🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Ada Top Crochet Pattern

Ada Top Crochet Pattern
4.7★ Rating
15-25 Hours Time Needed
3.5K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic knitting experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Slow & Steady

A 10-12 hour project—great for savoring the process over several sessions.

👕

Casual Chic

Relaxed style with a modern twist, perfect for everyday wear while maintaining that handcrafted uniqueness.

About This Ada Top Crochet Pattern

The Ada Top is a show-stopping crochet garment that combines traditional granny square techniques with modern wearable design. This pattern guides you through creating individual lantern motifs in three complementary colors, then joining them strategically to form a flattering top. With six size options ranging from XS to 5X and three length choices, you can customize this piece to fit perfectly. The pattern includes special variations for different lantern types, detailed joining instructions, and finishing techniques for ribbed edges that provide comfortable stretch.

Ada Top Crochet Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

What makes this pattern special is its modular construction method, allowing you to work on portable pieces and join them as you go. The colorful lantern design creates visual interest while the ribbed waist and armholes ensure a comfortable, flattering fit for all body types.

Why You'll Love This Ada Top Crochet Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it transforms simple granny squares into a sophisticated, wearable garment that gets compliments everywhere! The modular construction means you can work on it anywhere, making it perfect for summer crafting sessions. I'm particularly fond of how the three-color combination creates such a striking visual effect, and the ability to customize both size and length means you can create the perfect fit. The ribbing details add that professional touch that makes this look store-bought, but with all the charm of handmade. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about watching all those individual lanterns come together into a beautiful top you'll actually want to wear!

Ada Top Crochet Pattern step 1 - construction progress Ada Top Crochet Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Ada Top Crochet Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Ada Top Crochet Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I absolutely love experimenting with this pattern because it's so versatile! For my first Ada Top, I stuck with the classic three-color combination, but then I got creative with a rainbow version using seven different colors that created an incredible gradient effect. You could also try making it in two colors for a more subtle look, or go bold with high-contrast combinations like black and white with a pop of neon.

Another fun variation I tried was adjusting the ribbing - instead of the standard width, I made wider ribbing at the waist for a more cropped, modern silhouette that sits higher on the hips. You could also experiment with making longer ribbing for extra coverage and warmth.

For a completely different vibe, I've made versions with variegated yarn that creates beautiful color pooling in the lanterns, giving each motif unique character without having to change colors manually. The collar is another great place to get creative - try adding decorative buttons all the way down instead of just one, or make those bow ties in contrasting ribbon for a sweet vintage touch.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even modify the lantern size by adjusting the initial chain and working more or fewer rounds to create a completely different scale. Just remember to recalculate how many lanterns you'll need for your size!

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Not checking gauge properly before starting can result in a top that's too small or too large for your measurements ✗ Making stitches too tight reduces the natural stretch needed for comfortable wear and proper fit across all sizes ✗ Forgetting to weave in ends after each lantern creates an overwhelming finishing task with hundreds of loose yarn tails ✗ Skipping the center stitch increase when joining lanterns causes puckering and misalignment in the overall construction ✗ Not counting stitches consistently in ribbing rows leads to wavy, uneven edges that don't lay flat properly

Ada Top Crochet Pattern

Create your own stunning Ada Top with this comprehensive crochet pattern! This beautiful granny square-inspired top features colorful lantern motifs joined together to form a stylish, comfortable garment. Available in sizes XS through 5X with three customizable length options, this versatile pattern lets you craft the perfect summer top. The design includes detailed ribbing at the waist and armholes, plus a charming collar with button closure. Perfect for showcasing your crochet skills while making a wearable piece you'll love to wear all season long.

Intermediate 15-25 Hours

Materials Needed for Ada Top Crochet Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Yarn weight 2 (Fine/4ply) - Katia Capri or similar recommended
  • 02
    Yarn weight 3 (8ply/DK/Light Worsted) can also be used with proper gauge adjustment
  • 03
    3 different colors needed: Color A, Color B, and Color C
  • 04
    Size XS-M: 3 balls (50g/125m each) per color
  • 05
    Size L-XL: 4-5 balls per color
  • 06
    Size 2X: 5 balls per color
  • 07
    Size 3X-4X: 6 balls per color
  • 08
    Size 5X: 7 balls per color
  • 09
    Add 1 extra ball per color for longest length version

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook 3.5mm (for size XS only)
  • 02
    Crochet hook 4mm (for sizes S/M through 5X)
  • 03
    Crochet hook 5mm (optional for gauge adjustment)
  • 04
    Tapestry needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Tape measure
  • 07
    1 small button (approximately 1cm/0.4 inch diameter)
  • 08
    Stitch markers (recommended)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Normal Lanterns:

Row 0:

