I’m so excited to share my latest free crochet pattern with you – the Emilia Tank!
This free crochet pattern is accompanied by a video tutorial 🙂
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The Emilia Tank is a hip length top with a square neckline and flared hem. The fitted bodice and light peplum create a timeless silhouette and the best part is that it’s a such quick and easy crochet pattern. Even though I love lacy or mesh designs sometimes it’s nice to have a simple pattern that doesn’t require much counting!
This crochet tank top is worked in the round from the top down so you can alter the length for a perfect fit. You could even extend this tank top into a summer tunic or dress!
Design Inspiration
I’ve seen peplum tops everywhere for summer and I’m so in love with this trend! I love how peplums give waist definition but are super comfy and can hide a food baby 🙂
This tank is definitely more on the subtle side of a peplum and I like how it creates a more streamlined, a-line effect without adding extra bulk around the waist. Since there are less ruffles/pleats, this tank top is lighter which makes it suitable for warm weather while still giving a breezy, flared effect.
Looking for more free crochet patterns?
1. Sea Breeze Tank Top / 2. Sagebrush Ribbed Tank Top / 3. Leila Tie Strap Crop Top
Yarn
For this project I used Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK in the colour ‘New Denim’. I previously used this yarn for the Sea Breeze Tank and I loved it so much I just had to use it again!
Its soft, machine washable and glides so quickly over the crochet hook – what more could you ask for? This yarn features ‘denim’ style cotton yarn so all the colours are marled blue, grey and white hues which are my favourite colours 🙂
If you’re looking for more bright colours Debbie Bliss Cotton DK has a fun range of over 20 shades that also includes pastel and deep jewel shades! It is one the heavier side of a DK yarn so you could probably substitute it with a DK or Aran weight cotton yarn and as long as you meet gauge you should be good to go!
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Video Tutorial
Add to your Ravelry queue here!
Ad-free, printable version here!
*The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). E.g. “HDC 98(112, 126, 140, 154, 168, 182) means HDC 98 for XS, HDC 112 for Small, HDC 126 for Medium, HDC 140 for Large, HDC 154 for XL, HDC 168 for 2XL and HDC 182 for 3XL.
*"DC 10" means DC into the next 10 stitches.
*"2DC" means place 2 DC into the same stitch.
*Ch 1 and Ch 2 do NOT count as a stitch.
*Total stitches are indicated between < >.
*This pattern uses US crochet terms.
SKILL LEVEL: Easy
SIZES: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
Materials
Yarn – Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK – DK/Light(3)/8 ply, 200m/100g, 100% Cotton in New Denim (02)
Skeins – 3(3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5)
4.5mm (US 7) Crochet Hook
Darning Needle
Scissors
Stitches & Abbreviations
Ch = Chain
Sl st = Slip Stitch
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
St(s) = stitches
Rep = repeat
GAUGE: 10cm/4” square = 15 stitches wide x 14 rows tall in half double crochet
Measurements cm
Upper Bust: 68(78, 88, 98, 108, 118, 128)
To fit Bust: 76(86, 96, 106, 116, 126, 136)
Length: 40(40, 42, 42, 43, 43, 45)
Strap length: 29(30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
Measurements inches
Upper Bust: 27(31, 35, 38.5, 42.5, 50.5)
To fit Bust: 30(34, 38, 42, 45.5, 49.5, 53.5)
Length: 16(16, 16.5, 16.5, 17, 17, 17.5)
Strap length: 11.5(12, 12.25, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14)
Emilia Peplum Tank Top Pattern
BODY
FOUNDATION CHAIN: FHDC 98(112, 126, 140, 154, 168, 182), sl st into the 1st FHDC.
<98(112, 126, 140, 154, 168, 182)>
ROUND 2: Ch 1, turn, HDC in each st until end, sl st into 1st HDC.
<98(112, 126, 140, 154, 168, 182)>
Repeat ROUND 2 until ROUND 27(27, 28, 28, 29, 29, 30).
Move directly on to ‘PEPLUM’ instructions.
PEPLUM
ROUND 1: Ch 2, turn, *DC, 2DC; rep from * until end, sl st into 1st DC.
<147(168, 189, 210, 231, 252, 273)>
ROUND 2: Ch 2, turn, DC in each st until end, sl st into 1st DC.
<147(168, 189, 210, 231, 252, 273)>
Repeat ROUND 2 until ROUND 18(18, 19, 19, 20, 20, 21).
