My latest free crochet pattern - the Leila Tie Strap Crop Top is a super easy summer crochet crop top! 🙂
This free crochet crop top pattern is also accompanied by a video tutorial!
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Using basic easy stitches, this crochet crop top features a simple silhouette with fun, feminine details!
The body is worked in the round and made up entirely of half double crochets. This creates a nice dense top that works up a lot faster than single crochets.
In place of a foundation chain, the pattern begins with foundation half double crochets so that the top can easily stretch and slip over your head.
The top is finished off with scalloped chains for a fun, feminine touch and the tie straps add a cute bow detail. You can also easily alter this top to have normal thick straps for a cleaner look.
Design Inspiration
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with tie strap tops! I think they pair so easily with any type of bottoms (jeans, leggings, skirts and shorts!) and the bows add fun detail that elevates any plain outfit.
Initially, I was going to leave the bottom of the top plain but I thought that it felt a bit boring and unfinished. I tried ruffles, bobbles, scallop stitches but they all felt a bit too heavy on such a small top.
Eventually, I tried out these scalloped chains and I love the result! I like how they keep the top nice and light but still add detail to the hem. I’ve been on a bit of a crop top phase lately but please let me know if you’d like more crop tops or maybe some other types of summer garment?
Yarn
For this project I used Lana Grossa 365 Cotone in the colour Rose (048). This is one of my favourite shades of pink – not baby pink but not too peach either, just a light dusky pink! This yarn is a cotton/polyamide blend which gives it nice stretch while still keeping you cool for summer and spring! It also makes the top a lot lighter and softest than a 100% cotton yarn would be.
For this design I’d recommend choosing a cotton blend yarn so that the top can stretch to easily fit your bust. Also, this yarn is categorised as an aran/worsted weight cotton yarn but I find that it’s a bit on the thin side, so you could probably use a DK weight yarn and achieve a similar effect!
Add the Leila Crop Top pattern to your Ravelry queue!
Ad-free, printable version - Leila Crop Top!
Video Tutorial
Notes
*The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). E.g. “Ch 100(116, 132, 148, 164, 180, 196) means Ch 100 for XS, Ch 116 for Small, Ch 132 for Medium, Ch 148 for Large, Ch 164 for XL, Ch 180 for 2XL and Ch 196 for 3XL.
*”HDC 10” means HDC into the next 10 stitches
*Ch 1 and Ch 2 do NOT count as a stitch.
*Total stitches are indicated between < >.
*If you want a full length top I suggest sizing up 1-2 sizes.
*This pattern uses US crochet terms
Materials
Yarn – Lana Grossa 365 Cotone – Aran/Worsted (10 ply), 140m/50g, 88% Cotton, 12% Polyamide, Rose (048)
XS = 2 skeins, S = 3 skeins, M = 4 skeins, L = 4 skeins, XL = 5 skeins, 2XL = 6 skeins, 3XL = 7 skeins
Stitches & Abbreviations
Ch = Chain
Sl st = Slip Stitch
FHDC = Foundation Half Double Crochet
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
SPECIAL STITCHES:
Foundation Half Double Crochet:
*Note – If using the FHDC for the first time, I highly recommend watching the YouTube video or an in-depth YouTube tutorial.
Ch 2, yarn over, insert your hook into the first chain.
Yarn over and pull up one loop (You should have three loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook (This creates the ‘chain’ of the FHDC).
Yarn over and pull through all three loops (You should have one loop on your hook).
You have created your first single crochet.
*Yarn over, insert your hook in between the chain and HDC.
Yarn over and pull up one loop (Three loops on your hook)
Yarn over and pull through the first loop on your hook.
Yarn over and pull through all three loops. ;
Repeat from * until you have the desired number of stitches.
GAUGE: 10cm/4” square = 16 stitches wide x 16 rows tall in half double crochet
MEASUREMENTS cm:
Upper Bust: 64, 74, 84, 94, 104, 114, 124
To fit Bust: 76, 86, 96, 106, 116, 126, 136
Length: 23, 25.5, 28, 30.5, 33, 35.5, 38
Strap length: 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5, 50, 52.5, 55
MEASUREMENTS inches:
Upper Bust: 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49
To fit Bust: 30, 34, 38, 42, 45.5, 49.5, 53.5
Length: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Strap length: 15.5, 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, 19.5, 20.5, 21.5
Leila Crop Top Crochet Pattern
Body
FOUNDATION CHAIN + ROUND 1: FHDC 100(116, 132, 148, 164, 180, 196), sl st into the 1st FHDC.
<100, 116, 132, 148, 164, 180, 196 >
*Wrap the Foundation Half Double Crochet Chain around your bust to double check that the top will fit (It’s ok to stretch the chain). If it’s too small I suggest sizing up.
ROUND 2: Ch 1, turn, HDC 100(116, 132, 148, 164, 180, 196), sl st into 1st HDC.
Repeat ROUND 2 until ROUND 37(41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61).
