Updated October 2026
✦ Quick answer: The Summer Fun Top is a free crochet top made from two identical rectangles in the peephole stitch, an airy openwork with big holes for the breeze. The sample is a women’s size S/M, 18 inches wide after blocking and 21 inches tall. First, you work each panel in cotton yarn with a 6 mm hook. Then you sew the sides, leaving 8 inch openings for the sleeves, and join the shoulders.
Jump straight to the Summer Fun Top Instructions ↓
Summer, beach, travels. It is time for a summer crochet top pattern, my friends!
This peephole stitch crochet top is made with cotton yarn for the perfect feel. It has big holes to feel the breeze, so it is perfect for the beach. As always, my tops are made with two rectangles joined, so the pattern is as easy as that!
Are you with me?
There are 2 ways to get this pattern: Option 1: You can purchase the individual pattern as an easy-to-read, print-friendly PDF from Ravelry Option 2: Scroll down to get the written instructions for this pattern for free
Why You Will Love This Crochet Top
- It is airy, so you hardly feel it when you wear it.
- Also, the cotton yarn gives it a soft and cool feel for hot days.
- It is made from two rectangles, so there is no shaping to follow.
- Because the stitch repeats in multiples, you can make it bigger or smaller.
- Finally, it works for the beach or for a day out with a tank underneath.
If you want more ideas for warm days, see my 9 Easy Crochet Summer Tops. Also, my guide on how to resize and customize flat projects helps you adjust the fit.
How to size my crochet top pattern?
My designs are not graded for all sizes, the samples I make are usually size M/L women. I know each one of us has a different body so I encourage you to measure, gauge and calculate to fit your size.
With that being said my top designs are often two rectangles joined so it is very easy to work them bigger or smaller according to the multiples of the stitch combination
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Before you get started, check out my Favorite Crochet Tools (affiliate)
Large eye yarn needles for seaming and weaving in ends
100% cotton yarn, a good fit for hot weather
Stitch markers, handy for marking the sleeve openings
About the Peephole Stitch in This Summer Crochet Top
I designed this pattern last summer, and here in Israel the summers are extremely hot. We only have two seasons, summer and winter, so as soon as the rain stops, the weather turns hot, sometimes very hot. Because of that, I needed a stitch that gives the design air and freshness.
The peephole stitch is a perfect choice! As you can see, it is very airy, so you hardly feel it when you wear it. As a result, it works well for the beach or for a day out with a spaghetti tank or bra underneath.
The written instructions for this stitch are in the pattern. However, if you need a video, here is one.
Let’s Get to the Pattern, Shall We? Making the Summer Fun Top
Difficulty
Experienced Beginner
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
[IMAGE] Alt: Weight 4 medium yarn symbol
- Drops Paris 100% cotton yarn, 50 gr, 75 m (82 yards)
- Color #17 (A): 2.5 skeins
- Color #01 (B): 0.5 skein
- Yarn substitutes: see options here
Hook: 6 mm (US J-10)
Yarn Needle, Scissors, Measuring Tape, Stitch Markers
Gauge
14 st X 6 rows (4” X 4”)
Sizes
This sample is 18” wide after blocking X 21” height, Size S/M women. The peephole stitch stretches, so the finished top has some give.
My designs are not graded for all sizes, because each of us has a different body.
For that reason, I encourage you to measure, gauge and calculate to fit your size. Since my tops are two rectangles joined, it is easy to work them bigger or smaller by using multiples of the stitch combination.
Here is a standard women’s size chart for your convenience.
▶️ Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here
Stitch Key
- Ch = Chain
- St = Stitch
- Sc = Single Crochet
- Dc = Double Crochet
- Slst = Slip stitch
Specialty Stitch
Peephole Stitch: instructions are in the pattern.
Sandra’s tip: Count your Ch 4 spaces at the end of each sc row, so every row has the same number of peepholes. As a result, your edges stay straight and the two panels match.
Notes
- The pattern is worked in rows.
- Also, this pattern is worked in two rectangles joined.
