Floral medallion tops take longer than a standard stitch repeat, but the payoff is a finished garment where every square is its own small project — satisfying to make in stages and easy to pick up and put down between rounds. The sunburst centers and open lace outer rounds give the joined fabric a completely different look from a traditional granny square, even though the assembly method is the same. If you’ve made the granny square vest, the join-as-you-go logic here will feel familiar.
Breathable Crochet Top
Mustard or golden yellow shows the motif detail beautifully in a single-color version the lace structure reads clearly without the distraction of color changes. The granny square top and skirt set is worth bookmarking if you want to extend the motif-based approach into a coordinated outfit.
Materials
Yarn: 800–1,200 yards of Category 3 (Light/DK) cotton or bamboo blend for maximum breathability.
Hook: 4.0mm (G) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors, and stitch markers.
Specialty: 1/4″ elastic band (measured to your shoulder circumference) for the off-shoulder neckline.
Your Crochet Stitch Guide
Sizing & Measurements
Individual Square: Approximately 5″ x 5″ (blocked).
Standard Size (Small/Medium): Features a 4×3 square body panel (approx. 20″ wide).
Adjusting Fit: To size up, add a column of squares to the front and back panels. For a custom “in-between” fit, add 2–3 rows of double crochet to the sides of your panels before joining.
Pattern Instructions
Foundation Center
Start with a slip knot and ch 6. Join with a sl st to form a ring.
Ch 1, work 12 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
- Still getting the hang of reading crochet patterns? That’s completely okay, the video tutorial below breaks everything down in a simple, beginner-friendly way!
Petal Round
Ch 6 (counts as 1 dtr + ch 1).
Work 1 dtr in the next stitch.
Ch 3, work 1 dc into the middle of the dtr post (this creates the petal texture).
Repeat this sequence in each stitch around (12 petals total). Join with a sl st.
Pro-Tip: Working into the Post
When working the DC into the “middle” of the double treble, insert your hook under the two vertical loops halfway down the stitch you just made. This anchors the petal and prevents it from sliding.
Shaping the Square
In the next two ch-spaces: Work (2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc) into each.
Corner Space: In the next space, work (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, ch 5, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc).
Repeat this sequence around to form four distinct corners.
Mesh Frame
Ch 1, sc into the first ch-space.
Ch 4, sc into the next ch-space.
At Corners: Ch 4, work (1 sc, ch 5, 1 sc) into the ch-5 corner space.
Continue the pattern evenly around. Join with a sl st.
Double Crochet Border
Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc).
Work 3 dc into each ch-space.
Work 1 dc on top of each sc from the previous row.
At Corners: Work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) into the ch-5 space.
Join with a sl st and fasten off.
Assembly & Finishing
Joining the Squares
Method: Use the Flat Slip Stitch Join through the back loops only (BLO). This creates a professional, flat seam that doesn’t add bulk to your breathable crochet top.
Front & Back: Create two rectangles of 4 squares wide by 3 squares high.
Sleeves: Create two rectangles of 3 squares wide by 4 squares high.
Final Join: Connect the shoulders and sides, leaving openings for the head and arms.
Neckline with Elastic
To ensure the off-shoulder look stays secure, hold your elastic band against the neckline edge.
Work sc stitches over the elastic and into the neckline stitches simultaneously.
Join with a sl st, ensuring the elastic is taut but not overly tight.
Blocking Guide
Because this pattern relies on a “Mesh Frame,” blocking is essential.
Soak: Submerge your finished top in cool water with a bit of wool wash for 15 minutes.
Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring!). Lay it flat on a towel and roll it up to remove more moisture.
Pinning: Lay the top on blocking mats. Pin the corners of the squares to pull the mesh open and highlight the “Petal” centers.
Air Dry: Allow to dry completely before wearing. This will give your top a professional drape and prevent the squares from curling.
