Summer Granny Crochet Top or Dress

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I’m still fully immersed in my granny stitch era, so it should be no surprise that I had to make a super fun Summer Granny Crochet Top! If you’re not feeling like a Granny Top is for you, this design is easily modified to create a pretty skater-style Granny Dress! And if you love the granny stich, the Colorful Hues Granny Stitch Blanket Pattern also uses granny stitch colorwork.

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This garment has a top-down construction with an evenly increased yoke. After we make the yoke, we will split for the sleeves and body (customizations for fit and sleeve length can be made in these sections). Lastly, granny squares are created and then seamed along the bottom of the top if desired.

Feel free to change colors to suit your style. If you’re looking for cute accessories to match your new top (or dress), the Easy Granny Bag or the Herringbone Clutch would coordinate well!

Crochet Supplies

Yarn

WeCrochet Comfy Fingering
75% Pima Cotton, 25% Acrylic, 218yds/50g

Colorways: White, Marlin, Flamingo, Sea Foam

Or

Hobbii Twister Solid
55% Cotton, 45% Acrylic, 437yds/100g

Colorways: Light Rose, Dusty Rose, Cream, Glacier

Yarn Quantities

White Top With Square Trim Total:
1400 (1450, 1525, 1600, 1700) (1850, 2000, 2200, 2400) yds; 7 (7, 8, 8, 9) (9, 10, 11, 12) skeins

Accent colors use 1 ball each color.

For sizes L- 5X, 2 balls of most used accent color.

See notes on modification yardages.

Yarn Substitutions

WeCrochet Stroll -

75% Fine Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 231yds/50g

Scheepjes Whirlette - 60% Cottom, 40% Acrylic, 498yds/100g

Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.

Crochet Hook

Size US G (4.0mm) Crochet Hook or hook to obtain gauge.

Notions

Scissors
Yarn Needle
Removable Stitch Marker
Blocking Board

Skill Level

Intermediate

🩶 Simple Stitch Repeat - This versatile piece combines the timeless charm of the granny stitch paired with classic granny squares.

🩶 Customizable - You can make this top with long or short sleeves, or in a cropped or hip-length style. Or, add some simple decreases to make a fitted waistline to a flouncy dress! The choice is yours!

Sizes

XS (S, M, L, 1X) (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)

To fit chest: 32 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62)

Actual measurements: 38 (39.5, 42, 46, 50) (54, 56.75, 59.5, 63.5)

This garment has an oversized relaxed fit and is meant to be worn with a 1.5-6 inch ease. For a more fitted look, go down a size.

Abbreviations

blo - back loop only
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
sc - single crochet
sl st - slip stitch
sp - space
sps - spaces
st(s) - stitch(es)
Stsc - Stacked Single Crochet

Gauge

18 sts and 11 rows + 4" by 4" worked in the granny stitch.

How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch

Working a gauge swatch will let you know if you will have the correct sizing for this pattern. It will also help you practice the stitches used in this project and improve your stitch work for a flawless look.
Are you struggling to match the gauge? Check out the blog post on What is Crochet Gauge and How To Fix It

Gauge Swatch Instructions

Since this pattern is worked in the round, it's best to create the gauge swatch in the round.

Ch 45, without twisting the chain, join.

Rnd 1:

Stsc, 2 dc in the same ch, skip 2 chs, *3 in next ch, skip 2 chs; repeat from * around, join to the top of the Stsc. | 45 sts, 15 granny groups

Rnd 2:

Sl st in the next 2 sts, Stsc into next sp, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in all sp around, join.

Repeat Row 2 for 13 total rounds, measure, and make any adjustments.

Special Stitches

Stacked Single Crochet (Stsc): Do NOT chain, insert hook into next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops, insert hook in the vertical bar below, yo, pull up a loop, yo and pull through both
loops on the hook.

Pattern Notes

• The chain 1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.

