How to Crochet a Holdo Tee: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Beyond
If you’ve ever wanted to wear something that feels like it belongs in a galaxy far, far away — or at the very least, in the wardrobe of a silver-haired Resistance admiral — then the Holdo Tee might be exactly the project you’ve been looking for. Inspired by the iconic style of Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, this flowing, elegant crochet top has taken the crafting community by storm. With its draping silhouette, open stitchwork, and ethereal vibe, the Holdo Tee is both a functional wardrobe piece and a small work of art.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to crochet your own Holdo Tee from scratch — including the materials you’ll need, the stitches involved, sizing guidance, and a full step-by-step pattern breakdown. Whether you’re a confident beginner or an intermediate crocheter looking for a new challenge, this project is achievable, satisfying, and absolutely worth the effort.
What Is the Holdo Tee?
The Holdo Tee is a crocheted top designed with a loose, flowy fit that drapes beautifully over the body. It typically features a combination of simple stitches worked in a way that creates an open, lacy texture — light enough to wear in warmer weather but structured enough to hold its shape. The name pays homage to Vice Admiral Holdo’s romantic, almost otherworldly aesthetic: flowing fabric, soft colors, and an air of effortless elegance.
What makes this pattern so appealing to the crochet community is its versatility. It can be made in a wide range of yarn weights and colors, from soft lavender and dusty rose to deep plum and midnight blue — all perfectly on-theme. The construction is relatively straightforward, often worked in panels or in the round, making it accessible even if you haven’t tackled garment construction before.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you start will make the process much smoother.
Yarn: The most popular choice for this top is a DK weight or light worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Cotton gives the finished fabric a lovely drape and breathability, which is ideal for a top worn close to the body. You’ll need approximately 400–700 yards depending on your size, with larger sizes naturally requiring more yardage. Soft, flowy blends work beautifully, and if you want that true Holdo aesthetic, consider a dusty purple, lilac, or mauve colorway.
Hook: A 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm crochet hook is standard for this project, depending on your yarn weight and personal tension. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up a hook size. If your tension is loose, go down a size. Always swatch before starting.
Notions: You’ll also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers (these are especially helpful when working in the round or marking the beginning of a row), and a measuring tape.
Gauge: This will vary depending on the specific pattern version you’re following, but a common gauge is around 14–16 stitches and 8–10 rows per 4 inches in the main stitch pattern using a 4.5 mm hook. Always crochet a swatch and wash it before measuring, since cotton yarn can change dimensions slightly after its first wash.
Sizing and Measurements
The Holdo Tee is typically available in a wide range of sizes, often spanning from XS through 4X or 5X depending on the designer. Before you begin, take your bust, waist, and hip measurements, as well as your torso length from shoulder to wherever you’d like the hem to fall.
Most patterns for this top are designed with positive ease, meaning the finished garment is meant to be a few inches larger than your actual measurements. This is intentional — the drape and flow of the top depend on that extra room. A common recommendation is 2–4 inches of positive ease at the bust, though some people prefer more for an oversized look.
Here’s a general size guide to give you an idea:
For a size Small, you’re typically looking at a finished bust of around 36–38 inches. A Medium finishes at roughly 40–42 inches. A Large sits around 44–46 inches. An XL finishes at approximately 48–50 inches. Always refer to the specific pattern you’re using for precise measurements, since these can vary by designer.
Key Stitches to Know
The Holdo Tee uses a relatively small vocabulary of stitches, which is part of what makes it such a satisfying project. Here are the ones you’ll encounter most often:
Chain (ch): The foundation of almost every crochet project. You’ll use chains both to start your work and as part of the stitch pattern to create the open, lacy look.
Single Crochet (sc): A short, dense stitch often used at the edges, neckline, and armholes to create clean, tidy borders.
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Slightly taller than a single crochet, the hdc creates a dense but flexible fabric. Some versions of the Holdo Tee use this as the primary body stitch.
Double Crochet (dc): The most commonly used stitch in the body of this top. Double crochets work up quickly and create a fabric with a nice amount of drape.
Chain Spaces (ch-sp): Many lacy sections of this pattern involve working into chain spaces rather than individual stitches. This is what creates that open, breathable texture.
Shell Stitch: Some variations of the Holdo Tee incorporate shell stitches — multiple double crochets worked into the same stitch or space — to create a fan-like decorative detail, particularly along the hem or yoke.
If you’re unfamiliar with any of these stitches, take a little time to practice them before diving into the pattern. Even 15–20 minutes of practice stitching will give you the muscle memory you need to work more confidently.
Pattern Overview and Construction
Different designers have their own takes on the Holdo Tee, and the exact construction method can vary. That said, most versions follow one of two construction approaches: top-down construction or panel construction.
Top-Down Construction begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. This is a popular method because it allows you to try the top on as you go and easily adjust the length. You typically start with a chain for the neckline, then increase at the raglan points (the four corners where the front, back, and sleeves meet) to shape the yoke. Once the yoke is wide enough to fit over your shoulders and chest, you separate the sleeve stitches from the body stitches and continue working only the body down to the hem.
Panel Construction involves crocheting a front panel and a back panel separately and then seaming them together at the shoulders and sides. Some crocheters prefer this method because flat panels are easier to keep track of, and the seaming gives the garment a bit more structure.
