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

If you’ve been searching for the perfect summer crochet project, one that feels breezy to wear and breezy to make, you’ve just found it. The Hepatica Granny Top is a free, easy crochet pattern built around the classic granny square — one of the most beloved motifs in all of crochet. Whether you’re a newer crocheter looking to grow beyond simple squares or an experienced maker wanting a relaxing warm-weather project, this top is exactly what your hook hand has been craving.

Named after the delicate wildflower that blooms in early spring, the Hepatica Top has that effortless boho charm that pairs beautifully with high-waisted linen pants, flowy skirts, or your favorite denim cutoffs. It’s the kind of top that looks like it came from a curated boutique but costs almost nothing to make — just a few skeins of lightweight yarn and a weekend of happy crocheting.

Let’s walk through everything: materials, sizing, the full pattern with stitch instructions, and styling tips so you can wear your finished top with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

Before we get into the details, here’s what makes the Hepatica Granny Top stand out from other crochet top patterns you might have tried.

It’s truly beginner-friendly. The entire top is constructed from granny squares and half-granny squares (or partial panels), so if you already know how to make a basic granny square, you’re more than halfway there. The construction method is seam-and-join, which means you work your squares separately and then sew or slip-stitch them together — no complicated shaping, no counting rows on a garment in progress, and no stressful try-ons until the very end.

It’s incredibly customizable. Because you’re working in modules, sizing up or down is as simple as adding or subtracting squares. You can make it cropped or longer, fitted or relaxed, and you can mix colors for a vibrant patchwork effect or keep everything in a single tone for something a little more elevated and refined.

It works up quickly. With a larger hook and a DK or light worsted weight cotton yarn, a full-size top can come together in as little as two or three relaxed sittings. This makes it an ideal last-minute summer project or a satisfying weekend make.

And of course, it’s free — which is always a beautiful thing.

Materials You’ll Need

To make the Hepatica Granny Top as written in the standard sizing, you’ll need the following supplies.

Yarn: Approximately 300–600 yards of a lightweight cotton yarn in DK or light worsted weight (yarn weight 3 or 4). The exact amount depends on your size — more on that in the sizing section. Cotton is ideal for a summer top because it breathes beautifully and has a lovely drape. Some great choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Cotton DK, or Scheepjes Catona held double. You can also use a cotton-linen blend for a slightly more relaxed drape and a hint of texture.

Hook: A 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm crochet hook, depending on your tension and the yarn weight you choose. The pattern is written for a 5.0 mm hook with light worsted weight cotton, but always swatch first and adjust your hook size as needed to match gauge.

Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and joining squares, scissors, and stitch markers (optional but helpful for keeping track of rounds). If you’d like to add a simple border or tie closures, you may also want a small amount of coordinating or contrasting yarn.

Optional: Sewing pins for blocking and aligning squares before joining.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: One completed granny square should measure approximately 5 inches x 5 inches (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm) when blocked, using a 5.0 mm hook and light worsted weight yarn. If your squares are coming out larger, try a smaller hook. If they’re smaller, go up a hook size.

Blocking is genuinely important for this project. Cotton yarn responds wonderfully to wet blocking, and your squares will even out beautifully once they’ve been pinned and dried flat. Don’t skip this step if you want a polished finish.

Sizing Chart:

The top is made from a grid of granny squares joined together to form the front and back panels. Here’s a general guide:

For a small (bust 32–34 inches), the front and back panels are each made from 6 squares: 3 squares wide and 2 squares tall. Total squares: 12.

For a medium (bust 34–36 inches), the panels are 3 squares wide and 2 squares tall, with an extra half-panel or strip added to each side. Total squares: approximately 14–16.

For a large (bust 38–40 inches), the panels are 4 squares wide and 2 squares tall. Total squares: 16.

For an extra-large (bust 42–44 inches), the panels are 4 squares wide and 2 squares tall with a side strip addition. Total squares: approximately 18–20.

