Charming Crochet Ruffle-Sleeve Top — Easy Beginner Pattern (Size M/L)

This easy, beginner-friendly crochet ruffle-sleeve top combines a classic shell stitch texture with playful ruffled sleeves. Made from two identical rectangles joined at the shoulders and sides, the pattern is versatile: use a lightweight #4 cotton for summer or a wool blend for cooler weather. The sample is shown in size M/L and is ideal for crocheters familiar with basic stitches.

Difficulty

Project-Level - Easy

Materials

Weight-4 (Medium)

Bravo Burco Ipliksan 100% Acrylic, 100 gr — 3 skeins

YarnArt Finland 100% Acrylic, 100 gr — 0.5 skein

Choose any weight #4 yarn for this project; for winter use a wool blend, for summer use cotton yarn.

Hook: US Size H-8 (5 mm)

Additional tools: Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape

Gauge

14 sts x 6 rows of pattern repeat = 4” x 4” (10 x 10 cm)

Sizes

Can be modified as you wish; this sample is Size M/L — length 21” (54 cm), width 18” (46 cm)

Stitch Key

Ch = Chain

Sc = Single Crochet

St = Stitch

Dc = Double Crochet

Yo = Yarn Over

Slst = Slip Stitch

Specialty Stitch

Shell st: [Skip 2 ch, dc 5 in next st, skip 2 ch, dc 1, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc 1 in next st]

Notes

This pattern is beginner-friendly and uses basic stitches: single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. The top is worked as two identical rectangles that are joined at the shoulders and sides; sleeves are added and worked in rounds.

I used two different yarns and colors; you can choose your own. At least two colors are recommended for more interest. If changing colors, use a neat color-changing technique. Measurements correspond to the instructions below — add or reduce chains to adjust the size.

Instructions

Front and Back Panels (make two identical)

Rectangle (7 shell pattern repeats)

Chain 62 (or multiple of 8 + 6).

R1: Dc1 in 6th ch from hook, Shell st *[skip 2 ch, dc 5 in next st, skip 2 ch, dc 1, ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc 1 in next st]* repeat from * to * all the way across; the last st is a Dc.

R2: Ch 4, turn (counts as 1 Dc + Ch 1), skip 1 ch, Dc1 on top of Dc from previous row, *[skip 2, Dc5 in next st from previous row (shell st), skip 2, Dc1 in next st, Ch1, skip1, Dc1 in next st]* repeat from * to * across.

R3-28: Repeat R2 (you can change colors, keep one color, or add rows to make it longer).

R29 (final row) — pay attention to change here: Ch 4, turn (counts as 1 Dc + Ch 1), skip 1 ch, Dc1 on top of Dc from previous row, Ch1, skip 2, Sc in 3rd Dc, skip 2, Ch1, Dc1 in next st, skip 1, Dc1 in next st, repeat across.

Now work the side detail. Work the same on both sides. Turn your work right side up and work from the bottom up on one side.

R1 (side): Sc across up to the shoulder part, making 2 Sc in each side Dc for a total of about 60 Sc.

R2-4: Ch1, turn, Sc in 1st st and in every st across.

Repeat the whole panel to make Rectangle #2.

Construction

Measure 12 cm for each shoulder, leaving 28 cm for the head opening, and sew with a tapestry needle on both shoulders. Measure 30 cm from the bottom up on both sides and sew to form the armholes.

Sleeves

Turn the garment right side up. Insert yarn in the join under the arm. Ch 3 and Dc1 in every st around; you do not have to count exactly but avoid decreasing because we want a curly sleeve. Slst to the starting ch3.

Do not turn work — now increase to form the ruffles.

R2: Ch 3, Dc in same st, Dc2 in every st from previous round. Slst to starting ch3.

R3-4: Ch 3, Dc1 in every st around. Slst to starting ch3.

R5: Change color. Ch1, Sc1 in every st from previous round to give the sleeve a neat edge. Secure yarn, weave in ends, and cut yarn.

Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing

Work 4 rows of Sc around the bottom of the top and 1 row of Sc around the neck. Secure yarn, weave in ends, and cut yarn. Block your top before wearing.

Enjoy your new crochet ruffle-sleeve top!