Get ready to create your own stylish and breezy summer essential – a gorgeous crochet mesh top! This versatile top is perfect for warm weather days, whether you’re strolling along the beach or enjoying a summer brunch. The open mesh stitch provides a beautiful airy feel, while the optional addition of crochet flower squares adds a touch of whimsy and trendiness.
Best of all, this project is beginner friendly! Even if you’re new to crochet, you’ll be able to follow along and create this stunning top with ease. So, let’s dive in and get you started on your crochet journey!
Materials
Before we begin, let’s gather our materials:
- Yarn: Choose a lightweight yarn (5-ply recommended) in your favorite summery color. Cotton, linen, or a blend would be perfect for breathability.
- Crochet Hook: A 4mm crochet hook is ideal for this project.
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers
- Darning Needle
Crochet Mesh Top Basics: Mastering the Stitch
The foundation of this crochet top is the beautifully simple mesh stitch. Here’s a quick breakdown for beginners:
- Chain Stitch (ch): The starting point for most crochet projects.
- Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that creates height and structure.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used for joining stitches or moving across a row.
The mesh stitch pattern is created by alternating double crochet stitches and chain stitches, forming a lovely openwork design.
Now, let’s build the mesh pattern:
Body:
- Foundation Chain: Chain a multiple of 3 + 2 (for turning chain). Example: To start with a width of 18 chains (multiple of 3), chain 20 (18 + 2).
- Row 1: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), skip 1 chain, dc in the next chain. Chain 1, skip 1 chain, dc in the next chain. Repeat from * to * across the row. Turn your work.
- Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), skip the first dc from the previous row, dc in the chain-1 space from the previous row. Chain 1, skip a dc, dc in the next chain-1 space. Repeat from * to * across the row. Turn your work.
- Repeat Row 2: Continue repeating Row 2 for your desired top length.
Shaping (Optional):
- Armholes: Once you’ve reached your desired body length (measure from underarm to desired neckline), work Row 2, but skip the last 3 stitches. In the next row, skip the first 3 stitches and the last 3 stitches. Continue decreasing 3 stitches on each side every other row until you have your desired armhole size.
- Neckline (Optional – for a deeper neckline): After shaping the armholes, work a few rows straight (without decreasing) until you reach your desired neckline depth. In the next row, skip the first few stitches (depending on how deep you want the neckline) and work dc across to the end. In the following row, work a decreasing row by skipping one stitch before each dc. Continue decreasing rows as needed to achieve your desired neckline shape.
Straps:
- Starting the Straps: From the top corner of the armhole (where shaping stopped), chain enough stitches to reach the desired strap width (typically 10-12 chains).
- Strap Rows: Turn your work and work dc across the chain, then turn and work dc back across.
- Decreasing for Straps: In the next row, dc in the first stitch, then sl st skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch. Continue working dc and sl st, skipping one stitch between each dc, to the end of the row. Repeat decreasing rows until your strap reaches the desired length (typically reaching the other side of the neckline shaping). Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for the other strap.
DIY Crochet Mesh Top: Adding Straps & Edging (Optional):
There are many edging options! Choose your favorite edging stitch (such as single crochet, scallop stitch, or picot) and work a row around the entire perimeter of the top, including the armholes and straps.
Finishing Touches:
Weave in all loose ends.
Flower Squares (Optional): Crochet Flower Squares Made Easy
Ready for the fun part? Let’s embellish our top with crochet flower squares! These squares add a playful and on trend element.
- Follow a separate crochet flower square pattern and crochet as many squares as desired.
- You can sew the squares directly onto the top for a decorative touch, or use them to create a yoke or neckline detail.
Create Your Custom Crochet Mesh Top: Shaping & Sizing
Adjusting the foundation chain and experimenting with rows will customize your top’s size and fit. Want a longer top? Add more rows! Need a wider fit? Start with a longer foundation chain. There’s room to get creative here! We’ll also add shaping using simple decreases for the straps and neckline.
Style Your Handmade Crochet Mesh Top: Outfit Ideas
Your new crochet top is incredibly versatile! Pair it with jeans or shorts for a relaxed look, or dress it up with a skirt for a summery date night. Add a bralette or tank top underneath for extra coverage, if desired.
Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love
Inspired to crochet more? Here are a few delightful project ideas:
Congratulations on creating your own beautiful crochet mesh top! We hope you enjoyed the process and feel empowered to tackle more crochet projects. If you followed this pattern, we’d love to see your finished top! Please share photos on Instagram and tag @tubacrochet_ and on TikTok, tiktok.com/@tubacrochet and engage with our crochet community.
Remember, the crochet journey is about creativity and relaxation. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to experiment! Before you go, give a big thanks to @chendadiy on YouTube for the awesome inspiration – be sure to check out their channel [https://www.youtube.com/@chendadiy] for more amazing crochet tutorials!
