HEARTBEAT top down crochet sweater becomes the favorite piece in my wardrobe and I think it will be yours as well. This is my first design in this style and I have to say that I fall in love with the top-down sweater construction. I already started another design this way.
It was the first time I worked with a crochet pattern grader to help me do the math for larger sizes. So this pattern offers from size small – 5XL 😊
I am so fortunate to have such a lovely team who helped me test this pattern and make sure it works for you. You can read the information from each one of them and their advice in the paid pattern.
Sign up and download FREE printable HEARTBEAT Sweater project keeper!
The inspiration + Design
Nature has/is my all-time inspiration. Although, this piece was born from the need of making something different than my usual design. As I mentioned, this is the first time I designed/made a top-down sweater but I won’t be the last.
Inspiration lives in all things, shapes, and forms.
Last month I came across a knit design on Instagram with the same puff stitch and I thought to myself, omm… I would love to make/crochet a sweater with a similar look. As we all know, knit sweater 90% is a top-down construction. First, I was a bit afraid as it’s out of my comfort zone to make something like this, but I’m glad I did make it and not only it fits perfectly but the journey of making it to life is so beautiful.
Do what you have never done before helps you get better at your craft!
I think most of us like to do what we good at, but with crochet, we can be wild with our imagination because even if we make a mistake, we can always undo and redo it again. It also helps us explore new ideas and expand our vision and give birth to a new creation. Do you agree?
Yarn
Simply Alpaca yarn has taken over my wardrobe since Autumn and still I am loving it. This is an ecological yarn that I love to work with. It’s super warm for the German weather and yet soft on the skin (especially after blocked). We Crochet offers a great deal for this organic yarn. Although, you can use any other Aran weight yarn you prefer just make sure you got the gauge swatch right.
PATTERN
- Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
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Crochet | Skill level = Advanced beginner
Material
- Aran weight yarn/#4. Simply Alpaca Alfonse (27487), Alma (27485) I used 962 yards.
- Hook 4.5 mm
- Measuring tape
- Stitch marker
- Yarn needle & Scissors
The pattern contains | Written instructions + Schematic (only for ad-free version) + photo + video
Gauge swatch
16hdc x 15rows = 4″ × 4″
Abbreviation US terms
ch = chain
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet
Fphdc = Front post half double crochet
Bphdc = Back post half double crochet
Twisted dc = sk 1hdc from previous rnd, dc in next hdc, yo, go behind hdc made, dc in skipped hdc st
Puff A = Yo, pull through ch-sp (4times), yo, pull through all 8 loops, now have 2 loops on hook, yo, pull through 2 loops
Puff B = Same as Puff A, make it where Puff A made
sl st = slip stitch
sl kn = slip knot
st/sts = stitch/stitches
1st = 1 stitch
sk = skip
rep = repeat
beg = beginning
rnd/rnds = round/rounds
yo = yarn over
ch-sp = chain space
sp-btw = space between
INC = increase
DEC = decrease
RS = right side
Note: The beginning ch if not stated as a stitch is simply meant to build up the yarn.
Sizes charts (Pattern measured in inches)
| Sizes | Shoulder to shoulder | Bust |
| S | 14½ -15 | 32-34 |
| M | 15½ -16 | 36-38 |
| L | 16½ -17 | 40-42 |
| XL | 17½ | 44-46 |
| 2XL | 18 | 48-50 |
| 3XL | 18 | 52-54 |
| 4XL | 18½ | 56-58 |
| 5XL | 18½ | 60-62 |
- The pattern is determined by bust size. Example: 16 ½ shoulder to shoulder, 38 bust, you will follow size M
- For the bust that is between sizes of 1” go up a size, ½ inch go down a size. Example: 38 ½ follow size M, 39” follow size L
Model’s measurement: Shoulder to shoulder 14½ , Bust 34”
Colors code: W = White, G = Grey
The pattern works in round.
The starting ch need to be a multiple of 4
Ch76 (84, 84, 84)[88, 88, 88, 88], sl st in first ch to form the ring.
