Are you ready to embrace the Crochet Summer Top trend? crochet cropped top are everywhere these days, and for good reason! They’re stylish, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner crochet enthusiast.
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating your very own DIY crochet crop top. It’s a simple pattern with a beautiful design, perfect for showing off your handmade style. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover yarn scraps you’ve been hoarding. By the end, you’ll have a gorgeous easy crochet crop top that’s perfect for summer festivals, beach days, or just adding a touch of boho chic to your everyday wardrobe.
Crochet Cropped Top: An Introduction
Firstly, let’s talk about crochet crop tops. What exactly are they? Simply put, they’re crocheted tops that end above the waist, revealing a sliver of midriff. They can be made in countless styles, from lacy and delicate to bold and colorful. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can dress them up with a skirt and heels or keep it casual with jeans and sandals.
This particular crochet crop top pattern is designed with beginners in mind. It primarily uses basic stitches like single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc), with a touch of shell stitch for a unique flair. Don’t worry if you’re new to crocheting; I’ll explain each step clearly, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this trendy top!
Materials You’ll Need for Your Crochet Cropped Top
Before we dive into the pattern, let’s gather our supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yarn:
- You can use any worsted weight yarn in three colors for a beautiful gradient effect.
- I recommend using approximately 50-100 yards of each color for a size Medium. Of course, this may vary depending on your yarn choice and desired size.
- For example, you could choose a light cream or off-white, a vibrant light green, and a deeper, richer green for a summery vibe.
- Crochet Hook:
- A 2.5mm hook is recommended for this crochet top pattern.
- However, if your tension is typically tighter, you might need a slightly larger hook. Conversely, if your tension is looser, you may need a smaller hook. It’s important to make a gauge swatch to ensure your crochet crop top fits correctly.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle: This is essential for weaving in those pesky ends and giving your DIY crochet top a polished look.
- Optional:
- Elastic cord (or yarn for a crocheted tie): This is used for the back closure of the crochet top.
- Sewing needle and thread: These are needed if you decide to add cups or lining to your crochet crop top for extra support and coverage.
Easy Crochet Cropped Top Pattern: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your materials ready, let’s get started on the crochet top tutorial! Don’t worry; I’ll break down each step into manageable chunks, making it easy to follow along. This easy crochet crop top is made by crocheting two identical cups or “bodices” and then joining them together.
Crocheting the Cups: Shaping Your Crochet Cropped Top
Crochet Cropped Top Cup: Round 1
- To begin with, make a foundation chain of 20 chains (adjust for size – see “Customizing Your Crochet Crop Top” section below). Specifically, for a smaller size, you’ll want to start with fewer chains. Likewise, for a larger size, you’ll need more chains.
- Now, slip stitch into the first chain to create a ring. This is the beginning of your crochet crop top cup.
- Chain 4 (this counts as your first double crochet and a chain).
- Work 1 double crochet (dc) into the same stitch as the chain 4. Then, work 1 dc into each of the next 18 chains. You should now have a total of 20 double crochets.
- To illustrate how to increase, in the last stitch, work 5 double crochets. This creates a nice curve at the edge of your crochet crop top cup.
- Work 1 dc into each of the next 18 stitches.
- Finally, slip stitch into the top of the chain 4 from the beginning of the round. Fasten off your yarn and weave in the ends.
Increasing in Your Crochet Cropped Top Cup
In crochet top patterns, increasing is a common technique used to add stitches and make the fabric wider. In this pattern, we used a simple increase by working multiple double crochets into a single stitch.
Creating the Shell Stitch in Your Crochet Cropped Top
The shell stitch is a lovely decorative stitch that adds a touch of texture and interest to your crochet crop top. It’s made by working a combination of double crochets and chains into the same stitch.
Crochet Cropped Top Cup: Round 2
- Join the medium color yarn with a slip stitch in any stitch.
- Chain 3 (this counts as a dc).
- Work 1 dc into each stitch around.