- Ch1 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.
- However, Ch3 at the beginning of the row does count as a stitch.
- You can adjust this pattern to any size by adding chains and rows.
- You can work this pattern with one color or multiple as you wish, and I used multiple colors.
- If changing colors, make sure to have a changing technique, and then weave your ends in.
- This pattern is a 4-row repeat (rows 2 to 5).
- Finally, this pattern calls for multiples of 6+3.
Summer Fun Top Instructions
Panel (make two identical)
This top uses the peephole stitch for the entire panel, adding a neckline and sleeves finishing rows. The peephole stitch repeat, Rows 2 to 5, will be explained in the row’s instructions.
Chain 66+3
Row 1: Color A Sc1 into second Ch from hook, Sc1 into next Ch, Ch 4, skip 4 Ch, Sc1 into each of next 2 Ch repeat from TO across, turn work
Next, Row 2: Ch3, (Dc2+Ch2+Dc2) into each ch 4 sp across, end with Dc1 into the last Sc st, turn work
Then, Row 3: Ch 5 (count as 1 Dc and Ch 2 sp), Sc2 into the Ch 2 space, Ch4, Sc2 into next ch 2 space repeat from to across, end with Ch2, Dc1 into the third ch from starting chain, turn work
After that, Row 4: Ch4 (count as 1 dc and ch 1 sp), Dc2 into ch 2 space, (Dc2+Ch2+Dc2) into ch 4 sp across, end with Dc2 into last ch 2 space, Ch1, Dc1 into the third ch from starting chain, turn work
Now, Row 5: Ch1, Sc1 into first st, Sc1 into Ch 1 space, Ch4, Sc2 into Ch2 space repeat from TO across, end with Ch4, Sc1 into last ch 1 space, Sc1 into the third ch from starting chain, turn work
Next, Rows 6 to 24: repeat rows 2 to 5
Then, Row 25: Color B Ch3, Dc1 in next st, * Dc4 in Ch4 space, Dc1 in next st, Dc1 in next st, repeat from * To * across to end of row, turn work
After that, Row 26: Ch1, Sc1 in 1st st from hook, Sc1 in next and across to end of row, turn work
Finally, Row 27: Repeat row 26
Finishing
First, lay the two identical panels right side in.
Next, measure 8” for sleeves from top to bottom on both sides and mark with stitch markers.
Then, sew from bottom up two sides of top.
After that, join with slip stitch the last stitch of the shoulder on both sides.
Also, join with slip stitch 18th st from out in the shoulder on both sides.
Sc1 round on each sleeve to give the top a more secure feeling.
Finally, cut your yarn and weave in the ends.
Enjoy!
Pattern Designed By: Sandra Stitches This pattern is copyright protected; it is unlawful to distribute this pattern in any form (free, sale or trade).
Frequently Asked Questions
The sample is a women’s size S/M, 18 inches wide after blocking and 21 inches tall. However, my designs are not graded for all sizes, so measure yourself first. Then use the size chart in the Sizes section to pick the width you want.
The pattern calls for multiples of 6+3, so add or remove chains in sixes. Also, you can change the number of rows. Because the top is two rectangles joined, both changes are simple.
I used Drops Paris, a 100% cotton yarn, and I needed 2.5 skeins of color A and 0.5 skein of color B. Cotton keeps the top cool and soft for hot weather. If you use another yarn, however, check the gauge first, because it changes the size.
It is a good fit for an experienced beginner. If you know how to chain, single crochet and double crochet, you can make it. Also, the stitch instructions are written out row by row, and there is a video if you need to see the peephole stitch
The stitch is very open, so I wear it with a spaghetti tank or a bra underneath. As a result, it works for the beach or for a day out.
Yes. I used two colors, but you can work the whole top in one color or in several. If you change colors, use a clean changing technique and weave your ends in.
Want more crochet top patterns?
Did you try this pattern? Share a picture and tag me on Instagram @sandrastitchesil.
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Hi my crochet friend!
Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.
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