Ribbing neckline
W – Rnd1 – ch2, 1hdc in where you sl st, hdc in each ch across, a total of 76 (84, 84, 84)[88, 88, 88, 88]hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd2 (INC 8 (8, 8, 8)[8, 8, 8, 12] sts] – ch2, *Fphdc in hdc from previous rnd, **Bphdc in next hdc from previous, rep*-**, INC 1st in every 9 (10, 10, 10)[11, 11, 11, 7]th st by adding the same stitch twice, if the st number 9th is Fphdc then add it twice, the same apply to Bphdc. A total of 84 (92, 92, 92)[96, 96, 96, 100] sts, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd3 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 10 (11, 11, 11)[8, 8, 8, 8]th st, 8 (8, 8, 8)[12, 12, 12, 12] hdc added. A total of 92 (100, 100, 100)[108, 108, 108, 112] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd4 – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 92 (100, 100, 100)[108, 108, 108, 112] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd5 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 11 (12, 8, 8)[6, 6, 6, 7]th st, 8 (8, 12, 12)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of 100 (108, 112, 112)[124, 124, 124, 128] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd6 – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 100 (108, 112, 112)[124, 124, 124, 128] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd7 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 6 (6, 7, 7)[7, 7, 7, 8]th st, 16 (16, 16, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of 116 (124, 128, 128)[140, 140, 140, 144] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
This round you can watch the video (07:01 Twisted dc or X stitch)
G – Rnd8 – ch3, twisted dc across, a total of 116 (124, 128, 128)[140, 140, 140, 144] dc, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd9 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 7 (7, 8, 8)[8, 8, 8, 9]th st, 16 (16, 16, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of 132 (140, 144, 144)[156, 156, 156, 160] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
This round you can watch the video. (09:34 Puff A)
G – Rnd10 – ch3, sk first hdc from previous rnd, hdc in each of next 3hdc, Puff A, *sk next hdc from previous rnd, hdc in each of next 3hdc, Puff A, rep* across, a total of 33 (35, 36, 36)[39, 39, 39, 40] sets, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
This round you can watch the video. (14:37 Puff B)
G – Rnd11 – ch3, *hdc in each of 3sts inside Puff A, Puff B where Puff A made, rep* across, a total of 33 (35, 36, 36)[39, 39, 39, 40] sets, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd12 (INC) – ch2, 2hdc in ch-sp, hdc in each of 3sts inside Puff B, *2hdc in sp-btw Puff, hdc in each of 3hdc inside Puff B, rep* across, a total of 165 (175, 180, 180)[195, 195, 195, 200] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd13 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 11 (10, 11, 11)[11, 11, 11, 10]th st, 15 (17, 16, 16)[17, 17, 17, 20] hdc added. A total of 180 (192, 196, 196)[212, 212, 212, 220] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd14 – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 180 (192, 196, 196)[212, 212, 212, 220] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd15 (INC) – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 11 (12, 12, 12)[13, 13, 13, 13]th st, 16 (16, 16, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of 196 (208, 212, 212)[228, 228, 228, 236] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd16 – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 196 (208, 212, 212)[228, 228, 228, 236] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd17 – ch3, twisted dc across, a total of 196 (208, 212, 212)[228, 228, 228, 236] dc, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd18 SIZES S, M, L, XL, AND 2X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 196 (208, 212, 212)[228, n/a, n/a, n/a] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd18 SIZES 3X, 4X, AND 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every [n/a, 14, 14, 14]th st, [n/a, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of [n/a, 244, 244, 252] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd19 – ch3, sk first hdc from previous rnd, hdc in each of next 3hdc, Puff A, *sk next hdc from previous rnd, hdc in each of next 3hdc, Puff A, rep* across, a total of 49 (52, 53, 53)[57, 61, 61, 63] sets, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd20 – ch3, *hdc in each of 3sts inside Puff A, Puff B where Puff A made, rep* across, a total of 49 (52, 53, 53)[57, 61, 61, 63] sets, sl st at the 3rd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd21 – ch2, hdc in ch-sp, hdc in each of 3sts inside Puff B, *hdc in sp-btw Puff, hdc in each of 3hdc inside Puff B, rep* across, a total of 196 (208, 212, 212)[228, 244, 244, 252] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
G – Rnd22 to Rnd 23 SIZE S ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 196 hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, cut the yarn.
