Simple Hepatica Granny Top Crochet Pattern – Free & Easy Boho Summer Top

If you’ve been searching for a crochet top that feels effortlessly breezy, looks gorgeous layered over a swimsuit, and works up faster than you’d expect, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. The Hepatica Granny Top is a free crochet pattern designed around classic granny square construction, reimagined into a wearable, bohemian summer top that flatters every body type. Whether you’re a beginner ready to move beyond your first granny square or an experienced crocheter looking for a satisfying weekend project, this pattern has something for everyone.

In this post, you’ll find the full free pattern, sizing guidance, yarn recommendations, step-by-step stitch instructions, and plenty of helpful tips to make your crochet journey smooth and enjoyable. Grab your hook, pick your favorite boho palette, and let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love the Hepatica Granny Top

The name “Hepatica” comes from a delicate wildflower that blooms in early spring — small, purple, and quietly stunning. That same understated beauty is exactly what this top captures. It’s not loud or overdone. It’s the kind of top you throw on over a white bikini at a beach bonfire, or wear tucked into high-waisted linen shorts at a weekend farmers market, and somehow every single person wants to know where you got it.

What makes this pattern special is its granny square foundation. Most crocheters already know how to make a basic granny square, which means the learning curve here is gentle. The construction method is modular — you build individual squares, join them as you go or seam them at the end, and the result is a structured yet flowy top that doesn’t cling uncomfortably. Because the fabric is open and lacy, it’s also perfectly suited to warm weather. Airflow is built right into the design.

Beyond aesthetics, granny square construction is wonderfully forgiving. You can easily adjust sizing by adding more rounds to each square, changing your hook size, or adding additional squares to the body. This makes the Hepatica Granny Top one of the most customizable crochet garments you can make, which is a huge bonus if you’re making it to fit a specific person or if you fall between standard sizes.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the pattern itself, let’s talk supplies. Getting your materials together in advance makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.

Yarn: For a true summer top, you want a yarn that’s lightweight, breathable, and has a bit of sheen if possible. Cotton yarn is the classic choice for warm-weather crochet and the most highly recommended for this pattern. Some great options include Paintbox Yarns Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in DK weight, or Rico Creative Cotton. If you want a slightly dressier look, a cotton-linen blend adds beautiful drape and a subtle luster that photographs beautifully.

Yardage will vary by size, but as a general guide, plan for approximately 600–800 yards for a size small, 800–1,000 yards for a medium, and 1,000–1,200 yards for a large or extra-large. Always grab a little extra — running out of yarn mid-project is one of the most frustrating experiences in crochet.

Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook works well with DK weight cotton. Check your yarn label’s recommended hook size and do a gauge swatch first (yes, really — more on that below).

Other supplies: Scissors, a yarn needle or tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, stitch markers to keep your place, and a measuring tape.

Optional: Blocking mats and rust-proof pins if you want to block your finished squares before assembly. Blocking cotton yarn opens up the stitches beautifully and gives your finished top a more polished, professional appearance.

Gauge and Sizing

Gauge is the number of stitches and rows that fit within a specific measurement — usually four inches by four inches. Getting gauge right is the difference between a top that fits beautifully and one that’s too small or too big. With granny square construction, gauge is typically measured by the finished size of one square.

For this pattern, one completed Hepatica granny square (worked through Round 5) should measure approximately 6 inches by 6 inches when lightly blocked using DK weight cotton and a 4.0mm hook.

Sizing chart:

The Hepatica Granny Top is built using a grid of granny squares. The number of squares changes based on your desired size.

For a size XS/S (finished bust 32–36 inches), you’ll work with a front panel and back panel, each made of 3 squares across and 2 squares tall, for a total of 12 squares.

For a size M/L (finished bust 38–42 inches), each panel is 3 squares across and 2 squares tall, but you’ll use a larger hook (4.5mm) and slightly looser tension, bringing each square to approximately 7 inches. Alternatively, you can add one more row of squares to each panel.

