I’m so excited to share my newest design with you – the Easy Crochet Crop Top!
This is a free written pattern accompanied by a Youtube video tutorial!
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This crochet project is great for beginners and can easily be altered to fit your exact measurements! In the pattern I’ll show you how you can change the design of this easy crop top to have 3 different styles (Square, Ruched and Sweetheart). The best part about this pattern is that you can wear a bra with straps underneath this crop top! So, this design is suitable for all shapes and sizes 🙂
Scroll down for the video tutorial!
Design Inspiration
Since its still summer in New Zealand, I created this crop top pattern because I needed a break from warm chunky knits. (I loved the Chunky Crop Crochet Sweater but alpaca wool is a bit too thick for the weather right now!) Furthermore, since winter is coming to an end in the northern hemisphere this Easy Crochet Crop Top is perfect for Spring Break or beach days. This pattern is great no matter where you are in the world!
This crop top is created entirely in single crochet. I love that the dense stitches give complete coverage so the design is more modest (as far as crochet crop tops go!) I’ve included instructions for general sizes XS(S, M, L, XL) but I’ve added notes describing how you can measure yourself and alter this pattern for the perfect fit for you!
Yarn
For this crop top I used Lionbrand Jeans yarn in the colour 'Faded'. I love the light blue with flecks of white for a subtle marled texture look. It is one of the softest acrylics I’ve ever used and it glides so easily over the crochet hook. Lionbrand Jeans is also lightweight which is perfect for hot summer days and it also has a bit of stretch to it so it helps the crop top fit all the right places 🙂
Easy Crochet Crop Top - 3 ways!
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Materials
Yarn - Lionbrand Jeans – Aran/Worsted (10 ply), 225m/100g, 100% Acrylic
Colour – Faded (105) Chambray Blue
(I used 1 ¼ skeins for size XS (cropped). I would recommend S = 2 skeins, M = 2 skeins, L = 3 skeins, XL = 3 skeins)
If you need to increase for your bust or make the top longer I would add at least 1 skein.
5mm (US H/8) Crochet Hook
Scissors
Darning needle
Stitch markers (optional)
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
Stitches
FSC = Foundation single crochet
SC = Single crochet
2SC = 2 Single crochet into the same stitch (optional)
SPECIAL STITCH:
Foundation Single Crochet
Please watch the video demonstration for the foundation single crochet. I think its a lot easier than just reading the instructions! But here are the written instructions just in case 🙂
Foundation Single Crochet
1. Ch2, insert your hook into the first chain.
2. Yarn over and pull up one loop (You should have two loops on your hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook (This creates the ‘chain’ of the FSC).
4. Yarn over and pull through both loop on the chain (You should have one loop on your hook - You have created a single crochet!)
5. Insert your hook into between the chain and single crochet.
6. Yarn over pull up one loop (two loops on your hook).
7. Yarn over pull through the first loop on your hook.
8. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
Repeat 5 - 8 until you have the desired number of stitches for your project.
Gauge
10cm/4" square = 12 stitches wide x 10 rows tall in single crochet
Pattern Notes
-The sample size of this pattern is XS.
Total length: 35cm/14”
Body length: 23cm/9”
Bust circumference: 64cm/25”
Strap length: 24cm/9.5”
-General sizes are listed as XS(S, M, L, XL) e.g. 84(100, 115, 135, 150) means 86 stitches for XS, 100 stitches for S, 115 stitches for L and 150 stitches for 150.
-This crop top can be finished 3 different ways - Square, Ruched and Sweetheart.
The Ruched and Sweetheart + Bow options will make the crop top a bit shorter.
-You can use any aran/medium weight yarn but be mindful of gauge and stretch! I suggest using a yarn with a bit of stretch so that you can easily get it on and off.
Sizing
I've added general size measurements e.g. XS(S, M, L, XL).
For best results I suggest measuring yourself according to the diagram below.
A = Overbust circumference (where you would like your top to begin)
B = Bust circumference (fullest part of your bust)
C = Body length
CROCHET PATTERN
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Foundation single crochet 84(100, 115, 135, 150).
*Alteration Note - Foundation single crochet until your chain is equal length to your over bust measurement (measurement A)
Wrap your chain around your bust (measurement B).
If the two ends meet (not pictured), you won’t need to increase (it’s ok if you need to pull/stretch the chain). Sl st into the first chain.
If there is a gap (as pictured), measure the distance between the two ends of the foundation chain. Please note down the measurement. Sl st into the first chain.
*Proceed to ROUND 1*
ROUND 1: Ch1 (counts as a stitch), turn. SC into every stitch in the round. Sl st into the first chain at the start of the round.
