Modern, stylish and light, the Sea Breeze Tank Top is a summer wardrobe essential!
This free crochet tank top pattern is also accompanied by a YouTube video tutorial.
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Made from 100% cotton yarn and created using double crochet stitches, the Sea Breeze Tank keeps you nice and cool on hot summer days. The loose, boxy fit makes it a great, versatile top that can easily be thrown over a swimsuit or worn by itself.
Design Inspiration
The inspiration for this design is simple 🙂 A month ago I was asked to create a summer V-neck tank by a YouTube subscriber. I thought it was a great idea! I started to design a tank that was flattering on a wide variety of body types and at the same time I really wanted the back to dip into a V as well without being too revealing. I’m pretty happy with the result!
In this design I’m wearing a size small (I’m normally right in between an XS and S) but the nature of this design means that you can easily size up or down depending on the type of fit you want. I’ve also created a size chart according the standard size measurements but I would highly recommend that once you’ve created your first triangle please try this top on as we all know that even within the same bust measurement, bra size can vary greatly!
This design can also be easily adapted into a super cropped tank or a full length tank top! I've included instructions below!
Yarn
For the Sea Breeze Tank I used Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK in the colour pale blue and it’s one of my favourite cotton yarns that I’ve ever worked with! I love the washed-out neutral colour palette (I find that cotton yarns are either super bright or baby pastels) and you get a good amount of yardage for the weight of the yarn. I’m already imagining more projects (maybe a cotton dress ;)) using this yarn!
Check out more free crochet patterns here!
1. Forest Breeze Tee / 2. Leila Tie-Strap Crop Top / 3. Scallop Tee
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Add the Sea Breeze Tank Top to your Ravelry queue!
Ad-free, printable pdf version of the Sea Breeze Tank!
*The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). E.g. “Ch 32(36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56) means Ch 32 for XS, Ch 36 for Small, Ch 40 for Medium, Ch 44 for Large, Ch 48 for XL, Ch 52 for 2XL and Ch 56 for 3XL
*When there is only one number, e.g. Ch 7, this number applies to all sizes
*Total number of stitches is listed between < >
*"DC 10" means DC into the next 10 stitches
*"2DC" means place 2 DC into the same stitch
*Ch 2 and Ch 1 does NOT count as a stitch
*This pattern uses US crochet terms
*Sample is a size small shown on a 5’3” model with a 32” bust.
*This top is designed for the V to fall directly in middle of the bust area. To have more coverage/the V to be higher, I recommend working to Rows 2 – 4 instead of Rows 2 - 6 when creating the straps.
Materials
Yarn – Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK – DK (8 ply), 200m/100g, 100% Cotton in Pale Blue
Skeins – 2(2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5)
Stitches
st = stitch
Ch = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
FpDC = Front Post Double Crochet
BpDC = Back Post Double Crochet
LEVEL: Easy
GAUGE: 10cm/4” square = 13 stitches wide x 9 rows tall in double crochet
Measurements (cm):
Bust: 76(86, 96, 105, 115, 124, 133)
Armhole: 19(21, 23, 25, 26.5, 28, 30)
Length: 37(39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49)
Measurements (inches):
Bust: 30(34, 38, 41.5, 45, 49, 52.5)
Armhole: 7.5(8.5, 9, 10, 10.5, 11, 12)
Length: 14.5(15.5, 16, 17, 17.5, 18.5, 19)
Video Tutorial
Sea Breeze Tank Top Pattern
LEFT TRIANGLE
*Once you’ve finished your left triangle, I highly recommend trying it on/holding it up to your body as bust size can vary greatly within the same size – you may need to size up or size down.
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 7.
ROW 1: DC into the 3rd chain from the hook, DC 4. <5>
ROWS 2-6: Ch 2, turn, DC 5. <5>
ROW 7: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 4. <6>
ROW 8: Ch 2, turn, DC 5, 2DC. <7>
ROW 9: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 5, 2DC. <9>
ROW 10: Ch 2, turn, DC 8, 2DC. <10>
ROW 11: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 9. <11>
ROW 12: Ch 2, turn, DC 10, 2DC. <12>
ROW 13: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC 10. <14>
ROW 14: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 11, 2DC, 2DC. <17>
ROW 15: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 15, 2DC. <19>
ROW 16: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 17, 2DC. <21>
*Size XS – Fasten off. Proceed to Right Triangle instructions.
Sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
ROW 17: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC 18, 2DC. <24>
ROW 18: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 22, 2DC. <26>
*Size S – Fasten off. Proceed to Right Triangle instructions.
Sizes (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
ROW 19: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC until last st, 2DC into last stitch. <29>
ROW 20: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC until last 2 sts, 2DC, 2DC. <32>
*Size M – Fasten off. Proceed to Right Triangle instructions.
Sizes (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) repeat ROWS 19-20 until ROW (22, 24, 26, 28).
<38, 44, 50, 56>
Fasten off. Proceed to Right Triangle instructions.
RIGHT TRIANGLE
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 7.
ROW 1: DC into the 3rd chain from the hook, DC 4. <5>
ROWS 2-6: Ch 2, turn, DC 5. <5>
ROW 7: Ch 2, turn, DC 4, 2DC. <6>
ROW 8: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 5. <7>
ROW 9: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 5, 2DC. <9>
ROW 10: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 8. <10>
ROW 11: Ch 2, turn, DC 9, 2DC. <11>
ROW 12: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 10. <12>
ROW 13: Ch 2, turn, DC 10, 2DC, 2DC. <14>
ROW 14: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC 11, 2DC. <17>
ROW 15: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 15, 2DC. <19>
ROW 16: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 17, 2DC. <21>
*Size XS – do not fasten off! Proceed directly to Joining Row instructions.
Sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
ROW 17: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 18, 2DC, 2DC. <24>
ROW 18: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC 22, 2DC. <26>
*Size S – do not fasten off! Proceed directly to Joining Row instructions.
Sizes (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
ROW 19: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, DC until last 2 sts, 2DC, 2DC. <29>
ROW 20: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC until last st, 2DC into the last st. <32>
*Size M – do not fasten off! Proceed directly to Joining Row instructions.
Sizes (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) repeat ROWS 19-20 until ROW (22, 24, 26, 28).
<38, 44, 50, 56>
Do not fasten off! Proceed directly to Joining Row instructions.
JOINING ROW
JOINING ROW: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC 18(23, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59), 2DC into last st of Right Triangle.
<24, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59>
Place the Left Triangle (with the right side facing up) to the left of the Right Triangle.
2DC into the first st of the Left Triangle, DC 18(23, 29, 35, 41, 47, 53, 59), 2DC, 2DC.
<48, 58, 70, 82, 94, 106, 118>
BODY
BODY ROW 1: Ch 2, turn, 2DC, 2DC, DC in each st until the last 2 sts, 2DC, 2DC.
<52, 62, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122>
BODY ROW 2: Ch 2, turn, DC in each st until the end of the row.
<52, 62, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122>
Repeat BODY ROW 2 until ROW 13.
*You can add or remove rows to reach your desired length – please keep in mind that the ribbing adds 2cm/0.75”.
RIBBING
ROW 1: Ch 1, turn, SC in each st until the end of the row.
<52, 62, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122>
ROW 2: Ch 2, turn, *FpDC into the next 2 sts, BpDC into the next 2 sts; rep from * until last 2 sts, FpDC, DC.
<52, 62, 74, 86, 98, 110, 122>
ROW 3: Ch 2, turn, DC, BpDC, *FpDC 2, BpDC 2; rep from * until end, DC into the 2nd chain (at the beginning of ROW 2).
<53, 63, 75, 87, 99, 111, 123>
*The extra DC at the end helps the edges of the top stay straight and neat.
Repeat all steps for the 2nd side of the top.
ASSEMBLY
Lay the 2 pieces of the top directly on top of each other. Sew the straps and the sides off the top together.
FINISHING
At the bottom of an armhole, insert hook, secure yarn and pull up a loop.
Ch 1, SC evenly along the edge of the armhole, making sure that your stitches are not too tight.
Sl st into first SC to join. Fasten off.
Repeat for the 2nd armhole.
Insert hook along the V-neck, secure yarn and pull up a loop.
Ch 1, SC evenly along the edge of the V-neck, making sure that your stitches are not too tight.
Sl st into first SC to join. Fasten off.
Weave in all of your ends. You’ve finished your Sea Breeze Tank Top!