For a size XL/2XL (finished bust 44–48 inches), each panel is 4 squares across and 2 squares tall, for a total of 16 squares.

If your gauge doesn’t match, adjust your hook size before you adjust the pattern. Going up a hook size makes larger squares; going down makes smaller ones.

The Hepatica Granny Square — Free Pattern

Now for the heart of the whole design. The Hepatica granny square is a variation of the classic granny square, but with a floral center that gives it that soft, botanical character the pattern is named for.

Abbreviations used:

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• dc — double crochet
• tr — treble crochet
• sp — space
• rep — repeat
• beg — beginning
• yo — yarn over

Round 1 (Flower Center):

Make a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring).

Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2. Work 3 dc into the ring, ch 2. Repeat from to 2 more times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You now have four clusters of 3 dc separated by ch-2 spaces. Fasten off or change to your second color here if using two colors.

Round 2 (Petals):

Join your yarn (or continue with new color) in any ch-2 corner space. Ch 1, work (sc, ch 3, sc) into the corner sp. Ch 3, skip the 3-dc cluster, work (sc, ch 3, sc) into the next ch-2 sp. Repeat from to around. Join with a sl st to first sc. You’ll have 8 ch-3 petal loops. Fasten off if using multiple colors.

Round 3 (Build the Square):

Join yarn in any ch-3 petal loop. Ch 3, work 2 dc into same sp. Ch 1. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next ch-3 sp (this forms your corner). Ch 1. Work 3 dc into next ch-3 sp. Ch 1. Repeat from to 3 more times, ending the last repeat by working (3 dc, ch 2) into the final corner sp, then join with a sl st to top of beg ch-3. You now have a clear square shape with 4 corners.

Round 4 (Expand):

Sl st to corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into corner sp. Ch 1, work 3 dc into next ch-1 sp. Ch 1, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into corner sp. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3.

Round 5 (Finish and Frame):

Sl st to corner ch-2 sp. Ch 3, work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into corner sp. Ch 1, work 3 dc into each ch-1 sp along the side, ch 1 between each cluster. Work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into each corner sp. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Block your square gently with a damp cloth or wet blocking method. Pin to your blocking mat using the corner ch-2 spaces to keep the square symmetrical.

Assembling the Hepatica Granny Top

Once you have all your squares completed and blocked, it’s time to put the top together. This is where the real magic happens and your project starts to look like wearable art.

Joining method:

There are two popular ways to join granny squares: the flat slip stitch join (worked with wrong sides together, creating a visible seam on the right side that looks like a ridge) or the flat single crochet join (slightly bulkier but very neat). For a boho aesthetic, the visible join actually looks fantastic — it adds texture and intentionality. If you prefer an invisible join, use a yarn needle and the mattress stitch with your yarn.

Lay out your squares in the grid arrangement for your size. Join them first into rows, then join the rows together.

Constructing the panels:

Work your front panel first by joining the required number of squares. Repeat for the back panel. The two panels are identical.

Shoulder and side seams:

With right sides facing out, align your front and back panels. At the top edge, leave the center squares open (these form your neckline). Join the outer top corners on each side — these are your shoulder seams. Each shoulder seam spans the width of one square on each side of the neckline opening.

For side seams, leave approximately 6–8 inches open at the bottom of each side panel — this creates the side slits that give the Hepatica Granny Top its signature flowy, boho silhouette. Join the remaining side edges above the slit openings.

Armhole finishing:

The armhole openings are naturally formed by the gap between the shoulder seam and the side seam. To finish them neatly, work one round of single crochet around each armhole opening. If you’d like a more decorative edge, work a simple shell stitch border: sc, skip 2, 5 dc into next st, skip 2, sc. Repeat around.

Neckline finishing:

Work one or two rounds of single crochet around the neckline to stabilize it and prevent stretching. For an extra boho touch, add a round of picot edging: sc, ch 3, sl st back into first ch, sc. This creates tiny pointed loops that reference the flower motif in the square center.