• Hate weaving in ends? When working the Granny Squares, try this knot trick:
  https://brianakdesigns.com/crochet-knot-join/

• The instructions and stitch counts are given for the smallest size, with the larger sizes in
  brackets ( ).

• Before you dive into your project, take a moment to identify the stitch and row counts that
  match the size you're making. By highlighting or marking them, you'll save time and effort
  later on. Trust us, this small step will make a big difference in your knitting or crochet journey!

• Modifying the top to a dress with short sleeves, decreases at the waist, and increases for a
  skirt flare, increased the yarn quantity by 25%.

Video Tutorial for the Summer Granny Crochet Top or Dress

The Ad-Free PDF can be purchased on Etsy or Ravelry.

Written Crochet Pattern Instructions

Arm Depth

Work as follows:

Sl st in the next 2 sts, Stsc in next sp, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in each sp around, join. Until there are a total of 21 (22, 23, 24, 25) (26, 27, 28, 29) rnds.

The arm depth should be approx. 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) (9.5, 10, 10.5, 11) inches. See Fitting Tip.

Splitting Body & Sleeves

Sl st in the next 2 sts, Stsc in the space between the granny clusters, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in next 25 (26, 28, 31, 34) (36, 38, 40, 42) sps, ch 7 (7, 7, 7, 7) (10, 10, 10, 13), skip 19 (20, 21, 23, 25) (25, 26, 27, 27) sps, 3 dc in the next 26 (27, 29, 32, 35) (37, 39, 41, 43) sps, ch 7 (7, 7, 7, 7) (10, 10, 10, 13), skip 19 (20, 21, 23, 25) (25, 26, 27, 27) sps, join.

Body Length

The below is written for joining, but working this continuously is an option and removes any noticeable seam.

Rnd 1:

Sl st in the next 2 sts, Stsc in the space between the granny clusters, 2 dc in same sp, *3 dc in each sp until the ch sts, 3 dc in the first ch, [skip 2 ch, 3 dc in next] across all ch sts; repeat from * around, join
| 174 (180, 192, 210, 228) (246, 258, 270, 288) sts, (58 (60, 64, 70, 76) (82, 86, 90, 96) granny
groups

Rnd 2:

Sl st in the next 2 sts, Stsc in next sp, 2 dc in same sp, 3 dc in each sp around, join.

Repeat until there are a total of 18 rnds, or until the desired length before the bottom
granny square trim.

Customizing Fit

You may want a fitted look if you are crocheting the top or the dress. This can be done by adding decreases or increases that work for your body shape and size.

An example of this is on the dress, which is decreased on each side under the arm until the waist area. Then, it is increased on each side for the hip area.

This can be done in the desired amount of increases and decreases. It helps to try on the top or dress as you go.

How to Decrease:

Decrease Rnd 1:

Work in the granny stitch pattern until you reach the underarm, work 2 dc in the next space, continue in
the granny stitch pattern until the other underarm and repeat.

Decrease Rnd 2:

Work in the granny stitch until you reach the 2 dc group, skip the space before the 2 dc group, 3 dc in between the 2 dc sts, skip the space after the 2 dc group, continue in the granny stitch pattern
until the other underarm and repeat.

How to Increase:

Increase Rnd 1:

Work in the granny stitch pattern until you reach the underarm, work 4 dc in the next space, and continue in the granny stitch pattern until the other underarm and repeat.

Increase Rnd 2:

Work in the granny stitch until you reach the 4 dc group, 3 dc in the center space between the 4 dc sts, continue in the granny stitch pattern until the other underarm and repeat.

Make it a dress!

Length is the most significant difference between a crochet sweater and a dress.

There are several options of styles when it comes to making a dress. Here are some suggested options:

Option 1: Keep crocheting rounds until the desired length without increasing, and use a tie around the center to shape.

Option 2: For a shaped dress, increase and decrease only as needed around your body shape. Stop at the desired length.