*You can add or remove rows to reach your desired length.
Fasten off.
STRAPS
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 7
ROW 1: HDC into the 3rd chain from the hook, HDC 5. <6>
ROW 2: Ch 1, turn, HDC 6. <6>
Repeat ROW 2 until ROW 30(31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36).
*You can add or remove rows to reach your desired length. I suggest pinning your strap onto your top and trying it on to check the length.
Fasten off.
Repeat STRAPS instructions for a 2nd strap.
*If you added or removed rows for your first strap, double check that both straps are the same length.
ASSEMBLY
Fold the top in half with the front facing you. Measure in 6cm from the sides of top and pin the straps into place.
Turn the top over, (the back and seam should be facing you). Measure cm from the sides of the top and pin the straps into place.
*Note – I recommend trying on the top after you have pinned the straps. You can adjust the placement of the straps to perfectly fit your body
Sew the straps to the top.
Weave in all of your ends.
*Note – Along the top of the body seam, sew the corners of the first and last Foundation Half Double Crochets together.
After having 2 children my stomach isn't flat so this top is perfect for me, finished in 2 days and planning on wearing it tomorrow
I'm so glad you like the pattern! I love how this tank is so flowy too! Thank you for visiting my blog 🙂
Thank you so much for the video! It is so helpful! I'm trying to find a cute and easy summer top to make for my twin granddaughters. They are not quite 2 and small for their age, but I think as long as I can measure them, I can create a custom size to fit after watching your video.
I really love this too. Will start soon.
I Love the pattern. My granddaughter has a bit of a tummy and needs a little extra space. I have been looking for a summer top which not only fits but is cute on a little girl. I can see how I can add short sleeves so she could wear it at school. Although with this pandemic I do not want school to reopen
She is quite tall for her age and being able to adjust the length is wonderful.
Hi Stella, so glad you like the pattern! Your granddaughter is very lucky to have grandma that crochets 🙂
Grace
Hi Grace! I was wondering what I can do to make the top more fitted to my waist (if ever that is possible)? My top so far (before the peplum) is perfect on the chest area but that also means it’s loose right under the chest area and I would have appreciated it more if it fit just right on me. :C Such a pretty top by the way! Thank you for posting a tutorial on it, I love it a lot.
Hi Bey, You can make the top more fitted by spacing out a few HDC2tog in each round as you crochet towards your waist. The exact number will depend on your own waist measurement - the more HDC2togs per round the quicker the top will become smaller.
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hi,I love all your work.i made 2 already.
Hi I just love the peplum, Is there any way I can make this a square Neck, cap sleeve top?
Hi Isa,
You could crochet along the raw edge of the straps to add cap sleeves.
Grace 🙂
Beautiful thank u sooooo much ! I have just finished knitting and it looks great
Hi Grace, I love this top! The only thing is with the size of the yarn and hook, and the nature of the HDC stitch, my top has spaces in the stitches making it just a little bit see through in the top area. I've made it work with wearing a black bra and it's gorgeous, but I'm wondering if this how yours is as well? Or is it the yarn I'm using? I made a swatch and the gauge is the same as yours. Thank you!
I love your patterns and the yarn you use for them. I have tried several times to sign up for your weekly newsletter. I fill in my name and email address. Then when I hit submit, I get a message that says I need to enter my email address. Help!
Mary
Hi Grace, I have made o couple of your tops for my nieces and they are much loved. Wanting to make this top for myself, but I prefer an elbow length short sleeve. Can you suggest what might be the best way to adapt this pattern? or combine with another?
Thanks
Hi I plan to make this top with a yellow, pink, and purple ombre color and I plan to add some puffy sleeves to it :> I got 4 ply yarn but I'm thinking of splitting it and doubling the yarn to get the ombre effect.
Hi! I’ve loved making this project—and the video is so helpful! I’m just wondering if I’ve missed something bc I just got to row 30 of my first strap and it’s nowhere near long enough?? I am busty so could that be why? I am going to add rows but I’m imagining I will have to add at least 10 at this point. I hope I haven’t screwed up!!
Hi Grace, I love a peplum top, but I don't wear sleeveless tops. Could you help me figure out a way to put a top on this similar to the Forest Tee? I haven't ever merged patterns before - so I'm a little nervous.
Which is right side? Row 1? Row 2?