Are you the kind of woman that thinks summer tans should not go unnoticed? Then, you’ll love this summer crochet top pattern. Whether you’re looking for a cute top for layering or a cover-up for your beach days, this lace tee style top has it all.
Explore the multiple possibilities this pattern offers. The easy-to-follow instructions I created will give you the guiding to make it exactly as pictured. Or you can choose to easily customize it and make into a crop top, a longer beach cover-up, and even a cute dress.
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Table of Contents
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Design & Construction Overview
I love how this off-the-shoulder style summer crochet top has no special or complicated shaping. In addition to the straight-forward, easy construction, I designed it with a relaxed fit of up to 6” (15 cm) of positive ease for comfort and easy fit.
You will simply make two identical panels using a stacked shell stitch, bottom up, in turning rows. One panel for the front and another for the back. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
Then, you will seam the panels on the shoulders and body sides, leaving room for the neckline and armholes (see shape schematics chart below).
Lastly, you will crochet the edgings on the armholes, neckline, and bottom, one at a time. The single crochet stitch edgings give it support and a neat finishing.
Materials You’ll Need
You’ll need these supplies and tools to make this summer crochet top pattern:
- Light Worsted #3/DK yarn (more on the yarn below).
- A 4 mm (US G) hook, or another size if needed to meet gauge.
- A 5 mm (US H) hook for the bottom edging. I used a Furls hook.
- A darning needle to sew and weave in the ends. I like the bent tips needle, but any other tapestry needle with a smaller eye will do the job.
- Use Stitch Markers to keep track of rows and stitches.
- A flexible measuring tape to take chest measurements.
- A pair of sharp yarn scissors.
Choosing the Yarn
Light weight yarns are best for summer crochet tops. I used Truboo by Lion Brand, which is a #3 light worsted, 100% rayon from bamboo super soft yarn. The color I used was Light Blue.
Why will love Truboo? Well, I was amazed on how this yarn is perfect for summer garments. It has a sheen and it’s so silky to the touch. Not to mention, the 100% bamboo fiber content has an amazing drape.
How much yarn will you need?
The exact amount of yarn for this summer crochet top pattern varies based on size, you will need from 689 yds (630 m) for size XS to 1480 yds (1353 m) for size 5XL. To make it easy, I created this chart with the approximate amount for each size:
Not ready to make it now? Pin here for later:
Yarn Substitutions
Wondering what yarns would make good substitutes for this summer crochet top pattern? These are some Light Worsted (#3)/DK alternatives:
- Silky Soft Rayon from Bamboo Loops & Threads.
- Premier Bamboo Fair by Premier Yarns.
- Coboo by Lion Brand.
- 24/7 Cotton DK yarn.
Sizes & Measurements
Instructions in this summer crochet top pattern are for 9 Women sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL). The measurements shown in the table below are after blocking and when you meet gauge.
Variations & Sizing tips
I used standard body sizing from the Craft Yarn Council for the recommended measurements in this summer crochet top pattern. These are the bust sizes I referred to: 30” (34”, 38”, 42”, 46”, 50”, 54”, 58”, 62”).
The way I did the math for the bust circumference will give you approximately 4” to 6” of positive ease. However, it is easy to adjust the size if you would rather have it with a different width (with more or less room around the bust).
Variations to Consider
- Bust size – By simply measuring your bust circumference, and then adding more multiples of chains to your foundation you can customize the size around the chest.
- Stitch multiples size – Each multiple of 6 chains adds approximately 1.2” (3 cm) to the bust circumference (when you meet gauge).
- Making it into a crop top or cover-up – Another option is to make it into a crop top or even a beach cover-up. In this case, just add or take out rows in each body panel, to your desired length.
- Customize edging size – The edgings for the neckline, sleeves and bottom are customizable as well. You can add rows of single crochet stitches if you want them longer.
Stitch Explanation
The stitch used in this summer crochet top pattern was the stacked shell stitch worked in multiples of 6 in the foundation and a 2-row repeat to make the length of the top (rows 2 and 3).
Here is how you do it:
- Create a foundation chain with multiples of 6 + 1
- Row 1: *(dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in 9th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 5 chs, repeat from the * until you have 4 chs left, ch 1, sk 3 chs, dc in last ch, ch 5. Turn.
- Row 2: *sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, repeat from the * to the last ch sp, sc in last ch sp, ch 2, dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
- Row 3: *sk next two ch 2 sp, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, repeat from the * across, finish this row with a dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
- Repeat rows 2 and 3 per pattern instructions.
Summer Crochet Top Pattern
Notes
This summer crochet top pattern uses US crochet terminology.
Pattern Skill Level: Intermediate.
- The instructions in this top pattern are for 9 sizes, XS through 5X.
- Numbers throughout the pattern are given in this format and sequence XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X).
- To make it easier to follow the pattern, print and highlight the number pertaining to your size with a pen in each section of the pattern.
- Model pictured here is 5’ 6” (167 cm) tall with a 34” (88.5 cm) around the fullest part of the bust and wears size S.
- Sizes may vary depending on stitch tension, yarn type, and hook size and brand.
Stitch Tension
Please make sure you don’t skip this step. Why is it important? Because a gauge swatch will determine if your stitch tension is right so you can be successful with this summer crochet top pattern sizing.
Gauge: 4 shells (dc, ch 1, dc) in same stitch x 9 rows of the pattern = 5″ (12.7 cm). After blocking/pressing slightly with a hot steam iron without soaking in water.
Gauge Swatch
Ch 31
R1: *(dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in 9th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 5 chs, rep from the asterisk until you have 4 chs left, ch 1, sk 3 chs, dc in last ch, ch 5. Turn.