Hem finishing:

Work the same border treatment around the bottom hem as you used at the armholes for a cohesive, finished look.

Color Ideas and Styling Inspiration

One of the most joyful parts of making this top is choosing your color palette. The Hepatica Granny Top lends itself to so many different color directions depending on your personal style.

For a classic boho look, go with earthy neutrals — think terracotta, cream, sage green, and warm tan. These tones layer beautifully over a simple white camisole and look stunning with gold jewelry.

If you’re drawn to beachy vibes, try ocean-inspired hues — soft aqua, sandy beige, coral, and seafoam. A monochromatic version in a single ivory or natural cotton is also incredibly chic and works for almost any occasion.

For something bolder, consider a vibrant multi-color approach. Use a different color for each round of your granny squares, and rotate through three or four colors across all your squares for a patchwork feel that’s full of personality.

You can also work the entire top in a single solid color for a more polished, minimalist version that reads less “craft project” and more “boutique find.”

Styling the finished top is a joy. It looks beautiful over a bandeau bikini top at the beach, over a slip dress for festival wear, or even over a long-sleeved fitted top in spring or autumn. The side slits and open crochet fabric give it movement and flow that photographs incredibly well, making it a favorite among crochet content creators.

Tips for Crochet Beginners

If this is one of your first garment projects, a few extra tips will help you feel confident throughout the process.

Start by making two or three practice squares before committing to your full yarn supply. This gives you a chance to dial in your tension, check your gauge, and get comfortable with the stitch pattern before you’re working with your “good” yarn.

Keep your tension consistent throughout the project. Inconsistent tension is the most common reason granny squares end up different sizes, which makes joining difficult. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up a hook size. If you crochet loosely, go down a size.

Weave in your ends as you go rather than saving them all until the end. This feels tedious in the moment but makes the finishing process so much more pleasant.

Don’t skip blocking. Cotton yarn especially benefits enormously from wet blocking. The squares look dramatically more even and professional after blocking, and the finished top drapes better on the body.

Join a crochet community online — Ravelry, Reddit’s r/crochet, and Instagram’s crochet community are all incredibly supportive spaces where you can share your progress, ask questions, and get encouragement when a round isn’t going the way you expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight? Yes. Worsted weight will give you a denser, slightly warmer fabric and larger squares. Lace or fingering weight will give you delicate, very open squares that feel incredibly light. Just adjust your hook accordingly and re-swatch for gauge.

Can I make this top without a magic ring? Absolutely. Chain 4, join with a slip stitch to form a ring, and continue from Round 1. The center hole will be very slightly larger but barely noticeable in the finished top.

Can I make this pattern in the round instead of flat panels? Technically yes, but the modular square construction is what gives this top its structure and customizability, so working in the round would require a significant pattern adaptation. Sticking with the panel method is recommended, especially for beginners.

How do I adjust the length? Add an additional row of squares to each panel to make the top longer. You could also add a crocheted border with additional rows at the hem to add length without making extra squares.

Is this pattern truly free? Yes — the full pattern is written out right here in this post. You’re welcome to use it for personal projects and gifts. If you sell finished items made from this pattern, please credit the design.

Final Thoughts

The Hepatica Granny Top is one of those patterns that reminds you why crochet is so special. It takes something as humble and classic as a granny square and transforms it into a wearable piece of art that you’ll reach for all summer long. The process is meditative, the construction is logical, and the result is something you’ll be genuinely proud to wear.

Whether you make it in a single elegant ivory, a riot of boho color, or anything in between, this top will carry the quiet beauty of its namesake flower — small, deliberate, and quietly stunning.

Happy crocheting. Share your finished Hepatica Granny Tops in the comments below or tag your photos so the community can see your beautiful work. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the same pattern bloom into dozens of completely different, uniquely personal creations.