Welcome to my latest crochet adventure! Today, we’re diving into the Tiny Hearts Top, a charming and stylish cropped top adorned with delicate heart details. This intermediate-level project is perfect for those looking to expand their crochet skills while creating a fashionable piece. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and some special techniques involved in making this top.

Difficulty

This pattern is rated as Intermediate. It’s a great project for those who have a bit of crochet experience and are ready to tackle something slightly more challenging. It’s also suitable for more experienced beginner crocheters looking to expand their skills.

Materials

For this project, you’ll need the following materials:

• Yarn A: Drops Loves You 9, recycled cotton, yarn group A, sport weight yarn, color 104 (dark gray). The amount of Yarn A required varies by size:
  • Size XS and S: 450 g / 1125 m
  • Size M: 550 g / 1375 m
  • Size L: 600 g / 1500 m
  • Size XL: 650 g / 1625 m
  • Size 2XL: 700 g / 1750 m
• Yarn B: Drops Loves You 9, recycled cotton, yarn group A, sport weight yarn, color 102 (light gray), 5-10 m for tiny hearts
• Yarn C: Drops Loves You 9, recycled cotton, yarn group A, sport weight yarn, color 105 (sand), 5-10 m for tiny hearts
• Yarn D: Drops Loves You 9, recycled cotton, yarn group A, sport weight yarn, color 108 (coral), 5-10 m for tiny hearts
• Yarn E: Drops Loves You 9, recycled cotton, yarn group A, sport weight yarn, color 103 (gray), 5-10 m for tiny hearts

Additional supplies you’ll need include:

• 4 mm crochet hook
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Stitch markers

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for ensuring your top fits as intended.

• Body: 17 single crochets (sc) x 20 rows = 10 x 10 cm
• Ribbing: 14 herringbone single crochets back loop only (hsc blo) x 7 rows = 5 x 5 cm

Stitch Key (US Terminology)

Here’s a quick reference for the stitches and abbreviations used in this pattern:

• ch = chain
• hsc blo = herringbone single crochet back loop only
• RS = right side
• sc = single crochet
• sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together
• slst = slip stitch
• st = stitch
• sts = stitches
• th = tiny heart
• WS = wrong side

Specialty Stitch & Technique Key

Tiny Heart Stitch

• Insert the hook in the next stitch (st)
• Yarn over (yo) the second color (Yarn B, C, D, or E) and pull up a loop
• Yo the first color (Yarn A) and pull through both loops on the hook

Herringbone Single Crochet (hsc)

• Begin with any number of chains.
• Row 1: Working in the back bumps of the chain, single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook, insert the hook in the left leg of the sc just made and through the back bump of the next chain, pull up a loop, yo and pull through all three loops on the hook. Continue working herringbone single crochet across.
• Row 2: Chain 1, turn. Sc blo in the first stitch, insert the hook into the left leg of the sc just made and through the back loop of the next stitch, pull up a loop, yo and pull through all three loops on the hook. Continue working herringbone single crochet through the back loop across.
• Repeat Row 2 until you reach the desired size.

Notes

• This pattern is worked using tapestry crochet, with the non-working yarn carried through each stitch.
• Start by making the front and back panels, then sew the shoulders together.
• Next, work the sleeves and sew the body sides and sleeves together.
• Finally, finish by working one round of single crochet stitches around the neckline.
• The top is cropped, but instructions are provided to easily lengthen it.
• Yarn A is the main color. When working tiny hearts, the pattern will indicate the color to use, such as “(B) th” meaning the heart will be made with Yarn B.

With this information at hand, you’re ready to embark on creating the beautiful Tiny Hearts Top. Get the pattern in my Ravelry, Etsy or Lovecrafts store. Happy crocheting!