Option 3: For a tea-style dress, increase at the waistline as follows: Increase every other space as shown in the increase instructions. Then, do a second set of increases and increase every third space. This will allow a gathered/flared look. It can also be styled with a tie or some fabric elastic on the inside to shape.

Sleeves

Attach the yarn with a sl st to the base of a dc 3 group under the arm. I prefer to work my sleeves continuously without joining since we are not changing colors.

Rnd 1:

Sc 3 in the first st. 3 dc in each sp around, join. Please note, add a 3 dc group in the 'corners' of the underarm to reduce a hole. | 24 (25, 26, 28, 30) (31, 32, 33, 34) granny groups

Please Note: For sizes with an odd number of granny groups, decrease by one granny group to have an even number by the end of the sleeve for the trim.

Repeats:

3 dc in each sp around until there are a total of 44 rnds, or until the desired length of sleeve before trim. In the very last space, substitute the 3 dc for 3 sc to help even out the bottom edge. Do not fasten off.

Sleeve Trim

*Sc in next sp, 5 dc into the next sp; repeat from * around. Either sl st and fasten off, or fasten off and use your tapestry needle for an invisible join.

Neck Trim

Attach the yarn to a space on the side of the neck.

*Sc in next sp, 5 dc into the next space; repeat from * around. Either sl st and fasten off, or fasten off and use your tapestry needle for an invisible join.

Granny Squares

See video for a knot join when changing colors for fewer ends to weave in.

Rnd 1:

With first color, and working in a Magic Ring, sl st, Stsc, ch 2, [3 dc, ch 2] three times, 2 dc, sl st to the top of the Stsc st to join. | 4 granny groups and 8 chs

Rnd 2:

With second color and working in the ch 2-space, Stsc, ch 2, 3 dc, [ch 1, in next ch 2-space (3dc, ch 2, 3dc)] three times, ch 1, 2 dc in first sp, sl st to the top of the Stsc st to join. 8 granny groups and 12 chs

Rnd 3:

With third color and working in the ch 2-space, Stsc, ch 2, 3 dc, [ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch space, ch 1, in next ch 2-space (3dc, ch 2, 3dc)] three times, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch space, ch 1, 2 dc in first sp, sl st to the top of the Stsc st to join, leaving a long tail for joining, fasten off, block square. | 12 granny
groups and 16 chs

Each granny square is approx 2 ½ inches.

Make 16 (16, 17, 19, 20) (22, 23, 24, 26) granny squares for the bottom trim.

If you've adjusted your top or dress, this will change the number of granny squares needed. To determine the number of granny squares needed, measure the circumference of the bottom of the garment and divide it by 2 ½ inches (or the measurement of one side of your granny square). This will
give you an idea of the number of granny squares needed.

Attaching Granny Squares

Using your yarn needle and the tail end of a granny square, seam the edges of each granny square together, creating a tube to attach to the bottom of the sweater.

Pin the granny squares evenly to the bottom edge of the top. Using your crochet hook, surface sl st the bottom edge of the sweater to the granny squares.

Optional Dress Elastic

If you would like a more fitted look as the waistline, then adding elastic on the inside of the dress will pull in the fabric.

To do this, first determine the length of elastic needed by placing it around your body where it will sit. Make sure it will stretch enough to be able to lift over your head to get the garment off and on. Stitch
the ends of the elastic together.

Next, turn your dress inside out and pin the elastic in place. Using a needle and thread stitch the elastic around the inside of the dress. Flip the dress back to the right side and wear.

Finishing

Weave in any ends, block the garment if needed, and enjoy!

The versatility and endless possibilities of granny squares - and the granny stitch - continually inspire me to explore new designs and color combinations. The simple and timeless motifs are more than just crochet - they’re miniature works of calming and fulfilling art. Ready to add more granny square goodness to your life? Liven up your wardrobe with my Granny Square Cardigan or Pullover, or add some pops of color to your winter decor with my Granny Square Snowflake Quilt Blanket!

Cheers, and happy crocheting!

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