Sirdar Shelly Strappy Top Crochet Pattern

Sirdar Shelly Strappy Top in Stories

What Is Being Made

The Sirdar Shelly Strappy Top is an advanced-level crochet garment designed as a fashionable summer top. This pattern offers seven size options ranging from XS to XXXL, with finished chest measurements from 71–137 cm (28–54 inches). The design is inspired by the colours and textures of the Italian coast, specifically the Amalfi region, making it a contemporary piece suitable for warm-weather wear.

Crochet Techniques and Construction

As an advanced crochet project, the Shelly Strappy Top employs sophisticated shaping and stitch techniques to create a fitted, strappy silhouette. The pattern requires careful tension control and precise stitch placement to achieve the intended drape and fit across multiple size ranges. The garment is constructed using a methodical approach to ensure proper proportions at each size, with the pattern instructions providing detailed guidance for shaping the armholes, neckline, and straps.

Stitches Used

While the complete stitch breakdown is not fully detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the construction utilizes standard crochet stitches worked over a pattern repeat of 21 stitches. The pattern requires 4 rows to complete one vertical repeat within the 10 cm (4 inch) measurement gauge, indicating a structured stitch pattern that maintains consistency throughout the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Shelly Strappy Top is designed to be worked in Sirdar Stories Double Knitting (DK) weight yarn, shade 840 Fierce. Sirdar Stories is a cotton-rich blend that provides cool cotton aesthetics in a lighter weight than traditional double knitting, helping finished garments maintain their shape and drape. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• XS and S sizes: 4 balls (50g each)
• M and L sizes: 5 balls
• XL size: 5 balls
• XXL size: 6 balls
• XXXL size: 7 balls

The recommended crochet hook is a 4.00 mm hook (UK size 8 / USA size G/6).

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this advanced pattern. The specified gauge is 21 stitches and 4 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when working the pattern repeat. An alternative measurement of 8.5 cm (3¼ inches) over 10 cm (4 inches) and 5.5 cm (2¼ inches) over 10 cm (4 inches) are also provided for reference, ensuring that crocheters can verify their tension before commencing the full garment.

Pattern Heritage and Quality Assurance

This design is part of the Sirdar Stories collection, created by Sirdar Holdings Ltd, a British yarn company established in West Yorkshire in 1880. Sirdar is renowned for its trend-led knit and crochet collections. The company triple-checks every pattern in the Stories range to guarantee successful outcomes when using the recommended Sirdar yarns, providing confidence for advanced crocheters undertaking this fashionable garment project.