Stunning Crochet Folk Floral Checkerboard Top – Free Pattern

Crochet Pattern: Stunning Crochet Folk Floral Checkerboard Top – Free Pattern

Materials

• DK weight cotton yarn in Red (approx. 250g), White (approx. 150g)
• Small amounts of embroidery/DK yarn in Green, Blue, Yellow, and Orange for the folk flowers
• 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and embroidery
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• yo – yarn over
• picot – ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook

Instructions

Size Note: This pattern is written for a standard size Small/Medium. You can easily adjust the size by altering the size and number of the checkered squares.

Step 1: Front and Back Panels (Checkered Pattern)

The top is made from two main panels (front and back) featuring a tapestry-style red and white checkered grid. Each individual square is 12 stitches wide and 10 rows tall.

• Using White yarn, ch 61 (this accommodates 5 squares across, each 12 stitches, plus 1 turning chain).
• Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 11 chs with White. Before completing the last sc, pull through with Red. Work 12 sc with Red, carrying the White yarn along the top of the stitches. Continue alternating White and Red every 12 stitches across the row. Ch 1, turn.
• Rows 2-10: Repeat the color changes to create the first row of squares. Always carry the non-working yarn along the top of your stitches (tapestry crochet method).
• Rows 11-20: Reverse the colors to start the next checkerboard row (Red squares over White, White squares over Red).
• Repeat this grid pattern until you have completed 4 full rows of squares vertically (40 rows total). Fasten off and weave in ends.
• Make a second identical panel for the back.

Step 2: Floral Embroidery

Before assembling, add the beautiful folk-style embroidery onto the white squares of the front panel.

• Thread your yarn needle with Green yarn to embroider stems and leaves using a simple stem stitch and lazy daisy stitches.
• Use Red, Blue, Yellow, and Orange yarn to embroider the tulips, daisies, and bluebells inside each white square using satin stitches and french knots. Refer to the photo for placement inspiration.

Step 3: Assembly

• Place front and back panels right sides together.
• Sew the side seams up to the armhole level (leave approximately 7 inches open at the top for armholes).
• Sew the shoulder straps together, leaving a wide square neck opening in the center.

Step 4: Ruffled Sleeves

The statement ruffles are worked directly into the armhole openings in rounds.

• Join Red yarn at the underarm of one armhole.
• Round 1: Work sc evenly around the armhole opening. Sl st to join, ch 2.
• Round 2: Work 2 dc in each st around to create dramatic ruffling. Sl st to join, ch 2.
• Round 3: Work 1 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. Fasten off Red.
• Round 4: Join White yarn. Sc in each st around, adding a picot stitch (ch 3, sl st in first ch) every 4th stitch to create the delicate white trim. Fasten off and repeat for the second sleeve.

Step 5: Bottom Scalloped Border & Tassels

• Join White yarn at the bottom hem of the top.
• Round 1: Sc evenly around the entire bottom edge. Sl st to join.
• Round 2 (Scallop/Shell Round): *Skip 2 sts, work 5 dc in the next st, skip 2 sts, sl st in the next st; repeat from * around to create a beautiful scalloped edge. Fasten off.
• Optionally, add a row of colorful embroidery or surface slip stitches right above the scallops using Green, Red, Blue, and Yellow yarn.
• Make tiny tassels using the colored yarns (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red) and attach one to the tip of each scallop along the bottom hem.