Such a cute tank top!
Hey! I love your instructions! Easy and clear!! ❤️ Sending good vibes from Mauritius
Amazing pattern!! Thank you!!
What a great pattern! I just copied it down and can’t wait to get started. Thank you so much for providing it for free.
I have a sizing question.
Is there a way to increase the bust measurement past the 3X sizing? I wear a 4X through the bust but the 3X works - except for bust area.
Hi Cyndi, you could either make the 3XL and the top will have a few inches of negative ease or you can repeat rows 19-20 until row 30. After the joining row you might need to crochet body row 1 twice - just measure the width of your top. Once the width is half your bust measurement it should fit loosely (as pictured).
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hi Grace,
Question, could I make the front and back triangles to body row 2 then join both sides with a round of DC in each stitch and continue rounds with slip stitch for the length of the body? Instead of doing 2 panels and seaming the sides. Would this work? Thanks for the lovely free pattern.
Hi Olivia,
Sure you can attach the front and back together to work in the round after body round 2. Just make sure to turn after every round so that the body stitches look the same as the triangles and it will keep your seam straight as well 🙂
Grace
Hi! Is it possible to make the V-shape in the back a bit deeper than the cleavage in the front? Or would the two pieces then not fit together anymore in the armholes?
Such a lovely pattern, thank you for providing it for free!
Hi Kimberley,
You'd need to either add/remove rows before the joining row and then remove/add body rows. You'd also need to make sure the front and back have the same stitch count before you join them together. It's possible but you'd need to alter the pattern so I can't guarantee that it will have the same v-neck shape as the sample!
Grace 🙂
Great pattern! I am just getting into crocheting and as soon as i feel confident enough i will try it out. I have one question though. What is the total length of the used yarn?
Hi Polina,
The number of skeins (balls of yarn) used for each of the different sizes is indicated in the 'Materials' section 🙂
Grace
HI! This tank top is so cute! I was wondering how difficult you'd think it would be to do tie straps on this top instead of the straps that are in the pattern.
Hi Melanie, I'd repeat rows 2-6 until the strap was long enough to tie into a bow.
Grace 🙂
I've basically completed the top but realised now that I've sewed straps and one side together that it is Huge
My tension was 13.5 to nearly 9brows so didn't change hook but the Medium is massive.
Am gutted. 3 weeks and now I need to frog it all.
Any tips on sizing next time as I was so excited when started the V is so deep.
Hi, all the alteration instructions are included in the pattern! As stated, the V neck is supposed to be very deep but you can remove more rows at the beginning of the straps to make it sit higher and also after your first triangle you should check that it fits you and size up or down accordingly.
Grace 🙂
Hi there this is my first go at a crochet top it’s so easy to follow. . I’m left handed So when I put it together should I reverse the instructions. ?
Hi Mary,
Yes you'll be working left to right 🙂
Grace
Hey there! This was my first attempt at anything crochet and the pattern/video are very easy to follow and doable even for a complete beginner, if you've a little patience. I ended up chaining 5 and single crocheting the first row, then continuing at the start of the pattern w row one. It helped as there was something more solid to hold. I also attempted the size M shirt -- the size I usually am -- and it was much too wide (by at least 2 inches on both sides of body, straps are a nice length) and I'll be taking it out to make a size S instead (so basically, runs large in my experience). Hope this is helpful info for others trying the pattern. Thanks!!!
Hi Tala,
Thanks for your feedback! All the measurements are listed in the pattern notes and I'd also recommend crocheting a gauge swatch before you start your project. That way you'll know if you top will turn out the same size as the suggested measurements.
Grace
Hi Grace!
Thank you so much for the pattern and the video! I have just finished making half of this top, and I’m thinking I would like to make the other side a size smaller to get a better fit. I’ve factored in a couple more rows to deal with the length difference, but I’m wondering if you think this will make the seams lie funny on the sides of the top?
Hi Anna,
Chances are the seams along the sides of the body won't fall in the middle and this could cause the top to pull/pucker. The sides of the armholes also won't match up so you won't have a smooth curve unless you alter the triangle portions of the tank. I'd recommend picking one size for both sides unless you're willing to alter the increases along the triangle portions.
