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Stoney Creek Sleeveless Tee: Beginner Crochet Sweater Pattern

Hey there! Welcome to the fascinating crochet world, where the endless possibilities and rewards are abundant. I’m so excited to share with you this free beginner crochet sweater pattern for the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee!

It’s a simple design that beginners and seasoned crochet enthusiasts will LOVE! As you work on this project, you’ll find it provides a relaxing, therapeutic experience and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Whether you’re just starting or have been crocheting for years, this crochet top pattern is for you. It boasts easy-to-read instructions, simple construction, and an easily memorized stitch pattern. You’ll love making this beginner crochet sweater pattern (without sleeves!)

So grab your crochet hooks, find a cozy spot, and get ready to crochet a sweater pattern in a few days! The secrets to creating something wonderful await you, and I’m thrilled to be by your side throughout this exciting adventure. Let’s get started and let your creative juices flow!

Stoney Creek Tee - beginner crochet sweater pattern - Marly Bird

Beginner Crocheters Can Make a Sweater?

The short answer is YES; as a beginner, you can absolutely make a crochet sweater, crochet pullover, or crochet vest. Success comes with understanding how the shaping works and a good pattern by a reputable crochet designer.

Let’s get excited about crocheting your first garment project with our beginner-friendly Stoney Creek design. Delight in the simplicity of using a single half double crochet stitch through the front loop to create this stylish, versatile tee. Marvel as the Caron Cotton Cakes yarn adds a touch of elegance to your design. No need to worry about color transitions – the yarn does it for you.

How Long to Crochet a Tee?

Crocheting a tee can vary in time depending on a few factors. It mainly depends on your experience level and how quickly you crochet. Many of my crochet testers have found they can finish the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee completely within a week. However, if you’re planning some dedicated crochet time, a weekend offers a good chunk of time to make significant progress, if not complete it. It’s all about pacing and enjoying the process! Working on this beginner crochet sweater pattern is an easy weekend project. It’s perfect for crochet enthusiasts seeking to add staple pieces to their wardrobe.

Choosing the Best Crochet Yarn for Stoney Creek

Once you have a beginner crochet sweater pattern you love (get the ad-free pdf here), the next adventure is choosing the perfect yarn. We found the Caron Cotton Cakes, a fabulous cotton and acrylic blend. It really suits this design. This yarn type contributes to the garment’s structural integrity and enhances its tactile pleasure while crocheting.

When it comes to choosing your yarn for the Stoney Creek Tee, consider its ease of use during crocheting. Think about its maintaining qualities post-wash and its comfort when worn. The Caron Cotton Cakes checks all these boxes. It provides an optimal crocheting experience while ensuring the crafted garment is beautiful and delightful to wear. It is also a great yarn for beginners to use.

The beauty of the Caron Cotton Cakes yarn lies in its color flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for this versatile crochet tank top. Unlike traditional yarns that require careful color transition calculation, this yarn allows you to let the cake work up as it wants while still achieving a stunning design. This spontaneity aligns perfectly with my vision for a simple yet captivating beginner crochet sweater pattern.

Caron Cotton Cakes Yarn  - color: Cracked Pepper

An Alternative Yarn Choice…

Interestingly, other crocheters have found a new love in the Macchiato Cakes yarn, an 80% acrylic/20% wool blend from Caron Cakes. The eagerness of these crocheters to share their creations with us keeps the excitement growing around the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Tee project. This proves the right yarn choice can elevate the overall crochet experience.

Creating this beginner crochet sweater pattern involves mastering a fundamental crochet stitch. This stitch, the half double crochet through the back loop, offers the perfect blend of simplicity for beginners and appeal for the experienced. It’s the main part of this beginner-level crochet pattern that’s both straightforward and interesting.

Crochet Reference Library for Crochet Definitions, Abbreviations, and Stitch Diagram Symbols - Marly Bird

Learn more about crochet stitches, techniques, and all the crochet stitch diagram symbols in this comprehensive guide!

Crocheting the Stoney Creek Tee revolves around the beauty of repeating this stitch. The harmony of this stitch pattern results in a unique fabric canvas to bring the design of this tee to life. It is easy, simple, ideal for a first-time garment project, and enticing enough for experienced crocheters.

Close up of Stoney Creek Top showing body shaping darts - beginner crochet sweater pattern - Marly Bird

But it’s not all about mastering a single stitch.

There’s also an introduction to basic shaping. This offers practical lessons for beginners interested in garment construction. This beginner crochet sweater pattern is an excellent hands-on way to learn these core crochet principles. Importantly, ensure you fully understand the half double crochet stitch, both in its own right and when incorporated into the pattern. Familiarity with the stitch will help you craft a tee matching the given pattern size. Think of it as blending creativity and precision into a rewarding craft project.

How to Add Personal Touches to Your Beginner Crochet Sleeveless Sweater

Adding personal touches to your Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee makes it uniquely yours. The first option could be to play around with the color scheme. Using the Caron Cotton Cakes yarn allows for an array of beautiful color choices; you don’t have to stick to the original. Go bold, soft, neutral, or multi-colored – the choice is yours.