Rnd 22 SIZES M TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
n/a (17, 13, 13)[14, 15, 15, 15]th st, n/a (12, 16, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of n/a (220, 228, 228)[244, 260, 260, 268] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
Note: Below you will see in some Rnds written “Rnd n/a (27, 24, 24)[24, 24, 24, 24]” means the number rnd of each size.
Rnd 23 to Rnd n/a (27, 24, 24)[24, 24, 24, 24] SIZE M TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of n/a (220, 228, 228)[244, 260, 26i0, 268] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, SIZE M ONLY cut the yarn.
Rnd 25 SIZES L TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
n/a (n/a, 14, 14)[15, 16, 16, 16]th st, n/a (n/a, 16, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of n/a (n/a, 244, 244)[260, 276, 276, 284] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
Rnd 26 to Rnd n/a (n/a, 30, 27)[27, 27, 27, 27] SIZE L TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of n/a (n/a, 244, 244)[260, 276, 276, 284] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, SIZE L ONLY cut the yarn.
Rnd 28 SIZES XL TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
n/a (n/a, n/a, 15)[16, 17, 17, 17]th st, n/a (n/a, n/a, 16)[16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of n/a (n/a, n/a, 260)[276, 292, 292, 300] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
Rnd 29 to Rnd 30 SIZE XL TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of n/a (n/a, n/a, 260)[276, 292, 292, 300] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, SIZE XL ONLY cut the yarn.
Rnd 31 SIZES 2X TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
[17, 18, 18, 18]th st, [16, 16, 16, 16] hdc added. A total of [292, 308, 308, 316] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
Rnd 32 to Rnd 33 SIZE 2X TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of [292, 308, 308, 316] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, SIZE 2X and 3X ONLY cut the yarn.
Rnd 34 SIZES 4X TO 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
19 [19]th st, 16 [16] hdc added. A total of 324 [332] hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
Rnd 35 SIZE 4X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, a total of 324 hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, cut the yarn.
Rnd 35 SIZE 5X ONLY – ch2, hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every
41st st, 8 hdc added. A total of 340 hdc, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg. Ch1, cut the yarn.
Body
Add stitch markers at 4 points with the suggested numbers below.
| Sizes | Front & Back | Armhole/Bicep |
| S | 42, 42 | 56, 56 |
| M | 50, 50 | 60, 60 |
| L | 56, 56 | 66, 66 |
| XL | 64, 64 | 66, 66 |
| 2XL | 70, 70 | 76, 76 |
| 3XL | 78, 78 | 76, 76 |
| 4XL | 84, 84 | 78, 78 |
| 5XL | 92, 92 | 78, 78 |
Note: If you want to measure along.
- The body portion needs to have a good fit.
Find the right measurement for the armhole and it will make your top fit you nicely. Lay your yoke flat and measure according to this measurement → Bicep circumference – 14 (15, 16½, 16½)[19, 19, 19½ ,19½]”
Underarm stitches
Attach a separate strand of yarn at the back corner at the marked st, ch10 (10, 12, 12)[14, 14, 16, 16], sl st to the right front corner marked st. Rep on the left side. Removed markers.
RS from the back
Work in round, no sl st, no ch at the beg, if the hole is too big,
you can end rnd1 by sl st to the beg ch, but from rnd2 onward do not make ch at the beg and no sl st at the end of the rnd.
W – Rnd1 – sl kn, ch2, hdc in each st across.
