Cabo Top Crochet Pattern

Cabo Top in Berroco Vera

What Is Being Made

The Cabo Top is an intermediate-level crochet garment designed by Alison Green. This versatile top features a contemporary construction method where upper sections are worked flat from the outside in and then joined at the center, with the lower section completed by working down in the round. The finished garment is available in 12 different sizes, ranging from a 32-inch bust (size 1) to a 67-inch bust (size 12), with finished lengths between 20¼ inches and 24¼ inches depending on size selection.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs a distinctive two-part construction approach that combines flat and circular crochet work. The right and left upper sections are crocheted flat, working from the outside edges toward the center where they are subsequently joined together. This technique allows for precise shaping and fit in the upper portion of the garment. The lower section transitions to working in the round, creating a seamless integration between the upper and lower components. This mixed construction method is characteristic of intermediate-level crochet design and requires understanding of how to transition between flat and circular work.

Stitches Used

The Cabo Top utilizes two primary stitch patterns that are worked at different gauges:

• Double Crochet (dc): The main stitch used throughout the garment, worked with a size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook at a gauge of 18 double crochets and 10 rows equaling 4 inches after blocking
• Granny Stitch: An additional stitch pattern worked with a size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook at a gauge of 16 double crochets and 10 rows equaling 4 inches after blocking

The use of two different hook sizes and gauges creates textural variation and visual interest within the finished garment while maintaining structural integrity.

Materials: Yarn and Hooks

Yarn: The Cabo Top is designed to be made with Berroco Vera, a yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for a three-color combination using specific Berroco Vera colorways:

• Color 1 (C1): Berroco Vera #11501 Spun Cotton, requiring 1 to 3 balls depending on size
• Color 2 (C2): Berroco Vera #11502 Khaki, requiring 2 to 4 balls depending on size
• Color 3 (C3): Berroco Vera #11503 Coconut, requiring 1 to 2 balls depending on size

The total yardage varies by size, with smaller sizes requiring approximately 3 to 4 balls total and larger sizes requiring up to 9 balls combined across all three colors.

Hooks: Two different crochet hook sizes are required to achieve the proper gauge for different sections of the garment. A size I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook is used for the Granny Stitch sections, while a size H-8 (5 mm) crochet hook is used for the double crochet sections. Crochet hook size may be adjusted as needed to obtain the specified gauge.

Additional Notions

A tapestry needle is required for finishing and weaving in yarn ends after the garment is complete.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern includes detailed finished measurements for all 12 sizes. The sample shown in the pattern is size 2 (35-inch bust) and is modeled with approximately 1 inch of positive ease. The pattern recommends working with approximately 1 to 4 inches of positive ease for optimal fit and comfort. Proper gauge measurement after blocking is essential to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper garment fit.