I’ve been wanting to try making a peplum top for a little while, although my original idea had the top being solid and with sleeves. I’m not sure how I got to this skinny-strap, open stitch design, exactly, maybe it happened because this way of making the “cups” is my favorite right now (they work up so fast, and sizing is pretty easy this way), maybe because it’s already in the 80s outside, and we’re only at the start of summer. I can’t really remember, but I’m very happy with how it turned out.

The colors, or really how they play off of each other, turned out really lovely. When I wore this on Sunday, the colors were what got complimented most enthusiastically by friends and acquaintances. The yarn used is Caron Simply Soft in Soft Green and Berry Blue. Most any clothing you’ll see me make as of late uses this yarn. I love that it’s a softer yarn, and that it softens up even more nicely after one wash.

The open stitch pattern here is from a book called Crochet Stitch Guide by Jean Leinhauser and Mary Ann Frits. It’s one of those stitch compilation books that can be found at most every craft store, at least around where I live. I had been wanting it because I liked the variety of stitch patterns it had and was wanting to play around with more varied stitches for things I make, but wasn’t willing to pay $10.00 for it. Then, I found it at a local book resale shop for $5.00. Half off isn’t bad! I’ve been having fun trying out different stitch patterns; it’s nice to be like, I need a stitch that’s a chain multiple of 4, or whatever, and just look through this book to see some options.

For the straps I used the Romanian Point Lace Cord. I followed this tutorial video from Wendy Harbaugh of Sunshine’s Creations. I make a lot of things that need straps, but the issue with crochet is that it stretches, A LOT, so I’ve been looking for more strap-making options. The Romanian Point Lace Cord seemed much, much less stretchy and I’ve been really happy with it when wearing the top. I’ve already used it in another project, and plan to use it in more.

As a note: The widest part of me is my hips, and I’m always hesitant to wear anything that flares or ruffles out around them, so I took this into consideration when making this top – I started the peplum just above my bellybutton, and ended the peplum so the length was to just above the widest part of my hips. I wasn’t sure if this would work, but I think it turned out looking fine. If you aren’t a “pear-shaped” person and you attempt making a top like this, you could probably make the torso longer and have the peplum be over your hips, but all of this is personal preference, anyway. Do watcha’ like. :)

This skirt was passed on to me by my sister-in-law, and I’ve been wearing it a lot. It’s high-waisted and formfitting at the top, which I really like. I’ve been wanting high-waisted things for a while because I really like the look, so getting this skirt was a nice surprise.

I definitely plan on making more of these tops. Since you start with the “cups” then work down in the round, making different sizes should be very easy, and this way also lends itself to trying out different stitch patterns and torso/peplum lengths. I might try some like my original idea, too, with sleeves and more solid stitches. As for this pattern, there are a few things I’d like to tweak, but other than that, I’m very happy with this little crocheted “peplum” top.

Crochet Top: made by me
Tank Top:No Boundaries (one with a built-in bra)
Skirt: Old Navy (old)
Necklace: Cookie Lee (but I’ve had it since middle or high school, I think)
Shoes: Faded Glory