- When you reach the center 5 dc increase from the previous round, work as follows:
- 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc.
- 2 dc, chain 2, 2 dc into the middle dc (this creates the shell stitch).
- 1 dc in each of the last 2 dc.
- Continue with 1 dc in each stitch around.
- Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3. Fasten off.
Crochet Cropped Top Cup: Rounds 3-4
Repeat Round 2 two more times.
Cropped Top Cup: Rounds 5-6
Repeat Round 2 two more times, but using the dark color yarn.
Cropped Top Cup: Round 7
Rpt Round 2 one last time, using the light color yarn again.
Joining the Cups: Creating the Crochet Cropped Top Body
Joining the Crochet Cropped Top Cups at the Front
Now that you have two beautiful crochet crop top cups, it’s time to join them together. This is where the magic happens!
- Place the cups with right sides facing each other.
- With the light color yarn, join with a slip stitch in any stitch on the inner edge of one cup.
- Chain 4 (counts as a dc + ch 1).
- Skip 2 sts, 3 dc in the next st, ch 1. Repeat from * across the inner edge, stopping at the center shell stitch.
- Work 5 (or more, depending on the desired width of the center section) sets of skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, ch 1 across the center section.
- Skip 2 sts, 1 dc in each st up to the center shell stitch on the other cup.
- Work a shell stitch (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the center shell stitch of the second cup.
- 1 dc in each st along the inner edge of the second cup, skipping the first 2 sts after the shell stitch.
- Sl st in the top of the ch 4. Fasten off.
Connecting the Crochet Cropped Top Cups at the Back
After that, let’s continue joining the cups at the back.
- With right sides still facing, join the light color yarn with a slip stitch in the corresponding stitch on the other side of the cups (where you left off).
- Chain 3 (counts as a dc).
- 1 dc in each st along the inner edge, up to the center shell stitch.
- Work a shell stitch (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the center shell stitch.
- 1 dc in each st along the remaining inner edge, skipping the first 2 sts after the shell stitch.
- Count the number of stitches along this joined edge (mine was 18).
- Continue working 1 dc in each stitch until you have 18 sts (or the same number you counted) remaining before the center section on the opposite side.
- Work 1 set of ch 1, skip 2 sts, 3 dc in the next st. Repeat from * until you reach the end of the row.
- Slip stitch in the top of the ch 3. Fasten off.
Adding the Edging: Finishing Touches for Your Crochet Cropped Top
Crochet Cropped Top Bottom Edging
To give your crochet crop top a polished look, we’ll add a simple edging along the bottom.
- Join the medium color yarn with a slip stitch in any stitch along the bottom edge.
- Chain 3 (counts as a dc).
- 1 dc in the same st, skip next st, 1 dc in the next st. Repeat from * around the entire bottom edge.
- Slip stitch in the top of the ch 3. Fasten off.
Repeat this round with the dark color yarn and then again with the light color yarn for a total of 4 rounds of edging.
Creating the Back Opening for Your Crochet Cropped Top
Now that you know how to create the bottom edging, let’s create the back opening for your crochet crop top.
- Join the light color yarn with a slip stitch in any stitch along the back edge.
- Chain 3 (counts as a dc).
- 1 dc in the same st, skip next st, 1 dc in the next st. Repeat from * along the back edge, stopping before the straps.
- Back opening: Slip stitch in the next stitch, chain 3, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch in the next stitch. Continue with 1 dc in the same st, skip next st, 1 dc in the next st along the remaining back edge.
- Slip stitch in the top of the ch 3. Fasten off.
Repeat this round with the dark color yarn and then again with the medium color yarn for a total of 3 rounds of edging.
Crochet Cropped Top Straps & Back Closure
Making the Crochet Cropped Top Straps
Now, it’s time to create the straps for your DIY crochet crop top.
- Join the light color yarn with a slip stitch in the ch-3 space of the back opening.
- Chain 100 (or desired length for your straps).
- Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook and in each chain back across to the top.
- Slip stitch into the base of the strap. Fasten off.
Repeat for the other strap.
Adding a Tie to Your Crochet Cropped Top
To finish off your crochet crop top, we’ll add a tie to the back opening.
- Cut a length of elastic cord (or use yarn to crochet a tie) that’s comfortable for you to tie.
- Thread the cord through the ch-3 spaces at the back opening.
- Tie the ends together in a secure knot or bow.
Customizing Your Crochet Cropped Top: Size & Style Variations
Crochet Top Sizing
This crochet top pattern is written for a size Medium, but you can easily customize it to fit your unique measurements.
- Smaller sizes: Decrease the number of chains in the foundation row and potentially decrease the number of rounds worked in each section.
- Larger sizes: Increase the number of chains in the foundation row and potentially increase the number of rounds worked in each section.
You can also get creative with the style of your crochet crop top.
- Yarn Choice: Experiment with different yarn colors and textures to create a unique look. For instance, you could use a variegated yarn for a fun, colorful effect. To illustrate, a self-striping yarn would create stripes without having to change colors manually.
- Stitch Patterns: Try incorporating different stitch patterns into the cups or edging for added texture and visual interest. A crochet crop top pattern with lace detail, for example, would add a touch of elegance.
- Embellishments: Add beads, sequins, or other embellishments to personalize your crochet crop top.
Crochet Top Style Variations
Crochet Cropped Top Inspiration & Ideas
Need some inspiration for your crochet crop top project?
- Crochet Ombre Top: Create a stunning gradient effect by gradually changing yarn colors throughout the crochet top pattern.
- Crochet Gradient Top: Similar to an ombre top, a gradient top features a smooth transition between multiple colors.
- Crochet Top with Lace Detail: Incorporate delicate lace stitches into your crochet crop top for a feminine and romantic touch.
- Crochet Summer Top Pattern For Women: Explore different patterns designed specifically for summer wear, often featuring lighter yarns and open stitch patterns.
- Crochet Top Using Leftover Yarn: Get creative and use up your yarn stash to create a unique and colorful crochet crop top.
Free Crochet Crop Top Pattern (PDF Download)
Undoubtedly, you’re excited to start crocheting your own crochet crop top. To make things even easier, you can download the complete written pattern (PDF) for free! Simply click the link below:
A Big Thanks to @ArtistaNataCrochê!
This crochet top tutorial is inspired by the fantastic YouTube videos by @ArtistaNataCrochê. Her channel is a treasure trove of crochet inspiration, especially if you’re a fan of Brazilian crochet techniques.
Watch the Tutorials:
- Cropped de Crochê Fácil e Econômico| Parte 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQj-AZsk0Qc
- Cropped de Crochê Fácil e Econômico| Parte 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw-bzzzCd_0&t=1s
Share Your Crochet Creations!
Once you’ve done that, we’d love to see your finished crochet crop tops! Share your projects with us on social media:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tubacrochet_/
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@tubacrochet
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tubacrochet/
Let’s Chat Crochet!
As you continue your crochet journey, we encourage you to leave comments and ask questions below. We’re a supportive community of crocheters, and we’re always happy to help each other out.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
Now that you’ve mastered the crochet crop top, why not try your hand at these other fun projects:
- Crochet Summer Dresses: Stay cool and stylish with a handmade crochet dress.
- Crochet Beach Bag: Carry your essentials in a beautiful and functional crocheted bag.
- Crochet Granny Squares: Learn this classic technique and create blankets, scarves, and more.
- Crochet Market Bag: Perfect for carrying all your essentials, this eco-friendly bag is both stylish and practical.
Conclusion
To wrap up, crocheting a crochet crop top is a rewarding and enjoyable project. With a free crochet crop top pattern like this one, you can create a stylish and unique garment that’s perfect for summer. So grab your yarn, hook, and let’s get crocheting!
Here’s the video link:
