Materials

• Yarn: Fingering or sport weight yarn (approx. 50g / 120 yards) — choose a light, breathable fiber like cotton, bamboo, or a cotton blend for best drape
• Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4) crochet hook or size needed to achieve gauge
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional)
• Gauge: Not crucial for this motif, but approximately 4” (10 cm) square with recommended yarn and hook

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• Sc – Single crochet
• Dc – Double crochet
• Trc - TREBLE crochet 
• sl st – slip stitch
• sp – space
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sk – skip

ch6, join with sl st Rnd 1: ch1, [1sc into ring, ch15] x 12, sl st to 1st sc Rnd 2: sl st into first 6 ch sts of ch-15 sp, ch3, dc2tog into same sp (counts as dc3tog cluster), *ch4, dc3tog into same sp, [ch4, 1sc into next sp] x 2, ch4, dc3tog into next sp*. Rep from * 3 more times, omitting dc3tog at end of last rep, sl st to 1st cluster Rnd 3: sl st into next ch-4 sp, ch3, dc2tog into same sp (counts as dc3tog cluster), *ch4, dc3tog into same sp, [ch4, 1sc into next ch-4 sp, ch4, dc3tog into next ch-4 sp] x 2*. Rep from * 3 more times, omitting dc3tog at end of last rep, sl st to 1st cluster Fasten off.

How to Turn Lacy Crochet Squares into a Vintage-Style Crochet Top- (Small UK size 8 )

You will require lacy flower crochet squares, you’re halfway to a beautiful handmade top. Motif garments like this were hugely popular in the 1970s, and they’re still loved today because they’re simple to construct and incredibly versatile. With just 23 squares and a decorative join, you can create a light, breezy crochet top with a lovely vintage feel. This style works particularly well with open, lacy motifs, because the joins become part of the design instead of something hidden. The finished garment has soft short sleeves, a relaxed neckline, and a flattering drape that feels perfect for warm weather.

Finished Fit Small - SMALL Medium (UK)

With squares measuring 5.5 inches, the body width works out to:

• 3 squares across = 16.5 inches

Front and back together create an approximate middrift circumference of 33 inches, giving a fitted Small–Medium size depending on yarn stretch and joining tension.

Square Layout for the Top

Each square measures approximately 5.5 inches by 5.5 inches. The top is built using a simple arrangement of 13 squares. The layout looks like this:

Step 1: Join the Squares for Each Panel

Start by arranging the squares on a flat surface so you can see the full layout before joining. Join the squares using a decorative chain zig-zag seam, which works beautifully with lacy motifs. To join two squares:

1. Place the squares side by side with the right sides facing up.
2. Join yarn in a corner space.
3. Chain 4.
4. Slip stitch into the matching space of the second square.
5. Chain 4 again and slip stitch back into the first square.

Continue working back and forth between the squares across the edges. And when joining the squares together In the opposite direction, make the same ch4, slst zigzag across to join. This creates a light ladder-style join that complements open stitch patterns. Join the squares to create the full panel.

Step 2: Make the Second Panel

Repeat the same layout and joining process to create the second panel for the back of the top. Once finished, you will have two identical square panels.

Step 3: Join the Shoulders

Lay the front and back panels together. Instead of joining the entire top edge, join 1½ squares in from each sleeve edge, leaving the center section unworked. This forms a natural neckline. In other words:

• Join across the outer sleeve square.
• Continue joining halfway across the next square.
• Stop before reaching the center square.
• Repeat from the opposite side.

This creates a comfortable boat-style neckline without any complicated shaping.

Step 4: Join the Side Seams

Next, join the side seams. Start joining just below the sleeve squares, leaving the arm openings free. Work down the sides of the body squares using the same chain zig-zag join used earlier. This seam remains light and flexible, which helps the garment drape nicely.

Step 5: Add Edging

A simple edging finishes the top neatly.

Neckline

Work one round of single crochet evenly around the neckline. For a decorative finish, add a second round such as:

• (ch 3, skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch) for a mesh effect, or
• a small picot edge for a vintage touch.

Sleeves

Work a round of single crochet around each arm opening to tidy the edges.

Bottom Edge

You can leave the bottom as it is, or add a border such as:

• a mesh round
• a shell edging
• or a simple round of single crochet. (I prefer the single crochet stitches evenly around)