (front and back)

2) Round chest measurement

3) Round armhole measurement

While we need the armhole measurement, the ends of the pineapples gradually shape the armhole

The pineapple part is easy peasy, especially if you have done it once before - the calculations to get to the first row to start the pattern needs a little thinking.

The strappy pattern is worked in one piece from shoulder to shoulder - so the first row that we work will be a row of chains (or foundation single crochet - fsc) that goes from shoulder to shoulder across the front and back. This is the hardest calculation.

To calculate this length, I made a long chain and slung over my shoulders, ensuring that I got the neckline (dip) for front and back the way I wanted it.

It also needs to be in multiples of stitch count given.

I have chosen to work one continuous length of chain which I attached to form a round.

The stitch count for the first start row is in multiples of 3

The chart shows a start with regular chain stitches, but I always like a good start and use the fsc or foundation single crochet to start. Choose what suits you.

Foundation Single Crochet : fsc : https://youtu.be/mcT85fwh4mA

Start Row 1 : with a fsc chain in multiples of 3 that goes around both shoulders.

Join to the 1st st with a sl-st

Note : Remember to keep your chain flat so that the right side is facing up when you join.

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps. One sc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Round 2 : sc in the 1^st fsc ;

(ch 4, sk the next 3 fsc ; sc in the next fsc) ;

rep (to) till last 3 sts ;

ch 2 + hdc & join to the 1st st.

You are now in the centre of the last ch-4 sp.

Round 3 : sc in the 1^st ch-sp ;

(ch 4, sc in the next ch-sp) ;

rep (to) till last ch-sp ;

ch 2 + hdc & join to the 1st st.

You are now in the centre of the last ch-4 sp.

Round 4 : sc in the 1^st ch-sp ;

(ch 4, sc in the next ch-sp) ;

rep (to) till last ch-sp ;

ch 4 & join to the 1st st.

First Pineapple on the Pineapple Beach Top

Now comes the tricky part for our beach top

Look at the chart below. On the left is an image showing you how our top will look (when folded). That little strip on top, that's part of what we've done so far.

I say part because we will come back to add a few rows of sc along the other side of the start fsc chain later to finish the neck.

So to continue, we work the pineapples off the centre of this strip - one set of pineapples for the back and one for the front.

And that leads to our conundrum - where do you start.

1) You can start your pattern right here where you ended and after you have done the front bit till armhole, you can work the back bit.

If you decide to do this, you will work the front bit first, then fold your work such that you have the front bit, then keep space for the shoulder straps and then work the back bit - folding it like the picture on the chart.

2) Or you can mark the centre front and centre back of the strip and start your pineapple patterns from there.

Whatever you decide, ensure that you have the pineapple creations in the centre (for front and back) and equal amounts for the shoulder straps on either side of the pineapple creations

I have chosen to work my pineapples right from where we ended (using Idea #1)

For convenience, I am going to start renumbering our Pattern Rows from 1.

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk); [yo, draw through 2 lps] twice. One dc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

Our "V"-st is (2 dc ; ch 2, 2 dc) all in the same st or ch-sp

Pattern Row 1 : dc in the 1st ch-sp ;

"V"-st in the next ch-sp ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, 11 dc in the next ch-sp ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, "V"-st in the next ch-sp* ;

rep *to* once ;

dc in the same last ch-sp ; Turn.

Note : We have worked our pattern over 9 ch-sps

Pattern Row 2 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

*ch 2, dc in the next dc ;

(ch 1, dc in the next dc) ;

rep (to) 9 times ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st* ;

rep *to* once ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 3 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

*ch 2, sc in the next dc ;

(ch 3, sc in the next dc) ;

rep (to) 9 times ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st* ;

rep *to* once ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Detail of the pineapple stitch on the Pineapple Beach Top

Pattern Row 4 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 3, sk next ch-3 sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 8 times ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st* ;

ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

rep *to* once ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 5 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 7 times* ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st* ;

ch 2, 2 dc in the same "V"-st ;

ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

rep *to* once ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 6 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 2, 2 dc in the same "V"-st] ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 6 times* ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st* ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

rep *to* once ;

ch 2, 2 dc in the same last "V"-st

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 7 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 3, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 5 times* ;