<Total stitches: 84,100, 115, 135, 150)>
If you are not increasing repeat ROUND 1 until you have reached your desired length. Fasten off.
(I crocheted 46 rounds for size XS. I recommend S = 48 rounds, M = 50 , L = 54, XL = 58)
*Proceed to ‘STRAPS’ instructions*
If you are increasing proceed to INCREASING ROUND 2 instructions.
INCREASING ROUND 2:
For each cm of the GAP add one set of 2SC into the same stitch. Space them out evenly throughout ROUND 2.
(1cm = 0.4 inches)
E.g. I am size XS and the gap is 6cm. Therefore, I need to add 6 sets of 2SC.
Evenly space out 6 sets of 2SC into the same stitch.
XS = 84 stitches. 84/6 = 14.
2SC into stitches 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84.
Pattern: Ch1, SC 13, 2SC. *SC 14, 2SC into the same stitch*
Repeat *-* 4 more times. Sl st into the first chain of the round.
This increases stitch count to 90.
If your gap measurement is an uneven number e.g. 7cm = 7 sets of 2SC
XS = 84 stitches. 84/7 = 16.8 - Just space your stitches out as best as you can.
E.g. SC 16, 2SC, SC 17, 2SC etc.
INCREASING ROUND 3: Ch1 (counts as a stitch), turn. SC into every stitch in the round. Sl st into the first chain at the start of the round.
Repeat ROUND 3 until you have reached your desired length (measurement C). Fasten off.
*Proceed to ‘STRAPS’ instructions*
STRAPS
You can now try on the bandeau and mark where you would like your straps to go with stitch markers or safety pins. I would suggest wearing the bra you would normally wear so the crochet straps can perfectly cover your bra straps.
I placed the seam in the middle of the front side because it will be hidden once you create the sweetheart neckline. If you want a plain bandeau you can place the seam at the back or at the side.
Insert your hook into the space below the stitch marker.
Secure yarn and pull through a loop.
ROW 1: Ch1 (does not count as a stitch). SC into the same stitch as the Ch1. SC crochet into the next 3 stitches (you can make the straps wider by adding more stitches e.g. SC 5 or SC 6).
ROW 2: Ch1, turn, SC 4.
Repeat ROUND 2 until your straps are your desired length. Fasten off and leave a tail of yarn.
NOTE: If your yarn is stretchy make sure that your straps aren’t too long as they will stretch out over time.
(I did 34 rows for size XS)
Sew the end of the strap to the back of the top using your tail of yarn.
Repeat for the other strap. Weave in all of your ends.
If you’re creating the Square Neck crop you’ve finished!
For the Ruched Crochet Crop Top and Sweeheart + Bow Crochet Crop Top scroll down!
Square Neck Crochet Crop Top
Ruched Crochet Crop Top
Cut a piece of yarn 3 times the body length. Thread the needle with the piece of yarn.
With the seam facing you, insert your needle at the bottom of the top to the right of the seam.
Weave the tail of yarn up and under each row and make sure your stitches are straight.
At the top of the seam, weave the tail of yarn across to the other side.
Weave up and under each row to the left of the seam.
(For a neat result match sure the stitching on both sides match)
Pull on both tails of yarn (at the same time!) until you have the desired ruching.
(I would recommend pulling the yarn with the top on your body to get the perfect length).
Tie a double knot and then weave the tail of yarn into the top.
Sweetheart + Bow Crochet Crop Top
Create a chain 2 times the body length + 15cm/6”.
Insert a crochet hook at the bottom of the top to the right of the seam.
Weave the chain up and under every few rows to the right of the seam.
At the top of the seam, weave the chain across to the other side.
Weave the chain up and under every few rows until the bottom of the top.
Pull on both sides of the chain and tie a bow.
I love this design because you can always change the length of the top/amount of ruching.
This method can also turn your Easy Crochet Crop Top into a Crochet Bra Top!
Congratulations! You’ve finished your Easy Crochet Crop Top!
Looking for more modern crochet patterns? Check out
Hiya! I’m brand new to crochet and this pattern and tutorial has been so great, thank you so much. I’ve done about 19 rows and i’ve somehow ended up with the seam forming an arrow and I cant for the life of me figure out why. I think I’m managing to increase the number of stitches per row because when I fold it in half each row gets longer but I’m still not sure how I’m doing that. I was just wondering if you have any tips or ideas of where I might be going wrong? Thank you so much
Hi Louise,
It sounds like you're adding an extra stitch at the end of each round - you shouldn't place a stitch into the last 'space' because that's where the turning chain is, it's not actually a stitch. This will make your top increase and form the 'arrow' shape. If you want to increase the width of the top you need to space out the increases in the stitches, not in the turning chain.