Back + Underarm ch + Front + Underarm ch = 42 + 10 + 42 + 10 = 104hdc
| Sizes | Back + Front + Underarm + Underarm |
| S | 42 + 42 + 10 + 10 = 104hdc |
| M | 50 + 50 + 10 + 10 = 120hdc |
| L | 56 + 56 + 12 + 12 = 136hdc |
| XL | 64 + 64 + 12 + 12 = 152hdc |
| 2XL | 70 + 70 + 14 + 14 = 168hdc |
| 3XL | 78 + 78 + 14 + 14 = 184hdc |
| 4XL | 84 + 84 + 16 + 16 = 200hdc |
| 5XL | 92 + 92 + 16 + 16 = 216hdc |
IMPORTANT:
- Try it on to check the fit. It needs to fit without being too tight on your body. We are going to INC in the upcoming rounds.
- From now on I change color every 2 rounds. So I will not mention the color change after rnd2. I used this method for color changing.
- The last rnd of the body and sleeve need to end with an even number.
W – Rnd2 (INC) – hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 13 (15, 17, 19)[21, 23, 25, 27]th st, 8 (8, 8, 8)[8, 8, 8, 8] hdc added. A total of 112 (128, 144, 160)[176, 192, 208, 224] hdc.
Rnd3 (INC) – hdc in each st across, INC 1st in every 14 (16, 18, 20)[22, 24, 26, 28]th/nd st, 8 (8, 8, 8)[8, 8, 8, 8] hdc added. A total of 120 (136, 152, 168)[184, 200, 216, 232] hdc.
Rnd4 to Rnd37 (39, 39, 41)[41, 45, 45, 49] – hdc in each st across, a total of 120 (136, 152, 168)[184, 200, 216, 232] hdc.
Shaping the waist (2” positive ease)
My waist is 28” so for me, I don’t need to make any DEC as 120 = 30”
But if your measurement around the waist measures 2” more smaller than your bust measurement, DEC to the fit you prefer.
Ribbing edge
W – Rnd1 – ch2, *Fphdc in hdc from previous rnd, Bphdc in next hdc from previous**, rep from * to **, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd2 rep Rnd1, ch1, cut the yarn.
RS Sleeve at the armpit
W – Rnd1 – sl kn, ch1, hdc in each st across, a total of 66 (70, 78, 78)[90, 90, 94, 94] hdc, sl st at the first ch from the beg.
Bicep circumference – 14 (15, 16½, 16½)[19, 19, 19½ ,19½]”
Note:
- From rnd2 no ch at the beg.
- From rnd3 no ch at the beg, no sl st at the end.
- Add the marker on the first stitch.
G – Rnd2 – hdc in each st across, a total of 66 (70, 78, 78)[90, 90, 94, 94] hdc, sl st at the first st from the previou rnd.
G – Rnd3 to Rnd 18 (13, 11, 11)[9, 9, 7, 7] – hdc in each st across, a total of 66 (70, 78, 78)[90, 90, 94, 94] hdc.
DEC every rnd
Rnd19 (14, 12, 12)[10, 10, 8, 8] to Rnd50 (49, 53, 51)[55, 55, 55, 55] DEC 1st per rnd ending with 34 (34, 36, 38)[44, 44, 46, 46] hdc.
NO MORE DEC
Rnd51 (50, 54, 52)[56, 56, 56, 56] to Rnd54 (54, 56, 57)[57, 57, 57, 57] – hdc in each st across, a total of 34 (34, 36, 38)[44, 44, 46, 46] hdc.
Rnd55 (55, 57, 58)[58, 58, 58, 58] – hdc in each st across, ending with sl st in the first hdc from previous rnd, a total of 34 (34, 36, 38)[44, 44, 46, 46] hdc.
Colors: From rnd2 – rnd31 made with G, rnd32 to the end made with W.
Ribbing cuff
W – Rnd1 – ch2, *Fphdc in hdc from previous rnd, **Bphdc in next hdc from previous, rep*-**, sl st at the 2nd ch from the beg.
W – Rnd2 rep Rnd1, ch1, cut the yarn.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Block if desired, although I highly suggest it.
I hope you enjoy this crochet top down sweater 🙂
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Maya xoxo
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