Hello! I’m Alice, and crochet has been my constant companion for years, from keeping me calm to bringing countless ideas to life. One day, while admiring photos of the Colosseum, I felt inspired by its arches and wondered, “Could I capture that architectural beauty in a piece of wearable crochet?” That’s where the Stacked Arches Summer Top began, a project that combines classic architecture with crochet in a unique way, designed to flow as naturally as the shapes found in ancient buildings.
This top is a celebration of creativity and freedom in crochet design. Each arch builds onto the next without needing a base row, giving you a modern, flowy garment that’s adaptable to your style. Whether you want a short-sleeve version, a full-length dress, or a hooded beach cover-up, this pattern is all about possibilities. Join me as we create a top that’s as fun to make as it is to wear!
Sculpting with Yarn: A Design Inspired by the Arches of the Colosseum
The standout feature of the Stacked Arches Top is its distinct pattern, reminiscent of the bold lines and curves of ancient Roman architecture. Each stitch works like a building block, from foundationless chains to interlocking arches, eliminating seams and creating an uninterrupted flow.
This technique not only saves time but also creates a fabric that seems to float, just like the airiness of those grand arches. The final garment is structured yet free, like the Colosseum itself.
Customize and Create: From Beach Cover-Up to Relaxed Summer Style
What makes the Stacked Arches pattern versatile is its adaptability. This project can be tailored into a sleeveless top, short or long sleeves, or even a full-length dress. The modular nature allows adjustments in the neck opening, sleeve width, and garment length to suit your comfort and style. With these possibilities, you can design a top that’s as unique as you are!
Materials
To create the Stacked Arches Summer Top, you’ll need:
- Yarn: 700g of Papatya Cottonish, a 100% acrylic yarn (or similar). This is a medium-weight, drapey yarn that mimics the feel of cotton.
- Crochet Hook: Size 5.5mm (I/9)
- Stitch Markers: You can use hair grips, paper clips, or small pieces of yarn as substitutes if needed.
- Measuring Tools: A soft measuring tape.
- Comfort Items: Your favorite drink, a few snacks, and maybe a movie!
- Optional: A pair of cotton gloves to create slight tension when winding yarn (protects against yarn burn if you’re using a ball winder).
Getting Started: Tips for Success
Before diving in, take a few minutes to check your gauge by creating a swatch of at least two arches across and two rows high. This will help you determine if any adjustments in hook size or stitch count are necessary to achieve your desired fit.
And remember, because this top is crocheted without a foundation row, you can easily add arches as needed, giving you flexibility to tailor it exactly to your measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is where you can follow along as we create the Stacked Arches Summer Top! This pattern is detailed below the image for easy reference. Click on the link beneath the image to access the full pattern instructions.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Additional Tips
- Working the Foundationless Chain: This stitch is the heart of this pattern. It involves creating a new stitch by working into the base of the previous stitch, creating an arched pattern without the need for a base row.
- Creating Uniform Arches: The top uses double treble (US) / triple treble (UK) stitches. If this is new to you, try practicing a few stitches before beginning the project to get a feel for the height and flow.
- Handling Stretch in Acrylic: Acrylic yarns can sometimes lose shape over time. Blocking isn’t always effective with acrylic, so make sure to create even tension as you work to maintain the structure of your arches.
- Seamless Joins: With this design, the body, hood, and sleeve seams are joined as you go. This keeps the top nearly seamless, making it as comfortable as it is beautiful.
Styling Your Top with Sleeves, Hood, or Beach Dress Length
One of the beautiful aspects of this pattern is that it can be transformed into multiple styles. Adding sleeves involves simply continuing the arches along the arm openings, while lengthening the top to a beach dress requires just a few extra rows at the hemline.
For a bohemian, casual look, consider leaving the sides open and turning the top into a beach cover-up that flows effortlessly over swimwear. I hope making this top has been as enjoyable and satisfying for you as designing it was for me. Each arch represents a bit of history, and every stitch becomes part of a wearable piece of art.
So whether you’re lounging on a summer day, enjoying an evening by the water, or strolling along a beach, I hope this Stacked Arches Summer Top brings a touch of elegance and comfort into your life. Happy crocheting!
