It’s time to crochet your new favorite tee! There’s something about warm earth tones and sun-faded textures that never goes out of style. Inspired by the colors and charm of an Italian summer, the Sunwashed Siena Tee combines simple stripes with beautiful textured stitches for a lightweight top that’s as enjoyable to crochet as it is to wear.
This Tee has simple shaping with a nice relaxed fit. You’ll swap out your 2 colors every 2 rows as you go. No need to cut and join, simply float the yarn up the side of your panel. The floats will be hidden on the inside of your tee and you’ll have way less ends to weave in. This design is also easy to customize your length. Just add or remove rows in multiples of 4 where indicated in the pattern. The top is finished with a textured rib collar and sleeves to match the ribbed stitches found throughout. This top is a bit more advanced with the stitch combinations used. Don’t forget to check out my video tutorial if you need any help!
Inspired by warm days in the Italian countryside, the Sunwashed Siena Tee is a timeless summer top with effortless charm. Alternating russet and cream stripes showcase beautifully textured stitches, while the ribbed neckline and sleeves add a polished finish. Lightweight and breathable, it’s the perfect piece for warm weather adventures or everyday wear. The pattern includes a full step-by-step video tutorial to guide you through the project with confidence.
To make a gauge swatch, crochet 19 Fsc Sts, then follow rows 2-10 of the pattern. Your swatch will be larger than the required gauge. Measure within the swatch to check gauge.
This top is worked from the bottom up in 2 panels.
The starting Ch 4 counts as 1 Dc and a Ch-1 Sp.
The starting Ch 6 counts as 1 Dc and a Ch-3 Sp.
The starting Ch 3 counts as 1 Dc.
The starting Ch 2 does not count as a St.
To adjust the length of your top, add or remove rows in multiples of 4 to both panels, where indicated within the pattern.
The numbers in parentheses at the start of the row are your row counts for all sizes. The numbers in parentheses at the end of the row are your St counts for all sizes. The numbers in parentheses within the row are the instructions for all sizes.
Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terms):
Fsc- Foundation Single Crochet
Sc- Single Crochet
St(s)- Stitch(es)
Ch(s)- Chain(s)
Sp- Space
Dc- Double Crochet
Sk- Skip
Dc5tog- Double Crochet 5 Together- *YO, insert hook into indicated St, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2*, repeat from * to * 4 more times over the next 4 Sts, YO and pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 St and Ch-1 Sp), Sk first St and next 3 Sts, 5 Dc in next, *Ch 1, Sk 3, 1 Dc, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc, Ch 1, Sk 3, 5 Dc in next*, repeat from * to * across the row until 4 Sts remain, Ch 1, Sk 3, 1 Dc in last, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129) Sts)
Row 3: Ch 6 (counts as 1 Dc and Ch-3 Sp), Sk first St and next St, Dc5tog, *Ch 3, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc, Ch 3, Sk 1, Dc5tog*, repeat from * to * across the row until 2 Sts remain, Ch 3, Sk 1, 1 Dc in last (the 3rd Ch of the starting Ch 4), turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
Switch to Color B
Row 4: Ch 2 (does not count) 1 Hdc in each St across, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Hdc) Note: For the Ch Sps do not work your St into the actual Ch. Just work your St into the Ch Sp instead. The Ch 1 Sps you will work 1 Hdc and the Ch 3 Sps you will work 3 Hdc. Don’t forget at the end of the row to work 3 Hdc into the Ch Sp plus finish with a final Hdc into the 3rd Ch of the starting Ch 6 to complete.
Row 5: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and Ch-1 Sp), Sk first St and next St, 1 Dc in following, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
Switch to Color A
Row 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1 Dc), 1 Dc in same St, Ch 1, Sk 2, 1 Dc in next Ch Sp, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc in next Ch Sp, *Ch 1, Sk 3, 5 Dc in Ch Sp, Ch 1, Sk 3, 1 Dc in next Ch Sp, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc in next Ch Sp*, repeat from * to * across the row until 3 Sts remain, Ch 1, Sk 2, 2 Dc in last St, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
Row 7: Ch 2 (does not count), Dc2tog, Ch 2, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc, *Ch 3, Sk 1, Dc5tog, Ch 3, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc, Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Fpdc*, repeat from * to * across the row until 3 Sts remain, Ch 2, Sk 1, Dc2tog, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
Switch to Color B
Row 8: Ch 2 (does not count), 1 Hdc in each St across, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Hdc)
Note: For the Ch Sps do not work your St into the actual Ch. Just work your St into the Ch Sp instead. The Ch 1 Sps you will work 1 Hdc, Ch 2 Sps you will work 2 Hdc and the Ch 3 Sps you will work 3 Hdc.
Row 9: Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and 1 Ch Sp), Sk first St and next St, 1 Dc in following, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
Switch to Color A
Rows 10-33(33, 33, 37, 37, 41, 41, 45): Repeat Rows 2-9, being sure to switch out your colors every 2 rows. You will end on a Row 9(9, 9, 5, 5, 9, 9, 5) repeat. To adjust the length of your top, add or remove rows here in multiples of 4.
