I began to feel like I would never finish this top. But I have! And I’m loving it! And to be totally transparent, as I write this I still have some rounds to go on the bottom band, but I could stop at any time now I just want to use up the yarn!

Now this one was inspired by a rug on my floor. It’s all white (really unwise choice of colours!), but the checks are there from raised vs flat squares. Seeing it triggered me into thinking of checkers with a solid vs filet square so I had to give it a go.

Now this one I made with a 100% 4ply cotton that I bought from Yazzy’s Yarns in dusty pink. I had a box of 5 x 50g balls. I made myself 104 squares and used up almost 4 of the balls to make the squares. Each square is 8cm x 8cm.

For the layout I decided that I wanted to have sleeves, so the there are 11 squares in the top 3 rows of both the front and back piece and then 3 rows with seven squares. I went with an odd number so that the alternating of squares kept the pattern going. If you choose a different square design you can easily go with different numbers of squares.

I joined the squares with front sides facing and slip stitch to join. I wanted an invisible join but the filet one made sewing them impractical. It was easier to slip stitch in the chain spaces than it was to fuss with sewing.

There is no shaping in this design. The shaping will come when it is worn. It could be made longer too as this will sit around midriff level – you just need to add more rows of squares. My plan is to wear ist vest style over a longer top.

Now for the banding. I’ve started each round with double crochet (UK treble) and then completed rounds of alternating front post and back post double crochets. For the arm bands I worked the first round of front and back post stitches around 2 stitches each as an easy way to decrease

Keep in mind that my granny square projects are meant to inspire you so that you can get creative with your own versions. Inside my Hooked on Crochet Club I’ll give some more specific guidance fo how to put it all together. If you’re wanting more help be sure to check out the link below!

Check out my past blogs too for other granny square ideas including other top designs.

Seona x