[ch 3, "V"-st in the next "V"-st]* ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

rep [to] once ;

ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

rep *to* once ;

ch 2,"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 8 : dc in the 1st dc ;

"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

[ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 4 times* ;

rep [to] once* ;

rep [to] 2 times ;

ch 2, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

rep *to* once ;

ch 2, "V"-st in the next ch-2 sp ;

rep [to] once ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 9 : dc in the 1st dc ;

*"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

[ch 2, "V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

rep [to] once ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 3 times* ;

ch 2, rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 10 : dc in the 1st dc ;

*"V"-st in the next "V"-st ;

[ch 3, "V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

rep [to] once ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 2 times* ;

ch 3, rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 11 : dc in the 1st dc ;

*["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

ch 3, 11 dc in the next "V"-st ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

ch 3, rep (to) once* ;

ch 3, rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 12 : dc in the 1st dc ;

*["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

ch 3, dc in the next 11 dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp ;

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp)* ;

ch 3, rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 13 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*(ch 3, sc in the next dc) ;

rep (to) 10 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, sk next ch-3 sp, dc in the next ch-3 sp ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 14 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 8 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, dc in the next dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 15 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 7 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, dc in the next dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 16 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 6 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, dc in the next dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 17 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 5 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, dc in the next dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 18 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 4 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 3, dc in the next dc ;

ch 3, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 19 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 4 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 20 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 3 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 21 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) 2 times ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 22 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

rep (to) once ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 23 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 3, sk next ch-sp, sc in the next ch-3 sp

(ch 3, sc in the next ch-3 sp) ;

ch 3, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 24 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*ch 4, sk next ch-sp, dc in the next ch-3 sp ;

ch 4, rep [to] once ;

ch 4, dc in the next dc ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 25 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

*(ch 4, "V"-st in the next dc) ;

ch 4, rep [to] once ;

rep (to) once ;

ch 4, rep [to] once* ;

rep *to* till last dc ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 26 : dc in the 1st dc ;

["V"-st in the next "V"-st] ;

ch 4, rep [to] 10 times ;

dc in the last dc ; Turn.

Pattern Row 27 : sc in the 1st dc ;

ch 3, [sc in the ch-2 sp of the next "V"-st ;

ch 5, sc in the ch-2 sp of the same 'V"-st] ;

ch 4, rep [to] 10 times ;

ch 3, sc in the last dc ; Turn.

Last round with picot for the Pineapple Beach Top

How to work a picot stitch : Traditionally for a ch-3 picot, you work (ch 3, sl-st in 3rd ch from hook). For a ch-5 picot, you will do (ch 5, sl-st in 5th ch from hook).

Here’s a great video https://youtu.be/8s3zVaBcn4s

Pattern Row 28 : sc in the 1st sc ;

*[5 dc + picot + 5 dc all in the next ch-5 sp] ;

sc in the next ch-3 sp* ;

rep *to* 10 times ;

sc in the last sc ; Turn.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

This completes one side of your top.

We need to repeat this for the other side as well.

As mentioned before, you need to find the centre (ch-sp) of the strip, and then start 4 ch-sps away from the centre ch-sp. Remember we worked our 1st row in 9 ch-sps.

Once you calculate and mark which ch-sp you are starting from, mark the 9 ch-sps ; then double check that you have the same number of ch-sps on either side for he neck and shoulder strap.

Once you have worked he other identical side, use one of the joining methods below to join the front and back sides, leaving an armhole opening.

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

PART 2 : NECKLINE / SHOULDER STRAP FINISHING

Re-attach your yarn on the other side of that start fsc row (that was where we started our pattern).

Work 1 sc in each fsc all around. Continue working sc rounds till you have a strap and neat neckline. I worked about 4 rounds.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Isn't this a gorgeous beach top?

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Have a great day and see you soon.

Here are some of my other top creations. Have fun with these free patterns too

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/03/all-diamonds-top.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/03/snazzy-chevron-top.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2022/02/choco-strawberry-ripple-crop-top.html