Aurora Waves Crochet Top: A Free, Flowing Boho Pattern

Wrap yourself in the cozy, flowing texture of the Aurora Waves Crochet Top, a modern take on the classic crochet cover-up. This free pattern uses simple stitches to create a stunning, drapey garment perfect for layering over swimsuits, tanks, or dresses. With its ribbed bottom band and smooth, flowing body, this top is as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to look at. The gradient colorway evokes ocean waves, making it a standout piece in any handmade wardrobe.

Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step. The construction is cleverly simple—worked in one piece from the bottom up—so you'll have a finished garment without complicated seaming. Let's dive in and create something truly special.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crocheting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn in a gradient or variegated colorway (approx. 600-700 yards). The sample uses a stunning teal-to-ocean-blue gradient, but feel free to choose any color that speaks to you.
• Hook: N/15 (10 mm) crochet hook. This larger hook creates the loose, drapey fabric that makes this top so comfortable.
• Notions: Stitch markers (at least 2), yarn needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Measuring Tape: To check your gauge and ensure a proper fit.

Gauge

8 stitches and 5 rows = 4 inches in pattern stitch. Always make a gauge swatch before starting to ensure your finished top fits as intended. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in one piece from the bottom up, starting with a ribbed band and then flowing into the body. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, wearable top in no time.

Pattern Notes

• Ch 2 at the beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
• The pattern uses front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) for the ribbed band. If you're unfamiliar with these stitches, they're easy to learn and create a beautiful, stretchy texture.

Foundation & Ribbed Band

Foundation: Chain 74 (or any even number to fit your bust measurement, ensuring it's a multiple of 2 + 2). Join with a slip stitch to form a ring, being careful not to twist your chain.

Round 1: Ch 2, dc in each chain around, join with a sl st to the first dc. (74 dc)

Round 2: Ch 2, *fpdc around the next dc, bpdc around the next dc; repeat from * around, join with a sl st. (74 sts)

Rounds 3-12: Repeat Round 2 for a total of 10 rounds of ribbing. This forms the bottom band of your top. The alternating front and back post stitches create a stretchy, textured rib that will sit comfortably at your waist or hips.

Body (Worked in the Round, Increasing)

Now we'll transition from the ribbed band to the flowing body of the top. The increases in the next two rounds will give the garment its flared, drapey shape.

Round 13: Ch 2, 2 dc in each stitch around, join. (148 dc) This round doubles your stitch count to create the flare.

Round 14: Ch 2, *dc in the next 3 sts, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from * around, join. (185 dc)

Rounds 15-20: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join. (185 dc each round) These rounds create the straight, flowing body of the top.

Shape Armholes

This is where we create openings for your arms. The chain spaces will become the armholes, and you'll continue working in the round to create the upper body.

Round 21: Ch 2, dc in the next 40 sts, ch 20 (skip 40 sts for armhole), dc in the next 65 sts, ch 20 (skip 40 sts for the other armhole), dc in the remaining 40 sts, join. (185 sts total: 145 dc + 40 ch)

Round 22: Ch 2, dc in each dc and in each ch around, join. (185 dc) This round closes the armholes and brings the body back together.

Rounds 23-30: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join. (185 dc each round) Continue working even to create the upper body of the top.

Shoulder Shaping (Worked Flat, Back and Forth)

Now we'll shape the shoulders and create the V-neckline. This section is worked flat, turning at the end of each row. You'll be working on only a portion of the stitches to create the shoulder slope.

Row 31: Ch 2, turn, dc in the next 60 sts. Leave the remaining stitches unworked. (60 dc) This is the start of the first shoulder.

Row 32: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 56 sts, dc2tog. (58 dc) You're decreasing one stitch at each end of the row to create the shoulder slope.

Row 33: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 54 sts, dc2tog. (56 dc)

Row 34: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (56 dc) This is a straight row with no decreases.

Row 35: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 52 sts, dc2tog. (54 dc)

Row 36: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (54 dc)

Row 37: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 50 sts, dc2tog. (52 dc)

Row 38: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (52 dc)

Row 39: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 48 sts, dc2tog. (50 dc)

Row 40: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (50 dc)

Row 41: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 46 sts, dc2tog. (48 dc)

Row 42: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (48 dc)

Row 43: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 44 sts, dc2tog. (46 dc)

Row 44: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (46 dc)

Row 45: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 42 sts, dc2tog. (44 dc)

Row 46: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (44 dc)

Row 47: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 40 sts, dc2tog. (42 dc)

Row 48: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (42 dc)

Row 49: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 38 sts, dc2tog. (40 dc)

Row 50: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (40 dc)

Row 51: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 36 sts, dc2tog. (38 dc)

Row 52: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (38 dc)

Row 53: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 34 sts, dc2tog. (36 dc)

Row 54: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (36 dc)

Row 55: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 32 sts, dc2tog. (34 dc)

Row 56: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (34 dc)

Row 57: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 30 sts, dc2tog. (32 dc)

Row 58: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (32 dc)

Row 59: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 28 sts, dc2tog. (30 dc)

Row 60: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (30 dc)

Row 61: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 26 sts, dc2tog. (28 dc)

Row 62: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (28 dc)

Row 63: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 24 sts, dc2tog. (26 dc)

Row 64: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (26 dc)

Row 65: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 22 sts, dc2tog. (24 dc)

Row 66: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (24 dc)

Row 67: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 20 sts, dc2tog. (22 dc)

Row 68: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (22 dc)

Row 69: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 18 sts, dc2tog. (20 dc)

Row 70: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (20 dc)

Row 71: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 16 sts, dc2tog. (18 dc)

Row 72: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (18 dc)

Row 73: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 14 sts, dc2tog. (16 dc)

Row 74: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (16 dc)

Row 75: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 12 sts, dc2tog. (14 dc)

Row 76: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (14 dc)

Row 77: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 10 sts, dc2tog. (12 dc)

Row 78: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (12 dc)

Row 79: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 8 sts, dc2tog. (10 dc)

Row 80: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (10 dc)

Row 81: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 6 sts, dc2tog. (8 dc)

Row 82: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (8 dc)

Row 83: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 4 sts, dc2tog. (6 dc)

Row 84: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (6 dc)

Row 85: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc in the next 2 sts, dc2tog. (4 dc)

Row 86: Ch 2, turn, dc in each stitch across. (4 dc)

Row 87: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog, dc2tog. (2 dc)

Row 88: Ch 2, turn, dc2tog. (1 dc)

Fasten off. Repeat the same shaping for the other shoulder, starting from the opposite side of the armhole. To do this, attach your yarn at the edge of the armhole and work the same sequence of rows, mirroring the decreases.

Finishing Touches

Once both shoulders are complete, it's time to finish your beautiful top:

1. Weave in all ends using your yarn needle. Take your time to ensure all loose ends are securely hidden.
2. Optional border: For a cleaner, more polished finish, add a single crochet border around the armholes and neckline. Simply attach your yarn and work a round of single crochet evenly around each opening.
3. Block your top: If desired, gently block your finished piece to even out the stitches and enhance the drape. Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

Your Aurora Waves Crochet Top is now complete! The flowing texture, ribbed band, and beautiful gradient colors make this a truly special piece. Whether you're heading to the beach, layering for a cool evening, or simply enjoying a handmade garment, this top is sure to become a favorite in your wardrobe.

Happy crocheting, and enjoy wearing your beautiful handmade creation!

---