Whichever method your chosen pattern uses, the general flow will be the same: establish your foundation, work the body stitch pattern, shape for the armholes or sleeves, and finish with border details at the neck, armholes, and hem.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Below is a general pattern outline to help you understand the process. For a complete, precise pattern with stitch counts for each size, you’ll want to follow a published pattern by a verified designer — many excellent ones are available on Ravelry, Etsy, and independent crochet blogs.
Step 1: Swatch and Gauge
Begin by crocheting a swatch in your main stitch pattern, at least 6 inches square. Wash and block the swatch, let it dry, and then measure your gauge. Adjust your hook size if needed until your gauge matches the pattern. Don’t skip this step — even a small difference in gauge will significantly affect the finished size of your garment.
Step 2: Foundation Chain
For a top-down construction, chain the number of stitches specified for your size at the neckline. This chain will form the back neck edge. For most sizes, this is somewhere between 50 and 80 chains, though the exact number depends on your pattern and gauge.
Step 3: Work the Yoke
The yoke is the section from the neck down to where the sleeves separate. You’ll typically place stitch markers at four raglan points and increase at each of these points every row (or every other row, depending on the pattern) to widen the yoke. Work in your main stitch pattern — usually double crochets with chain spaces — increasing at each marker to create the A-line or raglan shaping.
Continue the yoke until it measures the right depth for your size. A good way to check is to try the piece on (or hold it against a well-fitting garment) and see whether the raglan seam lines up comfortably with the top of your shoulder.
Step 4: Separate Body and Sleeves
Once the yoke is deep enough, it’s time to separate the body from the sleeve sections. You’ll work across the front stitches, chain a number of stitches to bridge the underarm, skip the sleeve stitches, work across the back stitches, and chain again for the other underarm. Then you’ll join to work in the round (or turn and work flat, depending on the pattern).
The sleeve stitches can be left on a holder or a length of scrap yarn for now — you’ll come back to them later if you want to add sleeves, or simply finish them with a border for a sleeveless look.
Step 5: Work the Body
With the body joined, work in rounds (or rows) in your main stitch pattern down to the desired length. Many versions of the Holdo Tee feature a slightly longer back hem or an asymmetrical silhouette, which you can achieve by working a few extra rows at the back before joining and continuing down.
Some patterns also include waist shaping, using strategic increases and decreases to create a subtle curve through the midsection. This is optional — if you prefer a completely straight, flowing silhouette, you can work straight down without any shaping.
Step 6: Hem Edging
The hem is one of the most beautiful details on the Holdo Tee. Many patterns end with a shell stitch border, a picot edging, or a simple row of single crochets. Whatever edging you choose, work it evenly around the entire hem, making sure to match your tension and keep the edge flat (not curling or pulling).
Step 7: Armhole and Neckline Edging
Go back to each armhole opening and work a round of single crochets or slip stitches to clean up the edges. This prevents the armhole from stretching out with wear. Do the same for the neckline, adding as much or as little detail as you like — a single clean round is often all you need.
Step 8: Weave In Ends and Block
Once all your edging is complete, weave in all your yarn ends using a tapestry needle. Then wet block your finished top by soaking it in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out the excess (don’t wring), and laying it flat to dry. Pin it to your measurements if needed to encourage the stitches to open up and the fabric to drape properly. Blocking makes a genuinely dramatic difference in how the finished top looks and feels, so don’t skip it.
Tips for Success
A few things can make the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Use stitch markers generously. When working a garment, it’s easy to lose track of where you are, especially when working in the round or keeping track of raglan increases. Mark the beginning of each round and every key point in the pattern.
Check your stitch count regularly. Garment construction relies on accurate stitch counts. After every increase row in the yoke, take a moment to count your stitches and make sure you’re on track.
Read through the entire pattern before you begin. This sounds obvious, but it’s genuinely helpful. You’ll understand how all the pieces fit together and avoid surprises midway through.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the length. One of the joys of crocheting your own clothes is the ability to customize. If you want the top to be slightly shorter for a cropped look or longer as a tunic, simply add or subtract rows from the body section.
Join a community. The crochet community online is incredibly generous and supportive. If you’re following a specific pattern, search for it on Ravelry or Instagram to see how other makers have worked through it. You’ll find tips, photos, and often answers to common questions.
Finishing Touches and Styling
Once your Holdo Tee is complete, the real fun begins. This top looks beautiful worn over high-waisted trousers, flowy wide-leg pants, or a simple midi skirt. It layers well over a fitted long-sleeve shirt in cooler weather and stands perfectly on its own during summer.
For a truly Holdo-inspired look, reach for soft, muted tones — dusty mauve, lavender, grey-blue, or pale gold. Pair with simple jewelry and let the top do the talking.
If you want to photograph your finished project for social media (and you absolutely should), natural light is your best friend. Lay it flat on a light-colored surface for a flat lay shot, or wear it on a bright day near a window for a beautifully lit portrait.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting the Holdo Tee is one of those projects that feels deeply satisfying from the very first stitch. It’s not just a top — it’s a skill-builder, a confidence-booster, and a piece you’ll genuinely want to wear. The combination of achievable techniques, elegant results, and endlessly customizable sizing makes it a standout pattern for anyone wanting to expand their crochet wardrobe.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t stress if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Garment crochet has a learning curve, but every project teaches you something. By the time you’re weaving in your last end and laying your finished top flat to block, you’ll feel every bit as commanding as the admiral herself.
Happy crocheting.
