The tiny chickadee may appear like a fragile bird, but they are packed full of bravery and adventure. These birds are highly adaptable to their environment; they can adjust their body temperature to the coldest conditions and are so fearless they will often land right next to you, even in the palm of your hand.

Just as adaptable as the chickadee is this cropped tee inspired by their cute-yet-brave attitude. A unique twist hem and an edgy cage detail at the shoulder bring just enough sass to a simple tee. Pair this garment with almost anything in your wardrobe to make it work for all seasons. Adapt the tee itself with any customization you desire -- make it long, extra cropped, lengthen or skip the sleeves. Whatever you choose, rock it fearlessly, chickadee.

You will need:
Approx 482-1,280 yards of sport weight yarn
(yardage will vary depending on size, length, and customizations)
Size G/4mm crochet hook
Stitch markers
Scissors
Yarn needle
Measuring tape

Yarn Used for Sample:
Lion Brand Truboo in Slate - 535 yards (3 skeins) used for siZe M

Note: Due to the open concept style, this pattern can be used with fingering, sport, DK, or even worsted weight yarn. Adjust your hook size as preferred to fit the yarn used.

Stitches used:
Chain (ch)
Slip stitch (sl st)
Single crochet (sc)
Half double crochet (hdc)
Extended half double crochet (ehdc)
Extended half double crochet 2 together / extended half double crochet decrease (ehdc2tog)
Double crochet (dc)
Treble crochet (tr)
Double treble crochet (dtr)
Triple treble crochet (ttr)
Quadruple treble crochet (quad tr)

Gauge and Sizing:
This pattern is written to be fully customizable to your own measurements. The pattern includes suggested measurements to create adult sizes S (32”-34” chest circumference), M (36”-38”), L (40”-42”), 1X (44”-46”), 2X (48”-50”), 3X (52”-54”), 4X (56”-58”) and 5X (60”-62”) as well as tips to customize the size of your garment to fit perfectly. I write my patterns this way to give you the creative freedom to make your garment to fit your own size and style preferences.

The design is created to be comfortably form-fitting, with 0-2” negative ease. My sample was made with about 2” negative ease, meaning that the circumference of my finished tee is 2” less than my chest measurement. You can adjust the size of your tee to create your preferred fit. Because of this emphasis on measurements, your gauge will not impact your sizing, so feel free to experiment with hook sizes until you achieve your preferred fabric.

If you plan to block your garment, plan for a slight increase in measurements after blocking. To account for growth that may happen after wet blocking, particularly with bamboo yarn, fully block your swatch and observe how the fabric stretches. Adjust measurements as you work the pattern accordingly.