A cropped cardigan with a proper collar is one of those wardrobe pieces that works across seasons light enough for spring layering but structured enough to feel intentional over a summer outfit. This pink version in lemon peel stitch has a subtle two-tone texture that reads almost like a knit from a distance, which makes it look more complex than the stitch count suggests. It’s a step up in construction from the button-up ribbed vest from the same designer, adding sleeves and a collar to a similar button-front format.
Sleeve Crochet Top Button Up
The body panels are worked flat in lemon peel stitch rows, with the collar picked up and worked directly from the neckline edge, no separate piece to sew on. Sleeves are worked in the round and attached at the armhole, keeping the seaming minimal. For another collared crochet top with careful edge finishing, the sleeveless top with collar is a good comparison piece if you want the collar detail without the sleeves.
Materials
Yarn: Approximately 600g of Medium Weight Yarn (Category 4 / Worsted Weight)
Hook: 5.0 mm (US H/8) crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Notions: Stitch markers, darning needle, scissors, and a measuring tape
Hardware: 4 buttons (approx. 1-inch diameter)
Sizing & Measurements
This pattern is written for a size Small, with instructions included on how to customize the fit to your exact body measurements.
Front Panel Width: Should cover approximately one-fourth of your total bust/hip measurement (whichever is larger), plus 1 inch for ease.
Back Panel Width: Should equal your total back width from shoulder to shoulder, or half of your full bust measurement.
Pro-Tip: Custom Fitting
Because everybody is unique, use your measuring tape as you go! Hold the foundation chains up to your body to ensure the width is comfortable before moving on to the main body rows.
Tech Explainers: Master the Stitches
This stitch pattern creates a beautiful, dense texture by alternating basic stitches.
How to work it: Alternately work 1 single crochet, then 1 double crochet across the row. On all following rows, you will always place a single crochet into the top of the previous row’s double crochet, and a double crochet into the top of the previous row’s single crochet.
The Decreases (SC2tog & DC2tog)
To shape the armholes and neckline, you will use decreases.
Single Crochet Two Together (SC2tog): Insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
Double Crochet Two Together (DC2tog): Yarn over, insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Front Panels (Make 2)
Body Section
Row 1: Chain 30 (or a chain length that matches your desired front width measurement). Starting in the second chain from your hook, work 1 single crochet. In the next chain, work 1 double crochet. Repeat this alternating pattern (1 single crochet, 1 double crochet) all the way across the row. Turn your work.
Row 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 1 double crochet into the very first single crochet of the previous row. Work 1 single crochet into the next double crochet. Continue alternating your stitches across the row, ensuring you always work opposite stitches into the row below. Turn.
Remaining Body Rows: Repeat Row 2 evenly until your piece measures from your bottom hem up to your underarm.
- New to crochet and not sure how to read a pattern yet? The video tutorial below will guide you through it step by step, you’ve got this!
Armhole Shaping
Next Row: To begin the armhole curve, skip the first 3 to 5 stitches (depending on how deep you want the armhole) at the outer edge of the panel. Continue in the Lemon Peel stitch across the rest of the row. Turn.
Following 3–4 Rows: Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge on each row using a decrease stitch (SC2tog or DC2tog, maintaining the texture pattern) to create a smooth, curved shape for the sleeve opening.
Neckline Shaping
Next Rows: Continue working evenly until the panel reaches your chest height. Place a stitch marker on the inner edge (the side opposite the armhole) to mark the start of your neckline.
Neckline Decrease Rows: Gradually decrease 1 stitch at the inner neckline edge on every row. This will create a soft, diagonal opening for the button-up collar. Continue until the panel matches your total length from hem to shoulder. Fasten off.
Back Panel
Foundation: Chain a width that matches your full back measurement (approximately double the length of your front panel foundation chain).
Body Rows: Work in the Lemon Peel stitch pattern, exactly as established in the Front Panels, until the back piece matches the height of the front panels right up to the underarm.
Armhole Shaping: Mirror the shaping done on the front panels. Skip 3 to 5 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows (one on each side). Then, decrease 1 stitch at both outer edges for the next 3 to 4 rows to form matching armholes. Continue working evenly until the back panel matches the total height of the front panels to the shoulders. Fasten off.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Cuff: Chain loosely a length that comfortably fits around your wrist. Work in the Lemon Peel stitch evenly for 2 inches to create a structured cuff.
Sleeve Body & Increases: Once you reach the forearm, begin adding 1 increase (work 2 stitches into the same stitch) at both the beginning and the end of every second row. This creates a gradual flare as the sleeve moves up your arm.
Sleeve Cap Shaping: Once the sleeve reaches your underarm length, begin shaping the top cap. Decrease 1 stitch evenly on both sides of every row for approximately 10 rows. This shapes the top of the sleeve into a curve that will fit perfectly into the armholes. Fasten off.
Assembly & Garment Joining
Pro-Tip: The Mattress Stitch
For an invisible, professional seam, use the mattress stitch. Lay your panels flat with right sides facing up, and thread your darning needle through the inner loops of opposite stitches. It pulls together beautifully without creating a bulky ridge!
Shoulder Seams: Lay your back panel flat with the right side facing up. Align the two front panels on top with their right sides facing down. Using your darning needle and a mattress stitch, sew the front panels to the back panel securely at the shoulders.
Side Seams: Align the sides of the front and back panels. Sew from the bottom hem up to the underarm, leaving the shaped armholes open.
Collar, Trims, & Finishing Touches
Collar
Row 1: Join your yarn with a slip stitch at the front neckline opening. Work single crochet stitches evenly all the way around the diagonal neckline and across the back neck. Turn.
Row 2: Chain 1. Work a single crochet into each stitch across, but work an increase (2 single crochets) into the very first stitch and the very last stitch of the row. This creates a beautiful, modern flare.
Row 3 and Beyond: Repeat Row 2 until your collar reaches your desired width. Fasten off.
Front Trims & Buttonholes
Row 1–2: Join yarn at the bottom hem of the left front edge. Work 1 single crochet into each row end going up the front edge. Turn and work a second row of single crochets. Fasten off. Repeat for the right front edge.
Row 3 (Buttonhole Row – Right Front Edge): Working along the right front edge, decide where you want your 4 buttons. Work single crochets up the edge; when you reach a button location, chain 1 and skip 1 stitch. Repeat this at evenly spaced intervals for all 4 buttons.
Row 4: Work 1 single crochet into each stitch and each chain-1 space across to complete the buttonholes. Fasten off.
Bottom Hem & Cuffs
Bottom Hem: Join yarn at the bottom corner and work 1 clean row of single crochet along the entire bottom hem of the top for a crisp, professional finish.
Cuff Finish: Join yarn to the sleeve cuffs and work 2 to 3 rows of single crochet around each cuff to pull the sleeve together neatly.
Final Assembly
Turn the cardigan inside out. Insert the sleeves into the armholes, matching the curves. Use stitch markers to pin them in place, then sew securely using your darning needle.
Align your buttons on the left front trim with the buttonholes on the right front trim. Sew the buttons firmly in place.
Weave in all remaining ends with your darning needle, trim the excess yarn, and block your finished top for the perfect drape!
