Whip Up a Chic Crochet Summer Top: Step by Step Guide

Introducing a crochet summer top pattern that’s as breezy as a summer day! This crochet sleeveless top design is perfect for those warm-weather days, whether you’re lounging at home, strolling through a park, or enjoying a beachside sunset.

This crochet summer top for women is not only stylish but also a fantastic project for beginner crocheters. It’s a fantastic way to learn fundamental crochet stitches and techniques, and in addition, it’s a relatively quick project that won’t overwhelm a new crocheter.

Furthermore, you can customize this crochet summer top with different yarn colors and adjust the length and width to achieve the perfect fit for your body and style. It’s the ultimate DIY project for a handmade wardrobe addition!

The finished crochet summer top boasts a relaxed, oversized fit, making it a comfortable and versatile piece. Specifically, it features a scooped neckline and twelve adorable straps, which add a touch of bohemian charm. You can wear it with your favorite denim shorts, a flowy skirt, or even over a swimsuit for a carefree summer look.

Crafting a Stylish Crochet Summer Top: Getting Started

Firstly, gather your materials. Because of this, you’ll be ready to start crocheting in no time.

Gathering Your Materials for the Crochet Summer Top

For this particular crochet summer top pattern, you’ll need a few key components:

• Yarn: 200g (680m) of 100% cotton yarn in a light, breathable color of your choice. For instance, soft whites, cheerful yellows, or refreshing blues would be wonderful. You can also opt for a blend like cotton and linen, especially if you’re crocheting in a particularly humid or warm area. You want a yarn with a worsted weight (#4) or medium thickness.
• Crochet Hook: A 4mm crochet hook is recommended, although the yarn label may suggest a 3.5mm hook. However, the designer of this pattern, @MirandaMacrame, prefers a tighter stitch, so a 4mm hook is ideal for achieving the look she envisioned.
• Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in the ends of your yarn and for seaming the front and back pieces together.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors are a must-have for cutting your yarn.
• Stitch Markers: While not completely necessary, stitch markers are very helpful for keeping track of your place, especially when working in rounds. They’ll help avoid any accidental mistakes.

Understanding the Crochet Summer Top Pattern

The crochet summer top pattern is worked in rows, and it’s primarily built using the half double crochet (hdc) stitch. Furthermore, chain stitches (ch) are used for starting rows, creating straps, and for increases. Also, we’ll use single crochet (sc) for the bottom hem of the top.

Moreover, the pattern is structured with two identical pieces that are crocheted separately: the front and the back. After that, these two pieces are then seamed together.

The straps are created by a series of chain stitches and hdc rows. You can easily customize the width of the straps by altering the number of chain stitches you make.

Choosing Your Crochet Hook for the Summer Top

As mentioned before, a 4mm crochet hook is the best choice for this pattern. However, if you find that your stitches are too tight or too loose, you can always experiment with a slightly larger or smaller hook size.

In the same way, if you’re just starting your crochet journey, a slightly larger hook can make it easier to manage the yarn and the stitches.

Understanding Stitch Terminology for the Crochet Top

To begin with, let’s review some basic crochet terminology that will be crucial as you work through this crochet summer top pattern:

• Chain Stitch (ch): A foundational stitch that forms a chain of loops, used for starting rows and creating spaces.
• Single Crochet (sc): A short stitch used for creating solid fabric and for finishing edges.
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): A slightly taller stitch that’s a great choice for creating airy and textured fabric.
• Slip Stitch (sl st): A small stitch used for joining rounds and for creating a neat finish.
• Increasing: Adding stitches within a row to create a wider area. We’ll do this mainly with chains in the spaces of our straps.
• Seaming: Stitching two pieces together, using a tapestry needle and yarn.
• Weaving in Ends: Securing and hiding the loose ends of yarn within the fabric.

Creating the First Strap of Your Crochet Summer Top

Now that you know the basics, we can get started with the first strap!

Creating the Foundation Chain for the Strap

First of all, make a slip knot onto your hook.
Then, chain 51.
This beginning chain forms the foundation for the strap.

Working the Initial Half Double Crochet Rows for the Strap

Next, you’ll work two rows of hdc stitches along the chain.

• Row 1: Hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook, and then hdc in each remaining chain across. You should end up with 49 hdc stitches in this row.
• Row 2: Ch 2 (this counts as your first hdc), turn your work, and hdc in each stitch across. You’ll have 49 hdc again in this row.

In short, you are simply completing the strap’s first two rows. The first two rows of each strap will always be this pattern.

Building the Body of Your Crochet Summer Top

With the first strap completed, we can move on to the main body of the crochet summer top.