Start with 1st color, ch4, join with slst in 1st chain to make a loop

Row 1:

ch3, 2dc in the loop, *ch2, 3dc in the loop* repeat * 4 more times, ch2, join with slst to top ch of ch3, fasten off

Row 2:

Attach 2nd color in ch sp, ch3, 2dc in same ch sp, ch2, 3dc in same ch sp, *in next ch sp: 3dc, ch2, 3dc* repeat * 4 more times, join with slst to top ch of ch3, fasten off

Row 3:

Attach 3rd color in space between 2 ch sp, ch3, 2dc in same space. In next ch sp make peak: 3dc, ch6, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in next 2ch, 3dc in same chain space. In next 5 spaces: 3dc, 6dc, 3dc, 6dc, 3dc. In next ch sp make other peak. In next 4 spaces: 3dc, 6dc, 3dc, 6dc. Join with slst in top ch of ch3, do NOT fasten off

Row 4:

ch1, sc in each st all around, also sc in stitches on right side of peaks (both loops), in top of peaks make 3sc in ch sp. At end skip last tiny st and join with slst in ch1

Size 1A*/1A/2A:

Fasten off

Size 1B/2B:

Add 1 extra row of sc, increasing at top of peaks (3sc in middle st of peaks), join with slst and fasten off

Size 1C:

Add 2 more rows of sc, increasing at top of peaks (3sc in middle st of peaks), join with slst and fasten off

— Long Lanterns:

Row 0-2:

Like normal lanterns

Row 3:

Finish row 3 like normal until you reach ch sp for 2nd peak. 3dc, ch9 (instead of ch6), dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in remaining 5ch, 3dc in same ch sp. Finish rest of row 3 like normal

Row 4-6:

Like normal (make same amount of rows as normal lanterns)

— Short Lanterns:

Row 0-2:

Like normal lanterns

Row 3:

Finish row 3 like normal until you reach space for 2nd peak. In that chain space work: 3dc, ch2, 3dc. Finish rest of row 3 like normal

Row 4:

Like normal, on short side make 2sc in ch sp

Row 5-6:

Like normal but don't increase on short side (make same amount of rows as normal lanterns)

— Horizontal Half Lanterns:

Row 0:

Start with 1st color, ch4, join with slst in 1st chain to make loop. In loop: ch3, dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 2dc, fasten off

Row 2:

Attach 2nd color to top ch of ch3, ch4, *3dc in next ch sp, ch2, 3dc in same ch sp* repeat * 2 more times, ch1, dc in last st, fasten off

Row 3:

Attach 3rd color in first ch sp, ch3, dc in same ch sp, 6dc in next ch sp, 3dc in next space. In next ch sp make peak (normal length, ch6). 3dc in next space, 6dc in next ch sp, 2dc in last ch sp, fasten off

Row 4:

Attach 3rd color to 1st stitch, ch1, sc in each st across, fasten off

Size 1B/2B:

Add 1 more row of sc (increase in peak)

Size 1C:

Add 2 more rows of sc (increase in peak)

— Vertical Half Lanterns:

Row 0:

Starting with 1st color, ch5, join with slst in 1st ch to make loop

Row 1:

ch4, 2dc in loop, *ch2, 2dc in loop* repeat * 2 more times, ch1, dc in loop, fasten off

Row 2:

Attach 2nd color in first ch sp, ch3, 2dc in same ch sp. In next 4 spaces: 6dc, 3dc, 6dc, 3dc, fasten off

Row 3:

Attach 2nd color to first stitch, ch1, sc in each st across, fasten off

Size 1B/2B:

Add 1 more row of sc (no increase)

Size 1C:

Add 2 more rows of sc (no increase)

— Joining Lanterns:

Info:

Start on right side, insert hook in 1st st of half lantern and 1st st after top stitches of other lantern (4 loops on hook). Attach yarn, pull up loop and ch1

Joining Process:

sc in next st of both lanterns (both loops, 4 loops on hook) and continue. Make last sc in centre st + last st before top stitches. Make another sc in centre st + 1st st after top stitches of next lantern. Continue until end of row, fasten off. Push sc away from you with fingers for better appearance

Side Seams:

Fold front panel over back panel (wrong sides together) and join blue lines with rows of sc. Repeat on other side

— Waist Ribbing:

Base Row:

Turn top so waistline faces up, attach yarn to middle st of lantern on right side, ch1. Make row of sc all around waistline, also sc in 1st st of each joining row. Join with slst to ch1, do NOT fasten off

Starting Rib:

Change to hook 0.5mm smaller, ch11 (for 5cm/2in rib; add 2ch for 1cm extra or skip 2ch for 1cm less). dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in each remaining ch (total 10dc; first 2ch count as 1st dc)

Rib Rows:

*Skip 1 st, slst in next 3 stitches. dc in first dc from hook (both loops), dc in next 8 stitches (blo), dc in last st (both loops, make quite loose). ch2 (counts as 1st dc, make quite loose), dc in next st and each remaining st (blo except last: both loops)* repeat all around. Join with row of slst on inside (blo)

