Berroco Top Crochet Pattern

Berroco Arafura Crochet Top

What is Being Made

The Arafura is a crocheted tank top designed by Alison Green. This garment is worked from the bottom up in the round to the underarms, then divided for left and right sections of the front and back, which are each worked flat to the shoulders. The finished measurements range from (37½, 41½, 45) inches bust in the smallest sizes through to 71½ inches in the largest size, with length measurements ranging from 13 to 16¾ inches depending on the size selected. The pattern recommends approximately 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several key construction techniques. The garment is primarily worked in the round using double crochet stitches, with a turn at the end of each round to ensure the stitch pattern appears consistent when working flat. The pattern incorporates a decorative pattern stitch panel worked over a multiple of 4 double crochet stitches plus 1. The construction method involves dividing the piece at the underarms to create separate sections for the front and back, which are then worked flat to the shoulders. Blocking is required after completion to achieve accurate finished measurements.

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch throughout the garment
• Chain stitches (ch) – used in the pattern stitch panel for creating decorative openwork elements
• Pattern stitch panel – a specialty stitch combination worked over a multiple of 4 dc + 1, featuring double crochet and chain stitches arranged in a repeating motif

Materials

The Arafura is designed to be worked with Berroco Seaspun yarn in color #10309 Fjord. Yarn quantities range from 4 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest sizes to 8 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern requires two crochet hooks: a size 7 / 4.5 mm hook and a size H / 5 mm hook, or sizes necessary to obtain the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 17 double crochet stitches and 8½ rows measured over 4 inches / 10 cm in double crochet using the smaller hook, measured after blocking. Additional notions include locking stitch markers to track pattern placement and size increases throughout the construction.