Get a stylish crochet crop top pattern! This easy, beginner-friendly tutorial guides you step-by-step to a handmade summer essential.
Crochet Your Way to Summer Style
Crocheting your own summer wardrobe is a delightful way to express your creativity and add unique pieces no one else will have. This crochet crop top pattern is the perfect project. It’s versatile, customizable, and surprisingly easy – even if you’re new to crochet!
This pattern is ideal for beginners because it uses basic stitches and simple shaping techniques. Whether you envision it as a crochet bra pattern or a flirty and fun summer crochet top, you can easily modify the colors, straps, and length to fit your style and preferences.
Tools & Materials
Before we dive in, you’ll need these essentials:
- Yarn: Choose a cotton or wool yarn in your favorite summer colors. Medium weight (#4) is ideal for this pattern.
- Crochet hook: A 5mm hook works perfectly for this yarn weight.
- Stitch markers: To keep track of your rows and stitches.
- Scissors
- Wool needle
Before You Start: A Crochet Crash Course
If you’re new to crochet, here’s a quick guide to essential terms and techniques used in this pattern:
- Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of many crochet patterns
- Single Crochet (sc): A short, versatile stitch
- Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch perfect for creating rows
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining pieces or moving across stitches
Tips for a Perfect Crop Top
- Practice your tension: Consistent tension keeps your stitches even. Do a practice swatch first!
- Count your stitches: Miscounting throws off your design – stitch markers help!
- Customize it: Experiment with colors, lengths, and straps for a one-of-a-kind top.
Written Pattern
Ready to start? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Bust Cups (Make 2)
- Chain: Start with 14 chains. Mark the first chain (this will be your turning chain).
- Double crochet (dc): Work 1 dc in each chain across, including the marked turning chain (14 dc total).
- Turn: Chain 2 (this chain counts as the first dc of the next row).
- Double crochet (dc): Work 1 dc in each stitch across, turning at the end of the row (14 dc total).
- Repeat Rows 3 and 4: Continue crocheting rows of double crochet until you have a total of 8 rows. You should now have a square that measures approximately 9 cm x 9 cm.
Joining the Cups and Shaping the Sides
- Join the cups: Using a slip stitch, join the two squares together along the sides, leaving an opening at the desired bust coverage point.
- Underarm shaping: Starting at the base of one cup (where you joined the squares), chain 1 and turn. Work single crochet stitches along the side of the cup and the joined section until you have 15 stitches.
- Back row: Chain 2 (this chain counts as the first dc of the next row). Work 15 double crochet stitches across the back (including the stitches along the joined section).
- Decrease rows: Repeat rows 2 and 3, decreasing by 1 double crochet stitch on each side (back and side) every row. Continue decreasing until you reach your desired crop top width (typically around 10 double crochet stitches).
Straps (Make 2):
Adjustable Straps:
- Chain: Chain the desired length for your straps (consider starting with a length that reaches your shoulder comfortably and adjust as needed).
- Slip stitch cord: Work slip stitches all the way back down the chain to create a thick cord-like strap.
- Attach straps: Sew the ends of the straps securely to the top corners of your crop top and the back piece using your yarn and a needle.
Back Tie (Optional):
- Chain: Chain a length that allows you to comfortably tie a bow or knot at the back (approximately 20-30 chains).
- Attach tie: Sew the ends of the chain securely to the back piece of your crop top using your yarn and a needle.
Finishing Touches
- Weave in ends: Using your wool needle, neatly weave in all loose yarn ends to prevent unraveling.
- Customization: Get creative! You can customize the length of the crop top by adding or removing rows. Experiment with different colored yarns or add decorative edging for a personalized touch.
Ascending and Descending Rows for Styling
- For a longer crop top: Simply continue working rows of double crochet after completing the shaping rows. You can add as many rows as needed to achieve your desired length.
- For a shorter crop top: After completing the shaping rows, decrease more aggressively by reducing stitches by 2 or 3 instead of 1 on each side in each row. This will create a more cropped silhouette.
Remember, this pattern is a guide, and you are encouraged to experiment and adjust it to your preferences. Embrace your creativity and have fun crocheting your unique summer crop top!
Let’s Get Social!
If you love this pattern as much as I do, check out the YouTube channel Malulu Knit (https://www.youtube.com/@MaluluKnit) for the full tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/) watch?v=nYPkabtdf0Q). I’d love to see what your top looks like! Share your photos on Instagram (@tubacrochet_) and TikTok (@tubacrochet).
Stay Creative!
This pattern is just the beginning. Why not explore different stitch patterns, add a decorative edging, or experiment with a variety of yarns? The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity shine through in your crocheted creations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share your work with our community. Happy crocheting!