The top is designed with positive ease (meaning it’s slightly larger than your actual measurements) for that relaxed boho fit. If you prefer a more fitted look, size down. If you love a very oversized, flowing silhouette, size up.

The Basic Granny Square: A Quick Refresher

If you already know how to make a granny square, feel free to skip ahead to the pattern instructions. But if you’d like a quick review — or if you want to make sure your squares match the gauge for this project — here’s the method used throughout this pattern.

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
sp = space
rep = repeat
rnd = round

The Granny Square (4 rounds, makes one 5-inch square):

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

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the ring, ch 2, (3 dc into ring, ch 2) 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You now have four clusters of 3 dc separated by corner ch-2 spaces.

Round 2: Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the corner ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 2 dc into the same corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into the same corner space. This creates your first corner. Ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into the next corner space. Rep from around, ending with ch 1. Join with a sl st to the top of beginning ch-3.

Round 3: Sl st to the corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into same space. Ch 1, 3 dc into the ch-1 side space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into next corner space. Rep from around. Join with a sl st.

Round 4: Sl st to corner space. Ch 3, 2 dc into corner space, ch 2, 3 dc into same space. (Ch 1, 3 dc into next ch-1 space) across the side, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) into corner. Rep from around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.

This is your standard Hepatica granny square. Make all the squares you need based on your size (see sizing chart above), then block each one before joining.

Constructing the Top

Once you have all your squares blocked and ready, you’ll join them into two identical panels: one for the front and one for the back. The joining method used here is the slip stitch join, which creates a small visible ridge along the seam — a detail that actually looks lovely and adds to the handmade charm of the piece. If you prefer an invisible seam, you can use the flat whipstitch join instead.

Joining Squares into Panels:

Lay your squares out in the arrangement you’ve planned (for example, a 3×2 grid for a small). Hold two adjacent squares with wrong sides facing each other. Using your hook and a length of yarn, insert your hook through the corresponding corner stitch of each square and draw up a loop. Work sl sts through both layers across the full edge to the next corner. Fasten off, weave in ends, and continue joining squares in rows, then join your rows together.

You’ll end up with two flat rectangular panels.

Shaping the Armhole:

Here’s where a small amount of shaping comes in. To create the armhole, you simply don’t join the upper outer corners of your panels. Instead, the top 1–2 squares on each outer edge of the front and back panels will remain open at the sides. The remaining center top squares are your shoulder connection.

For most sizes, the front and back panels connect at 1 square on each shoulder, leaving the side squares open as armholes. You can adjust this based on your preference — connecting across two shoulder squares gives more coverage, while connecting at just one square creates a wider armhole for a more open, breezy look.

Join the front and back panels at the shoulder squares using the same slip stitch method.

Side Seams:

Starting from the bottom edge, join the front and back panels along the sides, leaving the top squares open for the armholes as described. The length of your side seams determines how open or fitted the sides of your top will be. Join all the way up to the armhole opening, or leave an extra inch or two at the bottom unjoined for a slight side slit effect.

Armhole Edging:

Once your top is assembled, work a simple single crochet border around each armhole opening. Join yarn at the underarm point, and work 1 sc into each stitch and 1–2 sc into each corner or row-end space around the entire armhole. Join with a sl st. You can work one round for a clean minimal edge, or two rounds if you’d like a slightly more substantial border.

Neckline Edging:

Work the same simple sc border around the neckline opening. If you’d like a slightly more decorative edge, try a picot border: sc in each of 2 stitches, ch 3, sl st into the first ch to make a picot, rep from around. This adds a sweet, delicate detail that ties in beautifully with the floral name of the pattern.

Bottom Hem:

The bottom hem can be left as-is for a raw edge look (the granny square border gives a naturally clean finish), or you can work 1–2 rounds of sc around the entire bottom edge for a little more structure. If you want to add a touch of visual interest, a shell stitch or simple picot can work beautifully here as well.

