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    May 11, 2022

    Crochet Beginner Crop Top - 1 Top, 4 Styles! - free pattern + video tutorial

    Looking for a summer crochet pattern? The Mya Crop Top is a quick and easy project that will fly off your hook!

    Scroll down for this free crochet crop top pattern and step-by-step video tutorial, or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.

    crochet square neck crop top, bow detail tank top, sweetheart cropped, gathered bandeau top

    This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.

    Incredibly versatile, comfy and chic, the Mya Crop Top is a great beginner friendly crochet pattern! With thick straps, a fitted look and 4 different necklines – square neck, bow, sweetheart and gathered – this textured crop top is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

    woman wearing ruched crop top with bow and denim skirt

    This pattern is worked up in single crochets and double crochets to create a fun crumpled texture called the Grit Stitch.

    The best thing about the Grit Stitch is that it works up quickly compared to single crochets but you still get a texture that’s dense with good coverage unlike double crochets! It’s also a stretchy stitch which works well for a fitted look 🙂

    model wearing green summer crochet crop top with sweetheart neckline and white fluffy cardigan

    Construction

    The Mya Crop Top is worked in 3 pieces – one main body piece and two straps. That’s it! The tube top portion is worked width ways from the bottom up, so the foundation chain runs the entire circumference of the top.

    The top is crocheted flat, so you’re essentially crocheting a rectangle and adding two straps. No intense shaping is necessary and you can easily alter this top to make it longer or short. Just add more rows of Grit Stitch!

    To assemble, we’ll simply sew the edges of the rectangle together and then attach the straps. The key to getting a perfect fit is to pin you straps in place and try on your top. This way you can figure out what’s most comfortable for you!

    flat lay of cream crochet square neck cropped tank top and sage green cotton crochet crop top

    Design Inspiration

    The Mya Crop Top is inspired by my very first free pattern – the Easy Crochet Crop Top!

    At the time I thought it’d be one of my only crop top patterns which is why I didn’t give it a specific name haha.  3 years and dozens of patterns later, I thought it was time for a refresh of this look.

    I still love the Easy Crochet Crop Top’s versatility. You can effortlessly convert from a square neck top to a bow detail to a sweetheart neckline and the best thing is that all of your options are easily undone.

    With crochet designing, the hardest decisions are always the ones that aren’t alterable so leaving options open is always so freeing!

    This crop top pattern is available in 19 sizes – so everyone can get the perfect fit!

    model wearing green summer crop top, button down denim skirt and cropped cardigan

    As you’re crocheting the top is going to look tiny since it has a huge amount of negative ease! However, as long as you choose the right yarn and size (more details below), it’ll all work out 🙂

    If you want you can always size up 1-2 sizes for a more relaxed fit. The most obvious difference will be around the waist as your top will fall straight instead of tapering along your waist. Feel free to pick whichever option you feel comfortable with!

    Looking for more free crochet patterns?

    free summer crochet pattern light blue tank top pink tie strap tank top and green v neck tee

    1. Sea Breeze Tank Top / 2. Leila Crop Top / 3. Forest Breeze Tee

    Yarn

    The Mya Crop Top uses Drops Cotton Merino in the colourway Sea Green. It’s a muted sage green shade with turquoise-blue undertones that falls perfectly in between a green and blue. If you’ve seen the Blair Crop Top you’ll know how much I love this yarn for crop tops!

    The blend of cotton and merino combines for a stretchy top that is airy and light enough for summer! There are over 20 shades of Drops Cotton Merino ranging from brights to pastels and neutrals, so you can easily find a colour that suits you.

    back view of woman wearing square neck tank top crocheted in grit stitch

    Most importantly, I cannot emphasise enough that yarn choice can make our break a project! Make sure you know what kind of look you want before picking out your yarn.

    To achieve a fitted look, you need to choose a yarn that has stretch and memory. This means that when you pull on the yarn it will spring back into place!