R2: *sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, rep from the asterisk to the last ch sp, sc in last ch sp, ch 2, dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
R3: *sk next two ch 2 sp, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, rep from the asterisk across, finish this row with a dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
R4-9: Repeat rows 2 and 3.
Pattern Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch(s): chain(s)
- dc: double crochet
- FO: fasten-off or finish-off
- R: row
- rep: repeat
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
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Instructions
- Step 1: Make 2 body panels
Make two identical panels, one for the front and one for the back. Need a visual reference for the stitch? Check the chart in the “stitch instructions” section above.
Ch 90 (102, 108, 120, 132, 138, 150, 162, 168) + 1.
Tip: In case you need to adjust the size, the multiple for the foundation is 6 chs + 1. See “measurement and sizes” and “stitch tension” sections above for important sizing information before you start.
R1: *(dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in 9th ch from hook, ch 1, sk 5 chs, repeat from the asterisk until you have 4 chs left, ch 1, sk 3 chs, dc in last ch, ch 5. Turn.
R2: *sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 2, repeat from the asterisk to the last ch sp, sc in last ch sp, ch 2, dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
R3: *sk next two ch 2 sp, (dc 2, ch 1, dc 2) in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, repeat from the asterisk across, finish this row with a dc in initial 3rd ch from previous row, ch 5. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 and 3 through rows 35 (35, 35, 35, 37, 37, 39, 39, 39). Cut the yarn. FO.
- Step 2: Sides Seam
Thread the tapestry needle with another strand of yarn. Then, with the panels paired together, seam both sides leaving approximately 7” (7”, 7”, 8”, 8”, 9”, 9”, 10”, 11”) on each side’s top for the armholes.
Seaming tip: I used the whip stitch to sew this summer crochet top pattern. I like it because it creates a neat and clean seaming. Simply insert the needle (in my case from right to left, as I am right-handed) under two stitch loops in the first fabric layer. Then, in the corresponding stitch in the other layer at the same time to create a whip stitch.
- Step 3: Shoulders Seam
- Pair both panels together, shoulder with shoulder. The shoulder will be sewn in last row of the panels.
- Thread the needle with a strand of yarn.
- Sew approximately 3 inches on each shoulder for all sizes. Make sure to try to keep it aligned and insert the needle in both corresponding stitches at the same time to do the seam.
Tip: This summer crochet top pattern is for an “off-the-shoulder” style top, but if you want the neckline to be tighter you can sew a little further towards the neck. However, please keep in mind that the neckline edging you’ll add later takes most of the stretch away as well.
The side where you created the seaming will be the wrong side. Next, go ahead and turn the right side out to crochet the edgings.
- Step 4: Armhole edging
I created all the edgings using sc sts in continuous rounds. And by “continuous rounds” I mean I attached the yarn and did sc sts around without joining. Before you go far in the edging process, I wanted to mention it doesn’t matter in which order you crochet the edgings.
Here is how you do the armhole:
- Attach the yarn in the underarm stitch of the first armhole.
- Sc to round 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7) in continuous rounds.
- Repeat the above steps for each of the armhole edgings, one at a time.
- FO. Cut the yarn.
Tip: Stitch count is not important for a single armhole in this summer crochet top pattern. But both armholes should have the same number of sts. So, make sure you count how many stitches the first armhole has and then replicate it to the second one. My Small size top had 84 sc sts per round in each armhole, which is 3 sc sts for each space around.
- Step 5: Neckline edging
The stacked shell stitches used in this summer crochet top pattern add lots of stretch to your top, making the neckline larger than it should be. So, crocheting this edging for the neckline is important to add support.
Here is how you crochet the edging around the neckline:
- Attach the yarn to any stitch.
- Sc to round 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) in continuous rounds.
- FO. Cut the yarn.
- Step 6: Bottom edging
Keep using the sc in continuous rounds technique for the bottom edging of the summer crochet top pattern as well. However, I wanted to give you a heads up that this technique will make the bottom a little tight.
I used a 5 mm (US H) hook to fix that issue by giving the edging stitches a looser tension.
Here is how you crochet the bottom edging:
- Turn the top upside down and attach the yarn to any stitch in the foundation chains.
- Sc to round 10 in continuous rounds (for all sizes).
- FO. Cut the yarn. Weave in all the ends.
And with these simple steps, you have your summer crochet pattern ready to rock at the beach. Have you made any changes to the pattern? Please see below how you can keep in touch and how me what you made.
FAQ
Do I need to block my crochet top?
Not necessarily! But please keep in mind that you do need to crochet a gauge swatch and press it slightly with a steam hot iron. A blocked swatch will be larger than a non-blocked one, by at least one row. So, don’t be alarmed that when you finish your top, it will be smaller than the size informed in the pattern.
What yarns are best for crochet summer tops?
Light worsted (#3)/DK yarns with natural fiber contents from plants are best for summer tops. The most common natural fibers are cotton, bamboo, rayon, and linen.
Can I use thicker yarns?
Yes. Feel free any yarn you like for this summer crochet top pattern. But first, measure your bust size, and start with a multiple of 6 chains plus 1 for each of the front and back panels. Don’t forget to add extra chains for ease.
Can beginners crochet summer tops?
They certainly can! This top is a perfect project for a first crochet garment. However, get yourself comfortable with the basics of crochet garment making. Such as, basic shaping, hand sewing, and gauge.
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When you say repeat from astreks you do not have last * so where do we stop? In the ( )
Thank you for reaching out with your question. “Repeat from the asterisk” means you will repeat all instructions before the “repeat from the *” statement.
Maggie