In need of a classic top that’s both trendy and timeless? This updated version of the Coral Reef Top from our June 2015 issue is calling your name. Featuring the original top’s classic shape, this revamp includes bold stripes in blue and beige, making it the perfect piece to pair with your favorite distressed jeans.

Skill Level: Easy

Gauge: 18 sts x 19 rows in textured single crochet stitch = 4” (10 cm)

Size: S (M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) to fit bust 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)“ /86, (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137) cm and length 20.5 (21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23)” / 52 (53, 54.5, 56, 57, 58 ) cm

Yarn: We Are Knitters, The Pima Cotton (100% cotton; 232 yards [212 meters]/100 grams): Deep Blue (A, 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) skeins), Sand (B, 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins)

Hook: US size H/8 (5 mm) hook
Notions: Markers, tapestry needle

Pattern Notes

Textured Single Crochet (TSC): Multiples of 2+3
Row 1: sc in 3rd ch from hook, *skip 1 ch, 2 sc into next ch, rep from * to last 2 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 sc into last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as first sc), 1 sc in first sc, *skip  1 sc, 2 sc into next sc, rep from * to last 2 sts to last 2 sts, skip 1 sc, 1 sc in top of the turning ch, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until you have reached your desired length.

Pattern

Front

Using Yarn A, ch 77 (85, 93, 101, 109, 117).

Row 1: sc in 3rd ch from hook, *skip 1 ch, 2 sc into next ch, rep from * to last 2 ch, skip 1 ch, 1 sc into last ch, turn 75 (83, 91, 99, 107, 115).
Row 2: Ch 1 (counts as first sc), 1 sc in first sc, *skip  1 sc, 2 sc into next sc, rep from * to last 2 sts to last 2 sts, skip 1 sc, 1 sc in top of the turning ch, turn.

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 four more times.

Switch to B.

Work Rows 1 & 2 two times.

Continue working in textured single crochet stitch until piece measures 14”/ 35.5 cm from beginning, ending with 2 rows in B.

Without changing color work in TSC until piece measures 4.5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7)” 11.5 (13, 14, 15, 16.5, 18) cm.

Shape Left Shoulder

Row 1: Work in Textured Single Crochet over the first 23 (27, 31, 35, 39, 43) sts. Leave reaming sts unworked for neck and second side.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc2tog over first and next sc sk next sc, work in Textured Single Crochet to last 2 sts, sc in tch. 22 (26, 30, 34, 38, 42) sts
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, sc in first sc, Textured Single Crochet to last 3 sts, sk next sc, sc2tog over last 2 sts.. 20 (24, 28, 32, 36, 40) sts

Row 4: Ch 1, turn, sk first st, sc2tog over next 2 sts, sk next sc, Textured Single Crochet to last 2 sts, sc in tch. 18 (22, 26, 30, 34, 38) sts
Rep Rows 3-4 2 more times. 10 (14, 18, 22, 26, 30) sts

All Sizes

Next 2 Rows: Work in Textured single Crochet as established to end of row 10 (14, 18, 22, 26, 30) sts
Fasten off.
Weave in ends.

Shape Right Shoulder

With WS facing attach yarn and work as for left shoulder.

Fasten off.
Weave in ends.

Back

Work same as Front.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams leaving 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5)”/ 18 (19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm unsewn at top of each side for armholes.

Attach new yarn with B and sc around entire neck edge once.