Working the Main Half Double Crochet Rows

Subsequently, you’ll work a series of hdc rows across the width of the strap and the open spaces. This is the pattern that is repeated many times, giving our summer top its body and shape.

• Rows 3-6: Ch 2 (counts as your first hdc), and hdc in each stitch across. You’ll have 49 hdc stitches in each of these rows.

Increasing the Stitch Count for Wider Sections

Furthermore, we need to increase the stitch count to widen the top. We’ll do this by creating a little increase in the last stitch of the row. Note: This is an important point to pay attention to.

• Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st until the last 2 sts. [hdc, hdc] in the last st, turn. You’ll have 50 hdc stitches in this row. Note: We’ve just increased our stitch count by 1 in the last stitch.

Because of this, your work will be slightly wider, but not very wide.

Maintaining Stitch Count and Row Consistency

After increasing in the previous row, you want to keep your stitch count consistent.

• Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. You’ll have 50 hdc in this row.

In the same way, you will continue this consistent stitch count until you are ready to add another strap.

Adding Straps to Your Crochet Summer Top: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving on, we’ll learn how to add straps to your crochet summer top and continue growing the width. This part is where we create the unique shape of this crochet summer top.

Creating the Chain Spaces for the Straps

To start, you’ll create chain spaces along the edge of the crochet piece. This is how we create the open space where we will add the next strap and continue increasing the width.

• Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Before you finish the row, ch 40, and join with a sl st to the first hdc of the row.
• After that, hdc in each st across. You’ll have 49 hdc and ch-40 on this row.

Connecting the Strap Chain Spaces to the Body of the Top

Next, you’ll incorporate the chain spaces into the main body of the top.

• Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st across the entire row, including the ch-40 space (now it will become part of the fabric). You will have 90 hdc in this row.

In addition, it is very important to maintain your stitch count here. The ch-40 space we created has been incorporated into the body of our top, and this is how we continue to widen the top.

Continuing the Crochet Summer Top Pattern After Adding a Strap

After that, you’ll continue working hdc rows across the entire piece. The important thing is that you’re maintaining a consistent stitch count across the entire row, and you’re working over the chain spaces.

• Rows 11-15: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. You will have 90 hdc in each row.

As a result of this, your crochet piece is becoming wider and wider, and the body of the summer top is now taking shape.

Adjusting the Fit and Length of Your Crochet Summer Top

Similarly, you can easily adjust the fit and length of your crochet summer top to perfectly suit your body. This is what makes this pattern so wonderful for crocheters of all shapes and sizes.

Adjusting the Width of Your Crochet Summer Top

To adjust the width, simply adjust the initial chain for each strap. You can make the starting chain longer or shorter to create a wider or narrower strap. In the same way, you can create more or less space between the straps.

In fact, if you want a wider top, you can simply increase the number of chains in your initial strap.

Adjusting the Length of Your Crochet Summer Top

To put it another way, you can lengthen or shorten the body of the top by adding or removing rows of hdc. If you want a longer top, simply continue working hdc rows until you’re happy with the length.

Seaming Your Crochet Summer Top: Combining the Front and Back Panels

Now that you have the front and back pieces of your crochet summer top completed, it’s time to seam them together.

In general, it’s a simple process that adds a beautiful finish to the top.

• Lay your front and back pieces right sides together.
• Using a tapestry needle and yarn, carefully stitch the sides of the top together.
• At the neckline, leave a space of 14 stitches unseamed on each side to create a slight scoop.

That is to say, this scoop helps create a neckline that is flattering on a variety of body types. It is a great way to show off your shoulders.

Finishing Touches for Your Crochet Summer Top

Finally, we’re in the home stretch. The finishing touches for your crochet summer top will give it a professional look and a beautifully finished edge.

• Finishing the Bottom Hem: Work a row of sc along the bottom edge of the top. Finish with a sl st to the first sc. This hem creates a nice, clean edge that prevents the top from unraveling.
• Weaving in Ends: Carefully weave in any loose ends using your tapestry needle. This is a crucial step that ensures your crochet summer top looks neat and tidy.

Easy Color Variations for Your Crochet Summer Top

Obviously, you can customize the color of your crochet summer top by changing colors at the beginning of each strap. When you get to the second row of each strap (the second hdc row), simply cut off the old color, tie on your new color, and continue crocheting.

Moreover, if you’re feeling creative, you can also incorporate color changes within a row, creating stripes or other interesting patterns.

Written Pattern:

Note: This pattern is written for a size Small/Medium (US sizing), however, it’s easy to adjust by altering the starting chain and the number of straps.

