Briarcliffe Top Crochet Pattern

Briarcliffe Top in Berroco Isola

What is Being Made

The Briarcliffe Top is a women's crochet garment designed by the Berroco Design Team. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted top with a peplum detail at the lower edge. The pattern offers nine size options, ranging from 36 inches to 72 inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments from 20 inches to 24 inches. The garment shown in the design photos is the 40-inch bust size.

Construction Method

The Briarcliffe Top uses a top-down construction approach. The back and front pieces are worked separately from the top down, then seamed together at the shoulders and side seams. Once the main body is complete, a peplum is worked around the entire lower edge in the round, creating a decorative flared section at the hem.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

This pattern employs several crochet stitches to create its textured appearance:

• Double crochet (dc): Forms the foundation fabric and appears throughout the pattern
• Treble crochet (tr): Used in the patterned sections to create height variation and visual interest
• Clusters: A special abbreviation used in this pattern; clusters are formed by working multiple double crochets together, with 3-dc clusters and 7-dc clusters appearing in Pattern 2
• Chain spaces (ch): Chains worked between stitches create openwork elements and help define the stitch pattern repeats

The pattern includes two distinct stitch patterns. Pattern 1 features 2-dc clusters, while Pattern 2 contains a more complex repeat that combines clusters with treble stitches and chain spaces. Pattern 2 is set up on a multiple of 12 double crochets and includes instructions for working from either written directions or charts.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Berroco Isola, a yarn weight of 100 grams per ball. The color shown is #89100 Anafi. Yardage requirements range from 3 balls for the smallest sizes (36, 40, and 44 inches) to 6 balls for the largest size (72 inches), with intermediate quantities for mid-range sizes.

Tools: A size 7 / 4.5 mm crochet hook is recommended, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The pattern also calls for 4 removable markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Fit

Proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 double crochets and 9 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in basic double crochet stitch. For the patterned sections, one repeat of Pattern 2 measures 2½ inches (6.5 cm), and 8 two-dc clusters measure 4 inches (10 cm) in Pattern 1. Gauge should be measured after blocking to ensure accuracy. The pattern recommends approximately 2 to 4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable fit.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Briarcliffe Top requires familiarity with fundamental crochet stitches and the ability to work from charts or written pattern instructions. The top-down construction and peplum shaping add moderate complexity suitable for crocheters with some experience.