*You can add or remove rounds to reach your desired length.
FINAL ROUND: Turn, *Ch 7 (counts as a stitch), skip 3 stitches, sl st into the next stitch; rep from * until end, sl st into the first st of the round. Fasten off.
You should finish with < 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49 > scallops.
Straps
FOUNDATION CHAIN: Ch 7
ROW 1: DC into the 3rd chain from the hook, DC 4. <5>
ROW 2: Ch 2, turn, DC 5. <5>
Repeat ROW 2 until ROW 40(42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52). Fasten off.
Repeat STRAPS instructions until you have 4 straps.
*Alternatively, you can create 2 straps and have 2 plain straps instead of the tie straps. I suggest safety pinning the straps to the top and trying on the garment. Since plain straps are not adjustable, you may need to add or remove rows to reach your desired strap length.
Assembly
Fold the top in half with the front facing you. Measure in 4cm from the sides of top and pin the straps into place.
Turn the top over, (the back and seam should be facing you). Measure 5cm 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 so they can fall where you want them too.
Sew the straps to the top.
Weave in all of your ends.
*Note – Along the body seam, sew the corners of the first and last Foundation Half Double Crochets together.
Looking for more free crochet patterns? Check out
Are you crocheting into the back loop only starting on row 3?
Hi Stephanie, I'm crocheting a normal HDC from round 3 🙂 Grace
This top is so cute! I’m started working on it today 🙂 Did you see the straps with a yarn needle or normal thread and needle?
Thanks Tabea! I used a yarn/darning needle to sew the straps 🙂
Hey there, what other yarn would you recommend for this top? I was thinking of using Lion Brand Jeans yarn but I'm new to crocheting and not sure what to use.
Hi Jordan, Lion Brand Jeans yarn would work well or any aran/worsted/medium (4) yarn that has a good amount of stretch to it e.g. acrylic, merino or cotton-acrylic blends. Grace 🙂
hi, in the video tutorial you say to turn when starting round 3 (for the body) but on this blog post it says to turn on round 2, can you clarify this please its a bit confusing
Hi,
Sorry for the confusion! Please follow the pattern and turn after round 2. Although since we're constantly turning after every round, it won't change the look of the top if you turn after round 2 or round 3 🙂
Grace
The extra small is still a tad big. So I made my foundation chain is a few stitches smaller and fits my chest much better. However its still too big round my waist. If I were to decrease a few stitches starting under my ribs would it still look like it should?
Hi Kelsey,
Once your top falls about 2.5cm / 1″ past the widest part of your bust, I'd start to decrease by adding a few HDC2tog at the beginning of every round. Don’t forget to try on your top as you crochet and adjust the number of HDC2tog accordingly. The more HDC2togs per round the quicker your top will become tighter.
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hi, I really love your designs and have just finished the Beginner Crochet Crop Top just with the straps from your Ruffle Strap Tank Top as I am a bit top heavy and needed wider straps. I managed to adjust the Beginner Crochet Crop Top to fit my bust as the stretch of the yarn was not enough to make it fit my bust and sit tightly on my ribcage. I have absolutely fallen in love with this design but I really struggle with adjusting it to my bust 🙁
Is there a way to alternate the pattern to accommodate my shape?
Thanks!
Hi Rebecca,
I'd suggest crocheting rounds until your top falls about 2.5cm / 1" past the widest part of your bust. After that you can add decrease in each round by crocheting a few HDC2tog at the beginning of each round. This will slowly make your top tighter and smaller. Adjust the number of HDC2togs per round to suit the length of your top (Don't forget to try on your top as you crochet and adjust accordingly).
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hi Kelsey, I am OBSESSED with this design. I’m about three rows in and am noticing its rather see through. Even without any stretch
Is there anything I can do to adjust this? I know that as it’s crochet it’ll have some gaps in it but mine looks more “Gap-y” than the photos on your blog
Will on row 31 I realize that where I slip stitch the top row has become a triangle and not straight.
Hi Emma,
It sounds like you've been adding an extra stitch at the end of each round! (Just to note: the small space by the turning chain isn't a stitch) As you crochet counting the number of stitches after every few rounds helps you make sure you're on track.
I hope this helps,
Grace
Hi! I’m new to crocheting and would just like a little advice! I was looking to use the lion brand comfy cotton blend but it is a weight 3 yarn. I was just wondering if that would be a good choice or not? Thanks!
Hi Melanie,
The yarn I used was quite thin for a medium (4) yarn so you might be able to get away with a light(3) yarn. I'd recommend creating a gauge swatch (This article talks about gauge if you've never crocheted a swatch before - https://www.mybluprint.com/article/crochet-gauge) and see if you can meet the gauge in the pattern with your yarn. In terms of picking a yarn I've never used comfy cotton blend sorry! But I'd recommend choosing a yarn that has a good amount of stretch to it - cotton acrylic blends tends to work best for crop tops that need to stretch over your head to get them on.
