MillaMia Optical Crochet Top Pattern

MillaMia Optical Crochet Top

What is Being Made

The MillaMia Optical Crochet Top is a lightweight, summer-ready garment designed for intermediate crocheters. This top features a striking optical pattern created through strategic color changes and is available in four size options to fit chest measurements from 77–82 cm (30–32 in) up to 107–112 cm (42–44 in). The finished garment offers a relaxed fit with actual chest measurements ranging from 84 cm to 126 cm depending on size selection.

Techniques and Construction

This crochet top is worked flat, meaning the pieces are constructed in separate flat sections rather than in the round. The garment is then seamed together to create the finished top. The most distinctive feature is the use of stripes throughout the design, which create the optical effect that gives the piece its name. The stripe pattern repeats at regular intervals, with one pattern repeat measuring 7 cm (2¾ in) across the width.

The intermediate skill level indicates that crocheters should be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, managing multiple color changes, and executing seaming techniques to join the flat-worked pieces together.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a variety of crochet stitches to build texture and structure:

• Double crochet (dc) – a foundational short stitch used throughout the pattern
• Treble crochet (tr) – a taller stitch that adds height and drape to the fabric
• Half treble crochet (htr) – a medium-height stitch offering versatility in stitch selection
• Double treble crochet (dtr) – an extra-tall stitch for creating more open, airy sections
• Front post double treble crochet (fpdtr) – a textured stitch worked around the post of stitches from the previous row
• Back post double treble crochet (bpdtr) – a textured stitch worked around the back post of previous stitches
• Treble crochet decrease (tr2dec) – a technique for reducing stitch count by working two trebles together

The combination of these stitches creates the optical pattern effect while maintaining the lightweight, breathable quality ideal for a summer garment.

Materials and Tools

The MillaMia Optical Crochet Top is constructed using MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton, a yarn available exclusively at lovecrafts.com. The pattern calls for 50g (1¾ oz) balls of yarn in multiple colors. The primary colorway uses Bright Red 331 (A), English Rose 342 (B), and Black 300 (C) as the main colors, with Pebble Grey 312 (D), Seaweed 350 (E), White 310 (F), Mid Grey 301 (G), and Indigo Purple 321 (H) as accent colors. Depending on the size selected, crocheters will need between 2 and 3 balls of the primary colors and 1–2 balls of the accent shades.

The recommended tool is a 3.00mm (US 3) crochet hook, which works with the cotton yarn to achieve the correct tension of one pattern repeat measuring 7 cm (2¾ in).

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in four sizes with the following finished chest measurements:

• Size 1: 84 cm (33 in) chest, 46 cm (18 in) length to back neck, 30 cm (12 in) sleeve length
• Size 2: 98 cm (38½ in) chest, 48 cm (19 in) length to back neck, 30 cm (12 in) sleeve length
• Size 3: 112 cm (44 in) chest, 50 cm (19¾ in) length to back neck, 30 cm (12 in) sleeve length
• Size 4: 126 cm (49½ in) chest, 52 cm (20½ in) length to back neck, 30 cm (12 in) sleeve length

Alternative Colorways

Beyond the primary red, rose, and black colorway, the pattern suggests an alternative color palette featuring French Navy 320