Getting Started:

1. Create the First Strap:
   • Make a slip knot onto your hook.
   • Ch 51.
   • Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook and in each remaining ch across. (49 hdc)
   • Ch 2, turn.
   • Hdc in each st across. (49 hdc)
   • Note: This is your first and second row for the strap, making the first two rows of each strap.
2. Creating the Body:
   • Rows 3-6: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st across. (49 hdc)
   • Row 7: Ch 2, hdc in each st until the last 2 sts. [hdc, hdc] in the last st, turn. (50 hdc) Note: Here we increase the stitches slightly.
   • Row 8: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (50 hdc)

Adding the Strap:

• Row 9: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Before you finish the row, ch 40, and join with a sl st to the first hdc of the row. Now, hdc in each st across. (49 hdc and ch-40). Note: We’ve created a small opening for the next strap.

Continuing the Pattern:

• Row 10: Ch 2, hdc in each st across the entire row, including the ch-40 space (now it will become part of the fabric). (90 hdc) Note: Here we’ve incorporated the ch-40 into the stitch count.
• Row 11-15: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (90 hdc)

Adding more straps:

• Row 16: Ch 2, hdc in each st until last 2 sts. [hdc, hdc] in the last st, turn. (91 hdc)
• Row 17: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (91 hdc)
• Row 18: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. Before you finish the row, ch 40, and join with a sl st to the first hdc of the row. Now, hdc in each st across. (90 hdc and ch-40).
• Row 19: Ch 2, hdc in each st across the entire row, including the ch-40 space. (131 hdc)
• Row 20 – 24: Ch 2, hdc in each st across. (131 hdc)
• Continue this process until you have a total of 12 straps. Note: Each strap requires 2 rows of hdc and a ch-40.

Finishing the Body:

• Continue with hdc rows until the desired length of your top is reached. Note: Keep checking the size and adjust if needed by adding or decreasing rows.

Finishing the Top:

1. Seaming:
   • Lay your front and back pieces right sides together.
   • Using a tapestry needle and yarn, carefully stitch the sides of the top together.
   • At the neckline, leave a space of 14 points unseamed on each side to create a slight scoop.
2. Finishing the Bottom Hem:
   • Once seamed, work a row of sc along the bottom edge of the top.
   • Finish with a sl st to the first sc.
3. Weaving in Ends:
   • Carefully weave in any loose ends using your tapestry needle.

Color Variations:

If you’d like to create a multicolored crochet summer top, you can easily switch colors at the beginning of each strap. When you get to the second row of each strap (the second hdc row), simply cut off the old color, tie on your new color, and continue crocheting.

Free Crochet Summer Top Pattern with Detailed Instructions:

If you prefer having a handy PDF file with all the details of this crochet summer top pattern, you can download it for free at https://crochetstrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Free-crochet-summer-top-pattern-with-detailed-instructions.pdf.

Inspired by @MirandaMacrame:

This crochet summer top pattern is inspired by a wonderful crochet summer top tutorial by @MirandaMacrame, a talented creator who shares incredible macrame and crochet top projects on YouTube. You can find the original video here.

If you’d like to explore more of her awesome work, check out her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MirandaMacrame.

Show Off Your Creations!

We’d love to see your beautiful crochet summer tops! Share your crochet summer top creations on social media and tag us!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tubacrochet_
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@tubacrochet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tubacrochet/

Join the Conversation!

Do you have any questions about this crochet summer top pattern? Also, feel free to share your tips and tricks with other crocheters in the comments below. Let’s build a vibrant and supportive community!

Other Crochet Projects You’ll Love

If you enjoyed creating this crochet summer top, you might also love exploring these other fantastic crochet projects:

• Crochet Blanket Patterns: Cozy up with a handmade blanket.
• Crochet Baby Clothes: Create adorable outfits for little ones.
• Crochet Bags and Totes: Carry your essentials in style.
• Crochet Home Decor: Add a touch of handmade charm to your living space.
• Crochet Amigurumi: Create cute and cuddly stuffed toys.
• Easy Crochet Summer Cardigan Pattern: Stay cozy on cool summer evenings with a lightweight cardigan.
• Crochet Summer Hat Pattern: Protect yourself from the sun with a fashionable crochet hat.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, this crochet summer top is a fantastic project for crocheters of all skill levels. It’s a chance to learn new stitches and techniques, unleash your creativity with color variations, and create a stylish and comfortable piece for your wardrobe. Therefore, don’t hesitate to give it a try! I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial and that it inspires you to whip up your own stunning crochet summer top! Happy crocheting!