I hope this helps,
Grace 🙂
Hello! I am in love with this top! I am new to crocheting and just wanted some advice about what yarn to use. I know that the pattern calls for a weight 4 yarn, but I was looking to use Lion Brand comfy cotton blend yarn, which is a weight 3. I was just wondering if this would be a good option? Also do you find that you need to line the top due to the holes/gaps?
Hi Melanie, I think I answered your yarn question in the other comment 🙂 I've never lined any of my crochet tops (since my designs tend to use solid stitches) but there will be small holes/gaps in your top. I just wear a skin coloured bra underneath my crochet crop tops (and since this pattern has thick straps you can wear a normal t-shirt bra with straps and the straps should be hidden!) and you can't see anything.
Grace 🙂
Hi Grace!
I was wondering how much wool would you need for this top? I am currently using a 100g yarn however would 50g work as well?
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Kinuri, the yarn amounts for each size are in the the 'Materials' instructions 🙂
Grace
Hi! I love this top and I was almost done but it is too small! In the beginning I did fit it around me so I don't know what happened, but do you know a way to extend the back? Or do I have to start over? Thank you!
Hi Ava, it sounds like either your tension (how tightly you hold your yarn) was slowly becoming tighter or you're dropping a stitch at the end of every round. If it's only a bit tight (less than 3cm/1") you can try to steam block your top and it will stretch out slightly. If it's really too tight you'll how to start again sorry! I also really recommend using a yarn with a lot of stretch (acrylic or a cotton acrylic blend) as this will make the top a lot easier to get on and off your body 🙂
I hope this helps,
Grace
Hi! I love this top, and I was almost done when I realized it was too small. Do you know a way to make it bigger? Or do I have to start over? Thank you!
Is there any way to increase the lenght around bust area and decrease around waist? so that it will fit my body perfectly... i dont know how to do it
Hi Manisha, the key to getting tops like this to fit is the type of yarn you use - the stretchier the yarn the smaller you can make the bust measurement and then the top will stretch to fit you. Otherwise, one you past the bust you can decrease with spacing out HDC2tog until you reach your waist but you'll need to experiment with how many to suit your own body measurements.
I hope this helps,
Grace
Hello! I'm currently working on this top and can't wait to get it done. But I got a little problem here..
At the beginning, the foundation fits perfectly around my bust. However, as the rounds go, the circumferences of the work suddenly gets wider and when I tried it on, it was super loose. Do you have any suggestions on how to make the circumference of this crop top consistently done? Thank you so much, Grace 🙂
Hi Varen,
It sounds like you're adding an extra stitch in every round (that last gap by the turning chain isn't a stitch!) - make sure to count your stitches so that your top stays the same size!
Grace 🙂
Hi!
I am just starting the top and I was wondering how long the 100 CH in the first row should be in inches from start to finish. I did 100 and it seems way to big. Is it supposed to be a lot bigger then you? The XS would fit me but as I start crocheting it it looks huge. So I am just wondering if maybe my yarn is much stretchier.
Hi Avree,
The foundation chain includes the front and the back and should wrap around your entire body. If your chain is huge chances are your gauge is off. For your project to match the measurements provided I always recommend crocheting a gauge swatch before you start to make sure you have the right number of stitches and rows per 10cm/4" square. That way you'll know is you need to adjust your yarn or hook size accordingly. If yours is too big chances are you need to use a smaller hook.
Grace
Hi there! It says this is either in a 5 mm or size G (US) but those are different sizes. Size G is 4.5 mm. Which do you think would be better here?
Hi Shaina,
I used clover crochet hooks and they classify a 4mm as a G, the 4.5mm hook doesn't have a letter equivalent under the US system. I'd recommend a 4mm crochet hook for this pattern but as long as you meet gauge you should be fine 🙂
Grace
I am about 10 rows in making a top for my daughter. I finally was able to try my piece on the model and it is way too big. Any suggestions?
Hi Susan,
It sounds like your gauge might not match the pattern gauge? I'd suggest crocheting a gauge swatch to make sure you have the correct number of stitches and rows per 10cm/4" square and the adjust your hook size if necessary. There are heaps of crochet gauge tutorials on YouTube 🙂
Grace
Hello! The problem with my top is that it turned out to be too big... it is very very loose and it gets wider in the lower part. It took me a very long time to finish as I’m a beginner atm and I’m not sure if I should redo the whole thing or if there is anything I can do? I’d appreciate any kind of help. Have a great day!
hi! i just started making this top a few hours ago and I'm wondering what way you used to join yarns once you finished a ball 🙂
hello! i was wondering how you continue once you start a new ball of yarn, do you use a magic knot? or another method of joining?:)
I made this top and it is to big. How to fix without takin it apart?
Hi, I am looking to start making this top for a friend because I absolutely love this design! I love the straps, but I am a bit nervous about them staying tied. How secure are the tie straps? Do they often come untied and become difficult to manage or do they stay tied and fairly in the same place?