Top-Down: One-Piece Crocheted Garments

Simple patterns, seamless garments, and endless possibilities are three key characteristics of creating crocheted garments using the top-down method. This is the preferred method of Estefa González, designer and founder of Santa Pazienzia, a brand and community of crochet lovers spread out across more than 50 countries.

In this course, learn how to design and crochet a top-down garment from scratch. Throughout the units, discover how to take accurate measurements, adapt your designs to any material, and apply different finishes to garments. Using a base pattern, you can achieve truly unique results that are full of character and personality.

Start things off by getting to know Estefa, how she got started in the world of crochet, and how she turned her hobby into her profession. Learn a bit about her influences and her sources of inspiration for starting a new project. Then, get a quick overview of the content that is covered in this course.

First, learn about what a top-down design is, including its parts, its structure, and the different materials and tools needed. Then, drawing a simple sketch, Estefa teaches you how to take measurements and gives you her formula for determining the number of stitches you need to make to get started.

Once you have your measurements and the stitches, it’s time to start crocheting. Start with the yoke before continuing with the sleeves. Continue by creating the length of the garment and finish by choosing the type of sleeves you want.

By using a pattern as the starting point, you can then go on to giving a personal touch to each garment. Estefa shows you how to apply five different types of finishes. Wrap things up by exploring and getting some tips on how to create other types of garments using the top-down technique.

Create a one-piece crocheted jacket using the top-down technique. Seamless and personalized to your needs, garments made with this technique can be adapted to women, men, and children alike.

Anyone who wants to get started in the world of crochet and learn to design their own clothes. This course is also for those who know the technique but would like to go deeper and discover how to create garments without a written pattern.

It is also an ideal course for anyone looking to create or sell handmade garments.

To take this course, no previous crochet or pattern making experience is needed. It is useful to have crocheted using a chain stitch and double crochet stitch, although it is explained in the course.

As for materials, you should prepare crochet needles between 5 and 7 mm and 5mm thick thread of any kind (800g is enough for a basic garment up to the size XL). You will also need 4 markers, a tape measure, a notebook, and a pencil.