    The best fitted crop top yarns tend to be acrylics, cotton-acrylic blends or cotton-merino blends. (Lion Brand Jeans, Paintbox Simply DK, Lion Brand Basic Stitch are some of my favourites!).

    Fitted Crop Top Patterns -  Leila Crop Top, Skylar Crop Top and Blair Crop Top

    100% cotton yarns are great if you want a loose and relaxed look. Cotton yarns are nice and light for summer but they have no spring to them.

    This means once they stretch out, that’s it! The shape of the top will never go back to its original state.

    Loose Crop Top Patterns – Sea Breeze Tank Top, Sagebrush Tank Top, Seascape Scallop Tank Top

    Video Tutorial

    Pin me on Pinterest!

    pinterest image of 4 crochet crop tops with different necklines

    I love to see your finished projects! Use #forthefrills and tag me on Instagram @forthefrills for a chance to be featured

    Add the Mya Crop Top to your Ravelry queue here!

    Ad-free, printable version of the Mya Crop Top here!

    MINI EXPLANATION: A beginner friendly crop top with a textured stitch pattern consisting of single and double crochets. This tank top can be converted to have a square neck, bow detail or sweetheart neckline!

    1 Crop Top - 4 ways Crochet Pattern

    Notes:

    *The Sea Green Top is a size XS+. The sample top is a size XS+ shown on a 5’3” model with a 32” bust and 64cm/24” waist.

    *Sizing guide follows size XXS+(XS, XS+, S, S+)(M, M+, L, L+)(XL, XL+, 2XL, 2XL+)(3XL, 3XL+, 4XL, 4XL)(5XL, 5XL+). E.g. “Ch 75(81, 85, 93, 101)(109, 115, 123, 129)(137, 143, 151, 157)(165, 171, 177, 183)(191, 197).” means “Ch 75 for XXS+, Ch 81 for XS,  Ch 85 for XS+, Ch 93 for S, Ch 101 S+, Ch 109 for M, Ch 115 for M+, Ch 12 for L, Ch 129 for L+, Ch 137 for XL, Ch 143 for XL+, Ch 151 for 2XL, Ch 157 for 2XL+, Ch 165 for 3XL, Ch 171 for 3XL+, Ch 177 for 4XL, Ch 183 for 4XL+, Ch 191 for 5XL and Ch 197 for 5XL+.”
    If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

    *The turning chain ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch.

    *Total stitches are indicated between < > and this pattern uses US crochet terms.

    *This crochet crop top is designed to be form fitting at the bust and at the waist. For best results pick a yarn that has a lot of stretch and will spring back into place. Acrylic, merino and cotton-acrylic blends will work best. (100% cotton yarns will stretch out then lose their shape once you’ve worn the top a few times. They are a good option if you want your crop top to be more of a tank top and with a looser fit).

    *Depending on your yarn, the top circumference measurement can stretch up to 5” wider than the measurement listed.

    *This pattern is designed with 20-25cm/8-10” of negative ease at the bust. Meaning if your actual bust measurement is 96cm/38”, pick size M with a 77cm/30.5”(top bust).

    *For a form fitting top with negative ease (as pictured), pick the size closest to your actual bust measurement. If you want a looser fitting top, size up 1-2 sizes. Just consider that the top will be loose at your waist.

    *The foundation chain runs the width of the top and the crop top is crocheted from the bottom up.

    *The straps are crocheted separately and sewn onto the crop top.

    *This top can be altered for 4 different looks – square neck, bow, sweetheart neckline or gathered.

    *All pieces are sewn together with the right side (RS) on the inside and the wrong side (WS) facing outwards.

    *The length of the top and straps are adjustable. Alteration instructions provided below.

