Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Birds Of Paradise – Crochet Tee

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Step into summer with the Birds of Paradise Tee, a pattern by Smitha Crasta that epitomizes casual elegance. This breezy top features short flouncy cap sleeves that are simply perfect for the season. The open yoke adds a touch of chic style to this classic summer staple.

The Birds of Paradise Tee is a versatile addition to your summer wardrobe. Its breezy design and short cap sleeves make it a delightful choice for warm days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going for a casual outing, or simply enjoying a leisurely day, this tee can be paired effortlessly with various bottoms. It’s a go-to option for staying comfortable and stylish in the summer.

One of the highlights of this pattern is its positive ease, which contributes to a beautiful drape. When worn, this tee flows gracefully, allowing you to move with ease and comfort. The relaxed fit is perfect for summer, providing both style and freedom of movement.

Another advantage of the Birds of Paradise Tee is its seamless construction. This design choice ensures that there are no uncomfortable seams to deal with, making it an ideal piece for hot weather. You can enjoy a seamless and comfortable fit as you stay cool throughout the summer.

The model is showcasing the Birds of Paradise Tee with a 7″ positive ease, highlighting the versatility of this design. It can be worn with a slightly relaxed fit for a laid-back look that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

A Silk Dream: Samia™ Yarn

Crafted using Samia™ fingering yarn, this tee offers a luxurious blend of 80% Cupro and 20% Mulberry Silk. The choice of “Bird of Paradise” (29670) as the primary color adds a touch of tropical flair to your summer wardrobe. With 5 (5, 5, 6, 6) (7, 7, 8, 8) balls of Samia™ yarn, you can create your own Birds of Paradise Tee.

This pattern caters to various sizes, ensuring that you can achieve the perfect fit. With options ranging from 35″ to 67″ finished bust measurement, you can select the size that suits you best.

The Birds of Paradise Tee by Smitha Crasta is a crochet pattern that invites you to embrace the joys of summer in style. Its flouncy cap sleeves, positive ease, and seamless construction make it a must-have for the season. Whether you’re planning a beach day, meeting friends for coffee, or simply enjoying the warm weather, this tee offers comfort and fashion rolled into one delightful package. Don’t miss the opportunity to add a touch of summer flounce to your wardrobe with this charming pattern.

Have you read?

The Pancake Market Bag – Free Crochet Pattern

Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks and sunscreen for a relaxed summer stroll, or dashing out the door for a quick last-minute errand, this bag is ready to tag along.

It’s surprisingly roomy—big enough to carry all your essentials (and then some!)—yet it folds up small enough to tuck into your car or coat closet without fuss. The openwork stitch gives it a breathable, airy texture that’s super satisfying to crochet and even more delightful to carry. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and eco-friendly, so you can ditch the plastic and feel great about your handiwork.

I stitched mine up using a warm mustard cotton I had on hand (a little stash buster win!), but honestly, this pattern would look beautiful in just about any color. Try a bold berry for a pop of personality, a classic cream for a minimalist vibe, or even stripes if you’re feeling playful. Once you’ve made one… fair warning: you’ll probably want to make more!

Let’s dive into the pattern!

 What You’ll Need:

 Finished Measurements:

  • Approximately 15” wide x 13” tall (not including handles) 

 Stitch Abbreviations (US terms):

  • ch – chain 
  • sc – single crochet 
  • dc – double crochet 
  • sl st – slip stitch 
  • st(s) – stitch(es) 
  • sk – skip 
  • rep – repeat 

 Special Notes:

  • The base is worked in joined rounds. 
  • The body of the bag is stitched in the round, but you won’t be joining after each round—just keep going in a spiral and use a stitch marker to track the first stitch. 
  • The handles are created by chaining across stitches, then the final edge is reinforced. 

 Let’s Crochet the Base:

Round 1: Begin with a magic circle, ch 1. Work 8 sc into the ring. Pull it tight and join to the first sc with a sl st. (8 sts)
 Round 2: Ch 1, make 2 sc in each st around. Join. (16 sts)
 Round 3: Ch 1, sc in first, 2 sc in next—repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
 Round 4: Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next—repeat around. Join. (32 sts)
 Round 5: Ch 1, sc in next 3, 2 sc in next—repeat. Join. (40 sts)
 Keep increasing in this manner, adding one more sc between increases each round until you reach 80 sts (about Round 9).

 Build the Bag Body:

Now switch to working in continuous rounds.

Rounds 10–13: sc in each st around. (80 sts)
 Round 14: [dc in next, ch 1, sk 1]—repeat around. (approx. 80 sts depending on exact starting point)
 Round 15: dc in ch-space, ch 1—repeat.
 Rounds 16–25: Repeat Round 15.

Alternate a few more rounds of single crochet with rounds of [dc, ch 1] to build height and texture. Keep going until the bag measures about 12–13” tall from the center of the base.

 Add the Handles:

Next Round (handle setup):

  • sc in next 12 sts 
  • ch 30 (for handle), sk 15 sts 
  • sc in next 25 sts 
  • ch 30, sk 15 sts 
  • sc to end of round. 

Final Round: sc around, placing 1 sc in each sc and 1 sc in each ch across the handle chains. This gives the straps some strength and a nice finish.

Fasten off and weave in all ends. Give your bag a little stretch or light steam block if needed.

 Tips:

  • Cotton yarn gives the bag structure and durability. 
  • You can easily size up the bag by adding more rounds to the base before beginning the body. 
  • Try using multicolor yarn for a fun summer vibe.