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
For some reason, my gauge is off, maybe I crochet too tightly? I've gone up two hook sizes (J), also using Lionbrand Jeans yarn, but I have more than 10 rows tall. Maybe I'll just try again tomorrow or just risk it and measure it out as I go.
Hi Andrea,
If your gauge is off only by rows tall you should be ok, just crochet rounds until you've reached your desired length. If your gauge is off by stitches wide - you might need to add or remove stitches in your first row to make sure the top will fit properly. In general this pattern is quite forgiving as you can try on your top as you crochet.
Grace 🙂
Thank you! I did have to add on a few stitches, since it is a bit tight. I really love this pattern. In the past, I was nervous about making any type of garment, but this has been fun. I suddenly find myself looking at more top patterns and more yarn to go with them.
Hi!
Is this top supposed to be stretchy? I’ve crocheted the right size for myself, but it’s very stiff and there is no stretch at all. I can barely get it over my head!
(I’m using the correct hook size and weight of yarn)
Hi,
Yes this top should be stretchy enough to fit over your head! It sounds like you might be using a cotton yarn with no stretch? Acrylic or acrylic-cotton blends would work best for this style 🙂 Grace
Hiya, do you have any recommendations of what type of yarn to use if you want something natural rather than acrylic?
Hi Anna,
I'd recommend merino or if you want a plant based option, a pima cotton. However, plant based fibres don't have the same stretch as an acrylic or animal fibre so your top most likely won't look as 'fitted' as the sample.
Grace 🙂
Hi, I got all the way done with the body and started on the straps only for it not to fit. I used Lily Sugar n' Cream and it did have a little bit of stretch. When I had done about 15 rows, it fit and I followed your guidance for the overbust measurement. Do you have any advice? Maybe making it in hdc instead of sc? Different yarn? I like to use natural fibers but I know some of the alternatives to cotton can get pricy. Thanks for the help!
Hi Allie,
If your top fit after 15 rounds, it should have still fit unless your tension was getting tighter or you were dropping stitches after every round? I think Lilly Sugar n' Cream is designed for homeware so it probably doesn't have enough stretch for garments. If you want to use a natural fibre some pima cottons (WeCrochet Shine is quite soft and it has a bit of stretch) are more stretchy than a traditional cotton but in general you'd need a merino or acrylic blend to get the same look as the sample top. If you still want to use cotton (even a pima cotton), you'd need to add more stitches to the foundation row so you can get it on and off easily but the top will be loose around your waist.
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hi Grace!
I am a beginner, and I was wondering what your easiest pattern is.
Thank you so much! I love how all of your tops look, and I can't wait to try and make a few!
Hi Jaclyn,
The easiest patterns would be the Skylar Crop Top or 1 Hour Beanie! 🙂
Grace
Hi again!
I had another quick question. What is your favorite brand of yarn? Also, I was looking on Amazon for different types of yarn for your patterns, and I found that they don't have a lot of the types you recommend using. Where can I find the types of yarn that you mention in your patterns?
Hi i'm concerned about the area below the bust because it's very loose and i saw a comment on your youtube video that they decreased rather than increased and i'm really confused on how to do it cause the instructions on increasing is confusing to apply when decreasing. This is my first time crocheting a top that looks decent half way done and I really want it to work please help me thank you so much!
Hi Grace, is it okay to use a thinner type of yarn? This type is kinda scarce around my area
Hi Eleen, If you use a different weight yarn you'll have to change your hook size and that will change the gauge. You can follow the pattern as a guide but you'll have to alter the number stitches and rounds you crochet so your top will fit.
Grace 🙂
Is decreasing necessary if you're about to end the tube? I'm kind of confused because the increases made on my bust will come loose on my belly part. Thank you!
Hi Sofia,
Decreasing and increasing are completely optional! The vast majority of all fit issues will resolved if you use a stretchy yarn (like Lion Brand Jeans) with zero need to decrease and increase!
Grace 🙂
Hi, I love this pattern and would like to make it for my 10 year-old granddaughter. Do you have directions for making it for a child?
Hi Patricia,
I'd crochet foundation stitches to match her bust measurement and then follow the rest of the pattern as a guide until you reach your desired length.
Grace
Hi, how long did this take you to complete?
Hi, this is my first crochet project and I'm so excited! I keep running into a frustrating roadblock however; after I've finished my 1st round of single crochet, my project suddenly twists. I've repeatedly checked my foundation chain before joining and it's been fine, but as soon as I add that first row it's ruined. What do I do?