    LEVEL: Beginner

    Materials

    Yarn – Drops Cotton Merino – DK/Light (3), 110m/50g, 120yds/1.75oz, 50% Cotton + 50% Merino, Sea Green (29) and Powder (28)
    approx. 105(115, 120, 140, 150)(180, 185, 220, 235)(265, 275, 310, 325)(360, 370, 405, 420)(435, 450)g

    5mm (US H) Crochet Hook

    Darning Needle

    Scissors

    Stitch markers/Safety pins

    Stitches & Abbreviations

    Ch = Chain

    Sl st = Slip Stitch

    SC = Single Crochet

    DC = Double Crochet

    St(s) = Stitch(es)

    Rep = Repeat

    Measurements cm:
    To fit Bust: 71(76, 81, 86, 91)(96, 102, 107, 112)(117, 122, 127, 132)(137, 142, 147, 152)(157, 162)
    Top Circumference: 52(57, 60, 66, 71)(77, 81, 87, 91)(97, 101, 107, 111)(117, 121, 126, 130)(136, 140)
    Top Length(not including strap): 24(24, 24, 27, 27)(30, 30, 33, 33)(36, 36, 39, 39)(40, 40, 42, 42)(44, 44)

    Measurements inches:
    To fit Bust: 28(30, 32, 34, 36)(38, 40, 42, 44)(46, 48, 50, 52)(54, 56, 58, 60)(62, 64)
    Top Circumference: 20.5(22.5, 23.5, 26, 28)(30.5, 32, 34, 36)(38, 40, 42, 43.5)(46, 47.5, 49.5, 51)(53.5, 55)
    Top Length(not including strap): 9.5(9.5, 9.5, 10.5, 10.5)(12, 12, 13, 13)(14, 14, 15.5, 15.5)(16, 16, 16.5, 16.5, 17.5, 17.5)

    GAUGE: 10cm/4” square = 14 stitches wide x 14 rows tall in Grit Stitch

    Grit Stitch Crochet Pattern

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch an odd number of stitches.

    ROW 1(RS): SC into 2nd ch from hook, DC in next st, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.

    ROW 2: Ch 1, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.

    Repeat ROW 2 until you reach your desired length.

    Body

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 75(81, 85, 93, 101)(109, 115, 123, 129)(137, 143, 151, 157)(165, 171, 177, 183)(191, 197).
    *The foundation chain runs the width of the top. You can adding/removing chains to makes the top larger/smaller.

    ROW 1: SC into 2nd ch from hook, DC in next st, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.
    <74(80, 84, 92, 100)(108, 114, 122, 128)(136, 142, 150, 156)(164, 170, 176, 182)(190, 196)>

    crochet grit sittch with single and double crochets in drops cotton merino yarn

    ROW 2: Ch 1, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.
    <74(80, 84, 92, 100)(108, 114, 122, 128)(136, 142, 150, 156)(164, 170, 176, 182)(190, 196)>

    Repeat ROW 2 until ROW 34(34, 34, 38, 38)(42, 42, 46, 46)(50, 50, 54, 54)(56, 56, 60, 60)(62, 62).
    *You can add/remove rows to make your top longer/shorter. Just make sure to end on an even number of rows.

    swatch of grit stitch with single and double crochets and clover 5mm (H) hook
    crochet grit stitch swatch rectangle for crop top bandeau

    FINAL ROW (RS): Sl st in each st across. Fasten off.
    <74(80, 84, 92, 100)(108, 114, 122, 128)(136, 142, 150, 156)(164, 170, 176, 182)(190, 196)>
    *Keep your slip stitches loose so that your top can stretch when you try it on.

    crochet slip stitch edging along neckline
    right side of crochet rectangle crop top

    Fold your body panel in half so that the WS is facing you.

    whip stitch edges of crochet rectangle together to form a tube top

    Whip stitch the sides of the top together.

    Open up you top so that the seam runs down the centre back of the top.

    Straps

    (make 2)

    FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 7(7, 7, 7, 7)(7, 7, 9, 9)(9, 9, 9, 9)(11, 11, 11, 11)(11, 11).