I hope this helps,
Grace
Hi! since crochet instructions are supposed to assume you know to chain at the end of a row, so does it end up being 3 chains at the end? Also where on those chains should I be adding the DC for the row above?
Hi Nelly,
Usually, you either chain at the beginning of the row or at the end of the row - not both. As per the pattern instructions, Ch 2 doesn't count as a stitch so your first DC of a row should be worked into the last DC of the previous row, not in the turning chain.
I hope this helps,
Grace
Hello Grace,
it's my first try in crochet. I picked your pattern, because it looked really cute. Well as a beginner upsizing a pattern can be really difficult. I just realized that as I am doing.
I don't understand your stitch abbreviation from Row 17, as you explained everything until there in your Youtube Video ^^ What does at the end mean?
Thanks for your amazing pattern!
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Love from Germany
Hi Lara,
So sorry i've just seen your comment! The video tutorial follows Size Small, so if you're making a different size you'll need to crochet more rows to make your top larger. When the instructions say proceed to 'Right Triangle Instructions' if you've crocheted the correct number of rows for your size just scroll down until you reach the 'Right Triangle' instructions and then continue with the pattern.
Grace 🙂
Hey there! I love this top! I’d like to wear it to school, but apparently my shoulders violate the school’s dress code. Is there a way that I can add short sleeves on this?
Hi Katie,
There is a t-shirt version (Forest Breeze Tee) and sweater version of this pattern 🙂
Grace
Hello Grace,
As a beginner crocheter I really enjoyed the simplicity of this pattern. I now have 2 panels the same sized crocheted and attached at the shoulder seams, but because I have a large bust, the front panel is shorter and higher up on my body than the back panel. If I add extra rows to the front panel, then the side seams won’t match up row by row. Any suggestions for getting around this?
Many thanks!
Deepani
Hi Deepani,
I'd add more length to the tops of the straps on the front panel (the shoulder seam will sit closer towards your back rather than the tops of your shoulders) or you can just steam block your top and when it's wet, just pull down the front panel a bit. I'd be very careful with this method though because cotton can stretch VERY quickly when wet and once it's stretched out it won't spring back (unlike wool or acrylic).
I hope this helps,
Grace
I'm be mad wondering if this pattern can be successfully made using the Lion Brand Rewind Tape "yarn". I know it's marketed as a weight 5, but I just made a hat out of it and used a 4mm hook. Would love to make this pattern for my niece to go with the hat!! Thank you!!
Hi Lenore,
If you can meet the gauge listed in the pattern, then this yarn should work! Just keep in mind that Rewind is quite a stiff yarn, so your top might not have a lot of drape to it.
Grace 🙂
This was my first "real" crochet project and I love the shirt. Super simple to follow and really rewarding! Now that I have more crochet skills I'm currently working on a second one with a Tunisian simple stitch (just adding an extra row between each row listed on the pattern). I really appreciate your designs and always look forward to your new patterns. Thank you!
Question about the listed gauge: for the rows of double crochet in your gauge square, are you doing them with a turning chain of 3 (the usual way) or with a turning chain of 2 (as you do in this pattern)? I've redone my gauge square about 5 times, but even if I get the correct number of stitches I always have too few rows of double crochet (using a turning chain of 3). Thanks!
Hi!
I think it's a wonderful pattern, easy tpounderstand and nicely put together, but i did have some issues with the finished product itself.
I'm not sure if my yarn is the culprit (I used Papatya Batik, also the fact i used a 6mm hook since i crochet really tight), my gauge was fine, but it really does run rather big as others have mentioned it.
I usually wear a size M/L and i made the M but it was huge! I knew the V was gonna be deep, but it went well down to under my sternum, almost to my stomach.
The sides went way to deep as well.
I was thinking about sizing down to S or even XS but then the armhole would be to tight, and it just wouldnt fit my chest at all.
I tried shortening the straps but then again, the armhole didn't fit.
I do have rather broad shoulders and a big chest compared to my waist and upper body in general.
I'm not sure what to do or how to modify the pattern, so i would gladly take any advice on how to make this work, since this is really something that's just right up my alley.
Thank you so much in advance!
My skein was close to running out by the time I finished one side, I ended up using an entirely different color for the other side, it looks terrific!! One side is red, the other is purple, love that I made it reversible. Easy pattern to follow and super cute, thanks!!!