Another way to personalize your tee is by adapting the pattern size. The crafting instructions give a size-inclusive range from XS to 5X. However, adjusting your pattern beyond these sizes might be as simple as a few additional calculations for those educated in crochet. So, every crocheter can have a sleeveless tee that truly fits.

While the design is a snug fit around the bust and flared at the hips, feel free to adjust these proportions. After all, this is your creation; it should be as comfortable and flattering as you want. I am modeling the 3xl size over a size 20 button-down white shirt to give you a size perspective.

Perfect For Layering!

Finally, toy with what to pair with your sleeveless tee. Layer it over a turtleneck for a fall-ready look, or wear it solo during the warmer months. Transform this simple tee into a chic wardrobe staple with a belt, a scarf, or a statement jewelry piece. Mix and match these effects until you have a garment that screams “YOU.”

Ultimately, the Stoney Creek Tee is a canvas awaiting your custom personal touch.

Image collage of the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet tee. Far Left is a close up of Marly Bird wearing the tee over a button down white shirt, the top right is the tee on a plus size mannequin, and the bottom right is the tee laying flat on a table with the Caron Cotton Cakes Yarn on top - Marly Bird

Lifelong Care For Your Handmade Stoney Creek Top

This blend of cotton and acrylic, the recommended Caron Cotton Cakes yarn, is easy to maintain. It’s resilient and can withstand the washing process while preserving your sleeveless tee’s original look and integrity. Wash the top on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cool water. It’s the best choice to prevent the yarn colors from fading. Avoid bleaching and wringing out the top; you’ll maintain the garment’s shape and color vibrancy.

After washing, allow the top to dry flat where it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight to maintain its shape and color. When storing, folding the top neatly, away from direct sunlight, will protect the color and the shape. Using mothballs or cedar blocks can drive away pests that might damage the yarn. Ironing the top on a low heat setting can help maintain its crisp look if mild wrinkles appear.

Last but not least, treat snags or loose ends promptly to avoid more significant damage to the crochet work. Minor repairs may arise over time, but with gentle handling and care, the Stoney Creek Top retains its beauty, ready to accompany you through many seasons, year in and year out. Display it proudly, knowing it is a testament to your crochet craftsmanship.

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Big Take-Aways for this Beginner Crochet Sweater Pattern

Firstly, it’s a free pattern here on the Marly Bird website. But you can also purchase an ad-free PDF for easy printing and to take with you as you work on your crochet sweater. Make it easy to take notes on the pattern, and maybe use tick marks to count how many rows you have done on each side.

Also, this sleeveless tee adapts from summer to fall with minimal fuss. Working with a cotton and acrylic blend promises a smooth crocheting experience, comfortable wear, and an effortless washing experience.

But this is my favorite part of the pattern…the Stoney provides a flattering fit for all body types, thanks to its classic square neckline and A-line hem design. The tee is meant to offer a snug fit at the bust, transforming into a breezy flare around the hips. Wearing it brings a sense of joy and accomplishment. Don’t you see my smile?

Marly Bird is standing in a green field with grass and trees behind her with her hands up like she is cheering while she is wearing the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet tee over a button down white shirt and a pair of blue jeans - Marly Bird

Remember, the Stoney Creek is size-inclusive, catering to sizes from XS to 5X. Whether you wear it alone or paired with a shirt, the tee exudes charm on any figure. This pattern is free on the MarlyBird.com website, or the ad-free pdf version is offered at a friendly price as a cherry on top.

Don’t forget to Favorite this Pattern and Queue it up on Ravelry!

Favorite This Pattern on Ravelry - Marly Bird

Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee Pattern Details

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Sizes

XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X), The top should be close-fitting with no ease at the chest, but positive ease around the hips. Top shown is 3X.

Finished Measurements

Bust 29 (33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61)” [73.5 (84, 94, 104, 114.5, 124.5, 134.5, 145, 155) cm]

Hip 44 (48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76)” [112 (122, 132, 142, 152.5, 162.5, 172.5, 183, 193) cm]

Length 28 (29, 30, 31, 32, 32, 32, 33, 34)” [71 (73.5, 76, 78.5, 81.5, 81.5, 81.5, 84, 86.5) cm]

Gauge

16 sts and 8 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in hdc tfl using larger hook; use any size hook to obtain the gauge. 

MATERIALS

Yarn

Yarnspirations™ Caron®, Cotton Cakes (60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 530 yds / 485 m, 8¾ oz/ 250 g, CYCA# 4 worsted) 

Cracked Pepper, 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) cakes

Hooks

Size I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge and H/8 (5.0 mm) or one size smaller than hook needed for gauge

Notions

Removable stitch markers, tapestry needle.

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch – Chain

Hdc – Half Double Crochet

RS – Right Side

Sc – Single Crochet

Sl St – Slip Stitch

Tfl – Through Front Loop

WS – Wrong Side

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SPECIAL STITCHES 

⭐️ Single Crochet Three Together (sc3tog): *Insert hook into indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop; repeat from * in next 2 stitches indicated, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

NOTES

  • This tank is worked from shoulders down in two pieces, then seamed together and accented with an edging.
  • Directions are for size XS; changes for sizes S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, and 5X are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee Schematic - beginner crochet sweater pattern - Marly Bird

VIDEO TUTORIALS

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STONEY CREEK SLEEVELESS CROCHET TEE PATTERN

BACK

Shoulders

Using larger hook, ch 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22).

Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to end – 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to end.

Fasten off.

Work other shoulder the same, but do not fasten off.

Join Shoulders

Row 1 (RS): Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to end, ch 30 (32, 32, 36, 36, 38, 38, 38, 38), hdc tfl in each hdc of first shoulder – 54 (56, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 74, 78) sts including ch sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc tfl in each of first 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc, hdc in each of next 30 (32, 32, 36, 36, 38, 38, 38, 38) ch, hdc in each of last 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc – 54 (56, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 74, 78) hdc.

Work 12 (14, 14, 16, 15, 13, 11, 10, 8) more rows evenly in hdc tfl.

Increase for Underarm

For Last 5 Sizes Only:

Next row (increase row): Ch 2, hdc tfl in each of first 2 hdc, 2 hdc tfl in next hdc, hdc tfl in each hdc to last 3 hdc, 2 hdc tfl in next hdc, hdc in each of last 2 hdc – x (x, x, x, 70, 72, 76, 76, 80) hdc.

Repeat this increase row x (x, x, x, 0, 2, 4, 7, 9) more times – x (x, x, x, 70, 76, 84, 90, 98) hdc.

For All Sizes:

Fasten off.

Add Width for Bust

Row 1 (RS): Using larger hook, ch 2 (5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12), hdc tfl in each hdc across Back, ch 4 (7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14).

Row 2: Skip 2 ch, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each of next 1 (4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) ch, hdc tfl in each hdc to last ch 2 (5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12), hdc in each of last ch 2 (5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 12) ch – 58 (66, 74, 82, 90, 98, 106, 114, 122) hdc.

Work 4 (4, 4, 2, 2, 2, 0, 0, 0) more rows evenly in hdc tfl.

Shape A-Line to Hip

Place marker in 10th hdc from each end.

Row 1 (increase row, RS): Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to 1 hdc before marker, 2 hdc tfl in next hdc, hdc tfl in marked hdc, move marker up to hdc just made, hdc tfl in each hdc to marker, hdc tfl in marked hdc, move marker up to hdc just made, 2 hdc tfl in next hdc, hdc tfl in each hdc to end – 60 (68, 76, 84, 92, 100, 108, 116, 124) hdc.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to end, moving markers up as you go whenever working into a marked st.

Repeat the last 2 rows 14 more times – 88 (96, 104, 112, 120, 128, 136, 144, 152) hdc

Work 4 (4, 6, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) more rows evenly in hdc tfl.

Fasten off.

Close up of shoulder of Stoney Creek Top - beginner crochet sweater pattern - Marly Bird

FRONT

Shoulders

Using larger hook, ch 14 (14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20, 20, 22) 

Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch to end – 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc.

Next 3 (3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5) rows: Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to end.

Fasten off.

Work other shoulder the same, but do not fasten off.

Join Shoulders

Row 1 (RS): Ch 2, hdc tfl in each hdc to end, ch 30 (32, 32, 36, 36, 38, 38, 38, 38), hdc tfl in each hdc of first shoulder – 54 (56, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 74, 78) sts including ch sts.

Row 2: Ch 2, hdc tfl in each of first 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc, hdc in each of next 30 (32, 32, 36, 36, 38, 38, 38, 38) ch, hdc in each of last 12 (12, 14, 14, 16, 16, 18, 18, 20) hdc – 54 (56, 60, 64, 68, 70, 74, 74, 78) hdc.

Work 10 (12, 12, 12, 11, 9, 7, 6, 4) more rows evenly in hdc tfl.

Work Underarm, Bust and A-Line Shaping same as Back.

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FINISHING

Steam block pieces to measurements.

Sew shoulder and side seams.

Neck Edging

Using smaller hook, and with RS facing, join yarn anywhere along back neck.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc evenly around neck edge, working a sc3tog at each inner corner, join with sl st in first sc, do not turn.

Round 2: Ch 1, * sc in each sc to 1 st before corner decrease, sc3tog over next 3 sts; repeat from * 3 more times, sc in each sc to end, join with sl st in first sc.

Fasten off.

Armhole Edging

Using smaller hook, and with RS facing, join yarn to armhole at shoulder seam.

Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, sc evenly around armhole edge, working a sc3tog at each inner corner, join with sl st in first sc, do not turn.

Round 2: Ch 1, * sc in each sc to 1 st before corner decrease, sc3tog over next 3 sts; repeat from * once more, sc in each sc to end, join with sl st in first sc.

Fasten off.

Weave in all loose ends.

Don’t forget to share with us on Social Media! Use #MMMDI and #MarlyBird on Instagram so I can smash your like button, and we can all jump for joy!

Marly Bird wearing the Stoney Creek Sleeveless Crochet Tee pattern and jumping for joy

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  1. Mary Watson says:

    I can’t tell you how much I love this tunic!!! It will be my goto cover this winter with jeans or leggings!

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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