Continue the following rows with Color B, do not change yarn colors.
Row 34(34, 34, 38, 38, 42, 42, 46): Ch 2, 1 Hdc in each St and Ch Sp across, turn.(79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Hdc)
Row 35(35, 35, 39, 39, 43, 43, 47): Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and 1 Ch Sp), Sk first St and next St, 1 Dc in following, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (79(89, 99, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139) Sts)
We will now be doing the neckline shaping of the back panel. Count in from right to left (21(25, 31, 31, 35, 41, 45, 51) Sts and place a SM. Count in from left to right (21(25, 31, 31, 35, 41, 45, 51) Sts and place a second SM.
Row 37(37, 37, 41, 41, 45, 45, 49): Repeat Row 35(35, 35, 39, 39, 43, 43, 47), treating your first SM as the last St of the row, turn.(21(25, 31, 31, 35, 41, 45, 51) Sts)
Repeat Rows 1-33(33, 33, 37, 37, 41, 41, 45) of the back panel. If you adjusted the length on your back panel, be sure to add/remove the same amount of rows here before you split the neckline.
Splitting Neckline-
We will now be splitting the neckline and shaping the front panel.Count in from right to left 25(29, 35, 35, 39, 45, 49, 55) Sts and place a SM. Count in from left to right 25(29, 35, 35, 39, 45, 49, 55) Sts and place a second SM.
Right shoulder when worn-
Row 34(34, 34, 38, 38, 42, 42, 46): Ch 2, 1 Hdc in each St and Ch Sp across, treating your first SM as the last St of the row, turn. (25(29, 35, 35, 39, 45, 49, 55) Hdc)
Row 35(35, 35, 39, 39, 43, 43, 47): Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and Ch-1 Sp), Sk first St and next St, 1 Dc in following, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row, turn. (25(29, 35, 35, 39, 45, 49, 55) Sts)
Row 36(36, 36, 40, 40, 44, 44, 48): Ch 2, 1 Hdc in each St and Ch Sp across until 2 Sts remain (the Ch 4), leave unworked, turn. (23(27, 33, 33, 37, 43, 47, 53) Hdc)
With your work laying in front of you and the finished shoulder on the right hand side, join your yarn with a Sl St to the St with the second SM.
Row 34(34, 34, 38, 38, 42, 42, 46): Ch 2(does not count), 1 Hdc in each St and Ch Sp across, turn. (25(29, 35, 35, 39, 45, 49, 55) Hdc)
Row 35(35, 35, 39, 39, 43, 43, 47): Ch 4 (counts as 1 Dc and 1 Ch Sp), Sk first St and next St, 1 Dc in following, *Ch 1, Sk 1, 1 Dc*, repeat from * to * across the row until 4 Sts remain, Ch 1, Sk 1, YO, insert hook in next St, YO, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2, Sk the next St, YO, insert hook in last St, YO, pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2, YO and pull through all 3, turn. (23(27, 33, 33, 37, 43, 47, 53) Sts)
Block your panels to the measurements listed above. I did a light steam block.
Place your front and back panels together RS facing.
Using your preferred seaming method attach the front panel to the back panel at the shoulders (I used my needle and did the mattress stitch across). Be sure your panel is aligned and that you aren’t bunching or skipping stitches.
Next, we will mark out where our sleeve hole openings will be. Measure from the shoulder seam down the side of the top, 6.5(7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10.25)” and place a SM. Using the same seaming method as above, seam from the bottom hem up the side to your SM. Be careful to not catch your floats in the seam. Repeat on other side.
Neckline Trim-
With your top RS out, join Color A with a Sl St just to the left of one of the shoulder seams.
Round 1: Ch 1, Sc evenly around the neckline opening, Sl St to the first Sc made to join, TURN.Exact St count is not crucial here but you will want to have an even number of Sts.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 Dc), 1 Dc in each St around, Sl St to the top of the Ch 3 to join, turn.
Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count), *1 Fpdc, 1 Bpdc*, repeat from * to * around, Sl St to the top of the first Fpdc to join, fasten off.
Armhole Trim-
With your top RS out, join Color A with a Sl St just to the left of the side seam where your SM is placed.
Round 1: Ch 1, Sc evenly around the armhole opening, Sl St to the first Sc made to join, TURN. Exact St count is not crucial here but you will want to have an even number of Sts. Working approximately 50(54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74, 80) Sts. Feel free to adjust St count if needed.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 Dc), 1 Dc in each St around, Sl St to the top of the Ch 3 to join, turn.
Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count), *1 Fpdc, 1 Bpdc*, repeat from * to * around, Sl St to the top of the first Fpdc to join, fasten off.
Bottom Trim-
With your top RS out, join Color B with a Sl St to the bottom hem, just to the left of the side seam.
Round 1: Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St around, Sl St to the first Sc to join. (158(178, 198, 198, 218, 238, 258, 278) Sc)