    ROW 1: SC into 2nd ch from hook, DC in next st, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.
    <6(6, 6, 6, 6)(6, 6, 8, 8)(8, 8, 8, 8)(10, 10, 10, 10)(10, 10)>

    ROW 2: Ch 1, *SC, DC; rep from * until end, turn.
    <6(6, 6, 6, 6)(6, 6, 8, 8)(8, 8, 8, 8)(10, 10, 10, 10)(10, 10)>

    Repeat ROW 2 until your strap measures 22(23, 23, 24, 24)(25, 25, 26, 26)(27, 27, 28, 28)(30, 30, 31, 31)(32, 32)cm / 8.5(9, 9, 9.5, 9.5)(10, 10, 10.25, 10.25)(10.5, 10.5, 11, 11)(11.5, 11.5, 12, 12)(12.5, 12.5)”

    close up on crochet strap in grit stitch and sea green yarn

    Pin your straps in place and try on your garment.

    Adjust straps by adding/removing rows to make your straps longer/shorter.

    Your straps should fit snuggly as they will stretch out after you’ve worn your top a few times.

    Once you’re satisfied with your strap length, fasten off.

    Assembly

    Pin your straps into place.
    *I recommend wearing the skin coloured bra you’ll wear under the top while pinning your straps into place. This way you can hide your bra straps underneath the crop top straps.
    *As a point of reference, I placed my straps 6cm/2.5” from the edge of the top.

    crochet straps sewn onto crop top in mint green yarn
    darning needle sewing straps to tank top

    Sew your straps onto your top.
    *For a neat finish, only insert your needle through the tops of the last rows of SCs and DCs on the body of the top. Don’t insert your needle into the slip stitch edging. This gives a clean and crisp edge along the right side of the top.

    Weave in all of your ends. Turn your top inside out so that the RS is facing you.

    Square Neck

    Voilà! You’ve finished your Square Neck Crop Top!

    finished crochet square neck tank top in rgit stitch and cotton merino yarn

    Bow + Sweetheart + Gathered

    To create the long chain, tie a slip knot and insert you hook into the loop.

    Ch until your long chain measure 2x the length of your top + 20cm/8”. Fasten off, cut your yarn and pull VERY tightly on the last chain to form a knot.

    Trim ends.

    Fold your long chain in half and line it up with the centre of the neckline.

    crochet chain on top of crochet crop top

    Using your crochet hook, insert it from front to back and pull through the long chain. Leave a 2.5cm/1” gap along the top of the neckline. Insert your crochet hook from front to back and pull through the long chain.
    *It’s easier to use a larger crochet hook e.g. 6mm(US J) or larger, to pull through the chain.

    crochet hook pulling chain through neckline of crop top

    Bow Top

    Tie a bow.

    crochet crop top with square neckline and bow detail

    Voilà! You’ve finished your Bow Crop Top!

    Sweetheart + Gathered Tops

    Like a running stitch, weave your long chain down the centre front of the top. Use your crochet hook to pull through the chain if necessary.
    *For best results, I find it helps to keep the length of each chain ’stitch’ less than 5cm/2”.

    crochet hook inserted in crop top to pull through chain

    SWEETHEART – Stop approximately half way down the top.

    crochet chain woven halfway down top
    crochet crop top with a sweetheart neckline and bow

    GATHERED – Weave the chain until the bottom edge of the top.

    crochet chain sewn down the centre of the top

    Pull on the tails of the long chain. You can adjust the length of the front of the top by pulling tighter on the chain to make the top shorter.

    Tie a knot and a bow.

    gathered crochet top bandeau style with bow in sea green cotton yarn

    Voilà! You’ve finished your Mya Crop Top!

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    Comments

    1. Andrea says

      December 26, 2022 at 9:03 pm

      I absolutely love this crop top is there any way I could get the pattern for a size medium?? That way I could give the pattern to my grandmother.. If so my email is [email protected] .. Thank you so much..

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Grace!
    An avid crocheter creating modern and wearable crochet patterns. I share my love for crochet designing here on this blog and on YouTube. Learn more →

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