Color Ideas & Variations

One of the most exciting parts of a granny square top is playing with color. Here are a few approaches to inspire you.

A tonal colorway using two or three shades of the same color family — say, ivory, sand, and terracotta — gives you that effortlessly chic look that photographs beautifully and works for any body type. Use one color for the main rounds and a contrasting shade for the final round border of each square.

A multicolored patchwork approach is the quintessential boho look. Work each square in a different color, or randomly mix colors within each square. Leftovers from your stash work perfectly here, and the more eclectic, the better.

A solid white or cream version with a contrasting border in a rich jewel tone — deep teal, burnt orange, or forest green — is stunning and gives the top a more polished, grown-up feel.

For a bohemian summer vibe, try combining a main color in natural linen or off-white with small pops of dusty pink, sage green, and golden yellow. This soft, earthy palette feels very on-trend and photographs beautifully.

Tips for a Beautiful Finish

A few small things make a big difference in how your finished top looks and feels.

Always block your squares individually before assembling the top. This evens out any tension inconsistencies and makes joining much easier since all your squares will be exactly the same size.

Weave in your ends very carefully, especially in lighter yarn colors where knots can show through. Use a tapestry needle to weave in at least two directions for security.

When joining squares, try to maintain consistent tension throughout. If you’re using the sl st join method, be mindful not to pull too tightly — the seam should have the same drape as the squares themselves.

Try the top on before you finish the edging. It’s much easier to adjust the neckline width or armhole depth at this stage than after you’ve worked several rounds of border.

If you want the top to have more structure and hold its shape over time, run a thin piece of ribbon or crochet cord through the neckline or waist to add a gentle cinch.

Styling Your Hepatica Granny Top

The Hepatica Top is one of those pieces that works with almost everything in your warm-weather wardrobe. Here are a few ways to wear it.

Over a simple crochet bikini or bandeau top for a beach look that’s straight out of a summer editorial. The open, textured fabric of the granny squares creates beautiful shadow and movement in the sun.

Tucked loosely into wide-leg linen trousers with strappy sandals and layered jewelry for a festival-ready outfit that’s both cool and composed.

Paired with a high-waisted floral midi skirt and espadrilles for a bohemian-romantic look that feels effortless and put-together at once.

Layered over a fitted white ribbed tank for a little more coverage while still letting the beautiful texture and color of the crochet shine.

For cooler summer evenings, try it over a lightweight turtleneck or mesh long-sleeve top for a textured layering look that feels very fashion-forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this top with acrylic yarn? Technically yes, but cotton or a cotton blend is strongly recommended for a wearable summer top. Acrylic can be warm and less breathable, and it also doesn’t block as well, which can make your finished squares look uneven.

How do I wash my finished top? Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, or machine wash on a delicate cycle if your yarn label allows. Lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or stretching.

Can I adjust the length? Absolutely. The beauty of this modular construction is that you can add another row of squares to both panels to create a longer top or even a mini dress. You can also add a solid crochet panel of rows to the bottom for extra length.

What if my squares don’t come out the right size? Adjust your hook size up or down. Larger hook = larger square. Smaller hook = smaller square. You can also change your yarn weight to dial in the gauge you need.

I’m a complete beginner — can I still make this? If you can chain, single crochet, and double crochet, and if you can follow a granny square pattern, you can make this top. The construction is very forgiving, and there’s no complicated shaping to navigate.

Final Thoughts

The Hepatica Granny Top is the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with crochet in the first place. It’s meditative to work on, exciting to see come together, and deeply satisfying to wear. There’s something special about putting on a garment you made with your own hands — something that fits your body exactly, reflects your color choices, and carries a little bit of your creative energy in every stitch.

Whether you make yours in sun-bleached neutrals for a minimalist look, in a wild explosion of leftover yarn colors, or in a single rich jewel tone for something bold and beautiful, the Hepatica Top is going to be one of your most-worn makes of the season.

Grab your hook, choose your yarn, and enjoy every stitch. Happy crocheting!