Crochet a Blooming Summer Top: Free Hepatica Granny Top Pattern

Hello, beautiful maker! Is there anything more joyful than combining the timeless charm of granny squares with a fresh, modern garment? If you’re dreaming of a summer top that’s equal parts nostalgic and stylish, you’ve found your next perfect project: the Hepatica Granny Top.

This delightful halterneck top is as fun to make as it is to wear. It begins with a simple row of gorgeous, floral-inspired granny squares—the designer was reminded of the delicate Anemone hepatica, a spring flower, hence the lovely name. These squares form the lower, flowy part of the top. From there, you’ll build up a fitted bodice in solid single crochet, creating a flattering silhouette that ties at the back for a customizable fit.

The magic of this pattern is in its simplicity and flexibility. You decide the size by the number of squares you start with (7 for S/M, 8 for M/L), and the back ties ensure it can accommodate many shapes comfortably. It’s a fantastic project for crocheters who have mastered granny squares and are ready to take the exciting leap into garment-making. The construction is straightforward, and the result is a unique, handmade piece that whispers of sunny meadows and leisurely days.

Designed by Anna Erlandsson and offered as a free pattern, it’s a generous gift to the crafting community. All she asks in return is that if you share your beautiful creation on social media, you tag her @hooked_by_anna so she can admire your work!

So, gather your soft cotton yarn in creamy white and pretty accent colors, pick up your 4.5 mm hook, and let’s crochet a top that’s sure to become a warm-weather favorite.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: Approximately 300 meters of Worsted/Aran weight cotton yarn.
- Sample Yarn: Julie by Falkgarn.
- Colors Needed: Main Color (MC) – Ecru/Cream (approx. 3 skeins). Contrast Colors (CC) – Blue and Green (approx. 1 skein each).
Crochet Hook: 4.5 mm (US Size 7).
Notions: Darning needle for weaving ends, scissors.
Optional: Blocking mats to shape your squares and finished top.

Sizes & Gauge

Sizes: The top is very adjustable! The pattern provides guidance for:
- S/M: Fits chest measurement up to 90 cm / 35 inches. Uses 7 granny squares.
- M/L: Fits chest measurement ~95-105 cm / 37-41 inches. Uses 8 granny squares.
Finished Fit: The top is elastic and ties at the back. The solid bodice height is about 20 cm (8″) for the 7-square version and 25 cm (10″) for the 8-square version.
Gauge (Very Important!):
- One Granny Square = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches.
- Solid Sc Fabric: 14 sc x 18 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

st: Stitch
sl st: Slip Stitch
sc: Single Crochet
ch: Chain
ch-sp: Chain Space
dc: Double Crochet
sk: Skip
n: Next
2sc tog / 2dc tog: Single or Double Crochet Decrease (work two stitches together)

Crochet a Blooming Summer Top: Free Hepatica Granny Top Pattern

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Making the Granny Squares

Make 7 squares for S/M or 8 squares for M/L.

Round 1 (MC – Cream): Start with a Magic Ring. Ch 2, dc into ring (counts as first 2dc tog). Ch 1. [Work (2dc tog, ch1) into the ring] 7 more times. Sl st to first st to join. (You should have 8 “petals” of 2dc tog, separated by 1 ch). Fasten off.

Round 2 (CC – Blue or Green): Join CC in any ch-1 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same space. Ch 1. [3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1] around. Sl st to top of starting ch-3 to join. (8 groups of 3 dc). Fasten off.

Round 3 (MC – Cream): Join MC in any ch-1 space between dc groups. Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), 3 dc in same space. Ch 1. *3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. In the next ch-1 space (this is your first corner), work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1).* Repeat from * two more times. 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. 2 dc in the starting ch-1 space. Sl st to 3rd ch of starting ch-5 to join. Your circle is now a square with corner shells.

Round 4 (MC – Cream): Sl st into the next corner ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), (dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1) in the same corner space. *3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. In next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc, ch 1).* Repeat from * two more times. 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1. Dc in the starting corner space. Sl st to top of starting ch-3 to join. Fasten off.

Joining: Sew or crochet your squares together along their edges to form one long horizontal strip. Place them right side up. You can join them as you go in the final round or seam them afterward.

Part 2: The Solid Top (Bodice)

Place your granny strip horizontally, right side up. You will work upwards from the top edge of the strip.

Row 1 (Foundation): Join yarn in the top right corner ch-sp. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the same corner space.

Now work 1 sc in each dc across the top edge of the strip.
Also work 1 sc in each seam between squares.
Skip the ch-1 spaces between dc groups on the squares.
In the final top left corner, work 1 sc (for 7 squares) or 2 sc (for 8 squares). Turn.
- You should have an odd number of stitches (approx. 93 for 7 squares, 107 for 8 squares).

Row 2 (Eyelet Row): Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch1). Sk next st. [Dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st] repeat across to the last stitch. Dc in the last stitch. Turn.

Row 3 (Solid Row): Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Sc in every stitch and chain space across. Turn.

Row 4 (First Decrease Row): Ch 1 (does not count). Sk the first st. Sc in each st across until the last 2 stitches. Work a sc decrease (2sc tog) over these last 2 stitches. Turn.

Shaping the Bodice: Repeat Row 4 approximately 35 times, or until your work measures about 12-15 cm / 5-6 inches wide. It is crucial to finish with an odd number of stitches.

Finishing Row 1 (Final Eyelet Row): Work exactly as Row 2.
Finishing Row 2 (Final Solid Row): Work exactly as Row 3. Fasten off.

Part 3: Edging & Ties (Creating the Halter Neck and Back Ties)

This creates the neck strap and the long back ties in one continuous, clever piece. Refer to the diagram in the pattern.

Starting at the bottom left edge of the solid bodice (the last stitch of Row 4), chain 90 cm / 35 inches. Attach this chain to that stitch with a sc.
Now, work sc up the left side edge of the solid bodice, placing 1 sc in the side of each row, until you reach the top left corner.
At the top corner, chain 45 cm / 18 inches. Turn. Work sl st into each chain back to the corner.
Now, work sl st into each stitch across the entire top edge (Finishing Row 2) until you reach the top right corner.
At the top right corner, chain 45 cm / 18 inches. Turn. Work sl st into each chain back to the corner.
Now, work sc down the right side edge of the solid bodice, placing 1 sc in the side of each row, until you reach the starting point (the first stitch of Row 4).
From here, chain 90 cm / 35 inches for the second back tie. Fasten off. Weave in all ends.

Final Step: Thread the two long 90cm chains through the eyelet holes in the back (Row 2 and Finishing Row 1) to lace up the back of the top. Tie in a bow to adjust fit!

Finishing & Tips

Blocking: Gently wash and block your finished top. This will even out the granny squares and give the garment a professional, polished drape.
Customization: Want a different size? Experiment! Fewer squares make a smaller top; more squares make a larger, longer one. Just remember to start with an odd number of stitches on Row 1.
Yarn Choice: A soft, unmercerized cotton like the one used gives a lovely matte finish and great drape. Avoid stiff or overly bulky yarns.
Joining Squares: If you’re new to joining, search for “join granny squares as you go” tutorials—it’s a huge time-saver!
Wear it Well: The back-tie design means you can adjust the tightness for the perfect, comfortable fit every time you wear it.

Congratulations! Your gorgeous, blooming Hepatica Granny Top is complete