Are you ready to add a touch of handmade charm to your summer wardrobe? If so, this DIY crochet crop top project is perfect for you! This trendy crochet tank top is not only stylish but surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re a crochet beginner. Let’s dive in and discover the joy of creating your own unique piece!
Project Overview
This free crochet crop top pattern results in a breezy tank top with a playful zigzag design. It’s perfect for warmer days and can easily be dressed up or down. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a festival, or just relaxing with friends, this handmade garment is sure to turn heads.
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Project Uses: Casual wear, beachwear, festival attire
Crochet Tank Top Basics: Materials and Techniques
- Yarn: Alize Cotton Gold (or a similar medium-weight yarn)
- Hook: 3mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Needle (for weaving in ends)
Key Techniques:
- Chain Stitch (ch): The foundation of many crochet projects.
- Double Crochet (dc): A taller and versatile stitch.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining pieces or finishing rounds.
Crochet Your Tank Top Foundation: The Square Pattern
The heart of this design lies in simple crochet squares. You’ll learn how to create these squares and then cleverly join them together to form the body of your tank top.
Customizing Your Crochet Tank Top: Color and Design
Get creative! Unleash your inner designer by choosing colors that speak to you. Experiment with stripes, solids, or even a vibrant ombre effect. This pattern is your canvas, so feel free to express your personal style.
Finishing Touches: Straps and Edging for Your Crochet Tank Top
We’ll add simple straps and a delicate edging to give your crochet tank top a polished look. These finishing touches will elevate your project and make it feel truly complete.
Crochet Tank Top Inspiration: Variations and Styling Ideas
The beauty of this pattern is its versatility. Play with different yarn weights for a thicker or airier garment. Add beads or tassels for a touch of boho flair, or experiment with different strap styles. You can pair your finished tank top with jeans, a flowy skirt, or layer it over a swimsuit – the possibilities are endless!
Step by Step Written Pattern
Gauge:
- 4 dc x 4 rows = 1 inch x 1 inch (gauge swatch recommended)
Notes:
- This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
- Chain 1 (ch 1) at the beginning of a row does not count as a stitch unless otherwise noted.
- Change colors by weaving in the new color at the end of the working stitch.
Body Panels (Make 2)
Color A:
- Row 1: ch 3, 2 dc in the 3rd ch from the hook, turn (2 dc)
- Row 2: ch 1, 2 dc in each dc across, turn (4 dc)
- Row 3: ch 1, dc in the first dc, 2 dc in the next dc, repeat across, turn (6 dc)
- Row 4: ch 1, 2 dc in each dc across, turn (8 dc)
- Row 5: ch 1, dc in the first 2 dc, 2 dc in the next dc, repeat across, turn (10 dc)
- Row 6: ch 1, 2 dc in each dc across, turn (12 dc)
- Row 7 (Increase Row): ch 1, 2 dc in the first dc, dc in the next dc, 2 dc in the next dc, repeat across, turn (14 dc)
- Row 8: ch 1, 2 dc in each dc across, turn (16 dc)
- Rows 9-17: Repeat Rows 7 & 8 (creates a total of 5 increase rows) – 20 dc at the end of Row 17
- Shape armhole (decrease rows): ch 1, dc in the first 3 dc, 2 dc together, dc in the next 2 dc, repeat across (18 dc)
- Row 19: ch 1, dc in each dc across (18 dc)
- Rows 20-22: Repeat Rows 10 & 11 (16 dc at the end of Row 22)
- Row 23: ch 1, dc in each dc across (16 dc)
Color B (change color here)
Neckline shaping (decrease rows): ch 1, dc in the first 2 dc, sl st skip the next 2 dc, dc in the next dc, repeat across (14 dc)
- Row 25: ch 1, dc in each dc across (14 dc)
- Rows 26-28: Repeat Rows 14 & 15 (12 dc at the end of Row 28)
- Row 29: ch 1, dc in each dc across (12 dc)
- Row 30: ch 1, dc in the first dc, sl st skip the next 2 dc, dc in the next dc, repeat across (10 dc)
- Row 31: ch 1, dc in each dc across (10 dc)
- Continue in Color B: Repeat Rows 30 & 31 until desired crop top length is reached (adjust for personal preference).
- Final Row: ch 1, sl st in each dc across, fasten off and weave in ends.
Make another panel exactly the same way for the back of the crop top.
Assembly:
- Lay the two panels flat with right sides facing each other.
- Starting at the bottom edge, seam the side seams together with slip stitches, leaving the armhole openings un-seamed.
- Along the neckline edge, seam the shoulder seams together with slip stitches for a few inches.
- Leave the remaining neckline open for the straps.
- Weave in all remaining ends.
Straps:
With Color A, chain a desired length for the strap (adjust for personal preference). *Tip: Try the top on and measure the distance from the shoulder opening to where you want the strap
Acknowledgments
This beautiful design was inspired by the talented TubaCrochet on YouTube. Be sure to check out her video tutorial for visual guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KatXn_B5Xno. Share your finished projects with us on Instagram (@tubacrochet_) or TikTok (@tubacrochet)!
Community Connection
Did you enjoy creating this crochet tank top? Let me know in the comments below! I love seeing your projects and fostering a community of passionate crocheters.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
I hope this blog post has inspired you to embrace the joys of crochet! Creating your own crochet tops for women adds a unique and personalized touch to your wardrobe. Enjoy the process, wear your finished crochet crop top with pride, and let your creativity shine!