— Armhole Ribbing:

Size 2A/2B Corners:

Round corners by making: 2sc, 2hdc, 2dc, 1tc, 2dc, 2hdc, 2sc in colour C. Make tc in centre of corner. Do for all 4 corners

All Sizes:

Switch to bigger hook, attach yarn to st in middle of armpit, ch1. Make base row of sc all around, also in 1st stitches of joining rows. Join with slst to ch1, switch to smaller hook, ch5 (for 2cm/0.8in rib; add 2ch for 1cm extra)

Rib Process:

Make rib same way as waist (4dc per row instead of 10) all around. Join with row of slip stitches on inside (blo), fasten off. Repeat for other armhole

— Collar:

Base Row:

Switch to bigger hook, attach yarn to 1st st of joining row right from centre of neckline on back, ch1. sc in st joined by that 1st st of joining row. sc in each st across (don't forget to sc in 1st st of joining rows and 2 stitches joined by this st). Join with slst in ch1

Starting Collar:

Turn work so neckline faces you, slst to next corner of lantern on left, change to smaller hook, ch12 (for 5cm/2in collar). dc in 4th ch from hook, continue with rib as before BUT slst in next 2 st only (no skipping)

Front Opening:

Continue until you reach middle lantern on front. If you end at top of rib, slst down to base row. slst to other side of middle lantern. ch12, continue ribbing until you reach middle lantern on back. If you end at top of rib, slst down to base row

Button Loop:

ch6, slst in same st to make loop (or ch more if button is bigger). slst to starting place of collar, fasten off. Sew button on other side of collar

Assembly Instructions

  • Weave in all yarn ends from each lantern as you complete them to avoid overwhelming finishing work
  • Lay out all lanterns in correct pattern order before joining to ensure proper color placement and orientation
  • Join lanterns row by row using single crochet technique, working from right to left for consistency
  • When joining side seams, fold front panel over back panel with wrong sides together and crochet through both layers
  • Attach waist ribbing evenly around entire bottom edge, ensuring stitches are distributed uniformly for proper fit
  • Round armhole corners for sizes 2A and 2B before adding ribbing to create smooth, comfortable edges
  • Sew button securely to collar, testing closure before final fastening to ensure proper placement and tension

Important Notes

  • 💡Check gauge carefully by making first lantern and measuring peak to peak and side to side dimensions
  • 💡Use correct hook size for your measurements - size down if lanterns are too large, size up if too small
  • 💡Don't make stitches too tight as the top needs good stretch for comfortable wear and proper fit
  • 💡Push single crochet joining stitches away from you with fingers for neater appearance along seam lines
  • 💡Make ch2 and turning chains quite loose in ribbing sections to maintain stretch and prevent puckering
  • 💡Count stitches consistently in ribbing rows to ensure even edges that lay flat without waviness
  • 💡Consider making a bow instead of button closure for alternative styling option on collar

The Ada Top pattern brings together the beloved granny square technique with modern wearable fashion! This modular design lets you create a stunning, customizable garment that fits perfectly and showcases your color creativity. With detailed instructions for every step from individual lanterns to professional ribbed finishes, you'll craft a top that looks store-bought but feels wonderfully handmade. The size inclusivity and length options mean everyone can enjoy making and wearing this beautiful piece. 🧶 Happy crocheting! ✨👕

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

Can I use different weight yarn than recommended?

Yes, you can use yarn weight 3 (DK/Light Worsted) instead of weight 2, but you must check your gauge carefully to ensure lanterns measure correctly. Adjust hook size as needed to achieve proper measurements.

How do I know which size to make?

Measure the fullest part of your chest and compare to the size chart. If you're between sizes, size down for a tighter fit or size up for a more relaxed look. The pattern includes six sizes from XS (65-75cm chest) to 5X (150-170cm chest).

What if my lanterns don't measure exactly right?

Small variations are acceptable, but if your lanterns are significantly off, change hook size. Make your first lantern and measure carefully - this step is crucial for proper fit throughout the entire garment.

Can I make the ribbing longer or shorter?

Absolutely! The pattern provides base measurements but you can customize by adding or removing 2 chains per centimeter. The waist ribbing example uses ch11 for 5cm, and armhole uses ch5 for 2cm.

Do I need to join the peaks of the lanterns?

No, the peaks are intentionally left unjoined as part of the design. This creates the decorative texture and is completely normal - the top will look beautiful without joining them.

How many lanterns total do I need to make?

This varies by size and length. For example, size 1A in length S needs 16 normal lanterns, 3 long lanterns, 9 short lanterns, 4 horizontal half lanterns, and 4 vertical half lanterns. Check the charts in the pattern for your specific combination.