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    May 24, 2019

    Crochet Tie Strap Crop Top - Free pattern + video tutorial

    My latest free crochet pattern - the Leila Tie Strap Crop Top is a super easy summer crochet crop top! πŸ™‚

    baby pink crochet tank top with tie straps and scallop edge

    This free crochet crop top pattern is also accompanied by a video tutorial!

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

    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.

    woman wearing handmade crochet tank top with tie straps and denim skirt

    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.

    flat lay of pink crochet crop top, rattan bag, flowers and sunglasses

    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?

    lana grossa 365 cotone, cotton worsted yarn

    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!

    pin image of cute crochet crop top with tie straps and scallop stitch hem

    Video Tutorial

    Notes

    *The sizing guide follows size XS(S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL). E.g. β€œCh 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

    4mm (US G) Crochet Hook

    Darning Needle

    Scissors

    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 β€˜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

    free crochet pattern crochet sweater crop top forthefrills for the frills
    Julia Peplum Sweater / Easy Crochet Crop Top

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stephanie says

      January 12, 2020 at 2:37 am

      Are you crocheting into the back loop only starting on row 3?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        January 14, 2020 at 8:26 am

        Hi Stephanie, I'm crocheting a normal HDC from round 3 πŸ™‚ Grace

        Reply
    2. Tabea says

      February 12, 2020 at 4:09 am

      This top is so cute! I’m started working on it today πŸ™‚ Did you see the straps with a yarn needle or normal thread and needle?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        February 14, 2020 at 3:14 am

        Thanks Tabea! I used a yarn/darning needle to sew the straps πŸ™‚

        Reply
    3. Jordan says

      May 05, 2020 at 1:08 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Grace says

        May 05, 2020 at 11:15 pm

        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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    4. aakriti says

      June 04, 2020 at 10:11 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Grace says

        June 11, 2020 at 2:54 am

        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 πŸ™‚
        Grace

        Reply
    5. Kelsey says

      June 05, 2020 at 3:37 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        June 11, 2020 at 2:53 am

        Hi Kelsey,
        Once your top falls about 2.5cm / 1β€³ 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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    6. Rebecca says

      June 09, 2020 at 11:30 pm

      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 πŸ™
      Is there a way to alternate the pattern to accommodate my shape?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Grace says

        June 11, 2020 at 2:48 am

        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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Tiffany says

      June 14, 2020 at 1:26 am

      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 β€œGap-y” than the photos on your blog

      Reply
    8. Emma says

      July 22, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      Will on row 31 I realize that where I slip stitch the top row has become a triangle and not straight.

      Reply
      • Grace says

        July 23, 2020 at 4:09 am

        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

        Reply
    9. Melanie says

      July 26, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Grace says

        July 30, 2020 at 12:13 am

        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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    10. Melanie says

      July 26, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        July 30, 2020 at 12:17 am

        Hi Melanie, I think I answered your yarn question in the other comment πŸ™‚ 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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    11. Kinuri says

      July 30, 2020 at 11:05 am

      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 πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Grace says

        August 05, 2020 at 7:36 am

        Hi Kinuri, the yarn amounts for each size are in the the 'Materials' instructions πŸ™‚
        Grace

        Reply
    12. Ava says

      August 05, 2020 at 6:39 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Grace says

        August 05, 2020 at 7:58 am

        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 πŸ™‚
        I hope this helps,
        Grace

        Reply
    13. Ava Grace says

      August 05, 2020 at 7:26 am

      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!

      Reply
    14. manisha says

      September 15, 2020 at 8:35 am

      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

      Reply
      • Grace says

        September 20, 2020 at 10:54 pm

        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

        Reply
    15. Varen says

      October 03, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      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 πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Grace says

        October 14, 2020 at 9:27 pm

        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 πŸ™‚

        Reply
    16. Avree Doney says

      February 04, 2021 at 5:56 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Grace says

        February 16, 2021 at 10:02 pm

        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

        Reply
    17. Shaina says

      February 28, 2021 at 4:19 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        March 10, 2021 at 3:30 am

        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 πŸ™‚

        Grace

        Reply
    18. Susan Kreyling says

      April 22, 2021 at 4:02 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Grace says

        April 27, 2021 at 6:11 am

        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 πŸ™‚

        Grace

        Reply
    19. Natty says

      May 25, 2021 at 9:43 pm

      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!

      Reply
    20. Lyra says

      October 18, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      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 πŸ™‚

      Reply
    21. Lyra says

      October 20, 2021 at 9:29 am

      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?:)

      Reply
    22. Rita says

      April 02, 2022 at 10:15 am

      I made this top and it is to big. How to fix without takin it apart?

      Reply
    23. Kaitlyn Szekerczes says

      January 20, 2023 at 10:19 am

      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?

      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 β†’

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