Learn how to crochet a ribbed cropped tank top for summer! The Terracotta Crop Top is an easy crochet project with chunky straps and an on-trend square neckline. This project works up quickly so you can make the most of those hot summer days!
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As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% mine 🙂
The terracotta blouse is the little sister of the sagebrush tank top! Both crochet tops feature the same beginner half double crochet rib knit but have very different necklines and fits.
The terracotta top is much more of a crop top with a tighter bust, more like a cropped sweater, while the sagebrush tank top is looser and more airy. You'll also notice that the Sagebrush Tank has a crew neck, while the Terracotta Tank has a square collar.
The square neckline also means that the terracotta tank top has fewer rows of increases/decreases and the vast majority of the bodice follows a basic row - just go back half a double crochet in each stitch!
construction
The construction of this crochet sweater is very simple as the entire piece is crocheted. The foundation chain runs lengthwise, not widthwise, so forms the length of the top.
We start by crocheting the center back, then the first loop, the front piece, the second loop and then the last part of the back.
For a neat, tidy edge, we make chain stitches along the neckline and straps. Remember that the key to a clean and tidy look is even stitches and tension. It is very important to keep your tension even or your straps may look too short!
I find it helpful to crochet a border about 10cm wide and then lay my bodice on a flat surface. You can see if your stitches are too tight - they're pulling on the edge, causing it to pucker (which shortens your straps). If your stitches are too loose, they will look ruffled at the edges.
Another tip for crochet edging is that I like to do the edging completely in one go. That way, you're more likely to maintain the same tension the whole time, rather than crocheting a little, pulling the bodice down, and back again.
After completing the neckline edge, the edges of the back pieces are knitted with slip stitches and then you're done! Now you can try the blouse on and fix the straps with stitch markers. Adjust the straps as needed and sew them to the blouse.
When sewing your shoulder straps, I like to make sure the wrong side is facing me and my darning needle doesn't go through the slip stitch on the right side of the bodice. This way you keep that nice, clean edge you just made! If you need more help, this technique is also used with the Blair Crop Top and you can see the step by step video and photos here!
Design-Inspiration
The design inspiration for this top was simple - it was voted on by all of you on Instagram! I usually get requests for many different styles of tops, sweaters and cardigans so I took a poll on Instagram and a square neck tank top was the most popular!
This chunky ribbed strappy top is the kind of style you can wear year after year (like most of my designs haha) and it's such a simple pattern you'll want one in every color!
Looking for more free crochet patterns?
1.Sea Breeze-Regatta/ 2.Leila cropped top with lacing/ 3.Forest Breeze V-Neck T-Shirt
Cotton Linen Yarn
This short ribbed t-shirt usesWeCrochet CotLinin the color copper.CotLinIt really is one of my favorite summer yarns (found onTerrassenregattaeArtemisia Regattapattern!) because it's so easy to crochet and most importantly, it gets softer over time.
The unique cotton-linen blend really gives this yarn great durability and it's machine washable! With over 40 shades, there is a color for everyone 🙂
CotLinIt's also a real DK/Light (3). So if you want to substitute that yarn, any DK yarn should work. Just make sure to crochet a pattern beforehand to make sure you match the gauge!
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buy thosead-free pdf printable version of the Terracotta Regatta!
MODEL DESCRIPTION:
Simple and modern, the terracotta crop top is the relaxing crochet project you need for summer! The entire crop top is knit in one piece with beginner-friendly stitches (back stitch half double crochet + slip stitch) and only a few shaping rounds. Featuring a ribbed texture, square neckline, and chunky straps, this cropped top pairs well with jeans, shorts, maxi skirts, or layered over swimsuits. This project works up quickly too, so you can make the most of those hot summer days!
Standard notices:
*Swatch is a small size shown on a 5'3" model with a 32" bust.
*The size chart follows the sizeXS(S,M,EU,GG)(2GG,3GG,4GG,5GG🇧🇷 For example. “Ch 45 (45, 49, 53, 57) (61, 65, 69, 73) means Ch 45 for XS, Ch 45 for Small, Ch 49 for Medium, Ch 53 for Large, Ch 57 for XL, Ch 61 for 2XL, 65 Ch for 3XL, 69 Ch for 4XL and 73 Ch for 5XL.” If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.
*"HDC 10" means HDC in the next 10 points.
*"2HDC" means that 2 HDC are placed at the same point.
*The rotating stream, ch 1 powerNOcount as one point.
*The total score is shown between < >.
*This pattern uses US crochet terms.
*This crop top is designed with a negative spacing of 10-15 cm/4-6 inches. For a tight look around the chest(as in example photos), choose your normal shirt size(to match chest size).
*This crop top is knitted lengthwise and mid back.
*The foundation chain runs the full length of the backplane.
*We crochet 1stHalf of the back piece, crochet 1stLoop, knit front piece, 2ndcrochet and crochet the 2ndhalf of the back wall.
*Chain stitches are sewn along the armholes and neckline to round the edges.
*The edges of the back are sewn together and the shoulder straps are sewn to the back of the blouse.
*Most of these patterns follow a line repeat called aBASIS.
(BASELINE):Ch1, BLO HDC in each stitch to last stitch, HDC in last stitch, turn.
EBEN:Easy
materials
Fio –WeCrochet CotLin- DK / Light (3), 112 m / 50 g, 123 yards / 1.75 oz, 70% Tanguis cotton + 30% linen, copper
One.115 (120, 145, 165, 210) (250, 290, 330, 380) g
Crochet hook 4.5 mm
Stop needle
scissors
Stitch markers/safety pins
points and abbreviations
Ch = chain
lowest point = lowest point
HDC = half double crochet
BLO HDC2tog+ = Modified back strap Double treble crochet 2 stitches together
BLO = back loop
Point(s) = Point(s)
repeat = repeat
RS = Right side
WS = wrong side
BLO HDC2tog+
Thread the loop through, insert the crochet hook into the BLO of the next stitch, loop through, pull through a loop (3 loops on the crochet hook). Insert the hook into the next stitch (grip the loop from the front and back), pull the loop through, pull up a loop (4 loops on the crochet hook), pull the loop through 4 loops on the crochet hook.
measurements
*Measurements are taken on the garment lying flat prior to use.
*The straps will stretch (approx. 5 – 8 cm/ 2-4”) after wearing the shirt a few times.
measurementscm:
Fit without bust: 76 (81, 91, 101, 112) (122, 132, 142, 152)
Obere Brust: 64 (70, 77, 85, 96) (106, 115, 125, 136)
Width: 32 (35, 33.5, 42.5, 48) (53, 57.5, 62.5, 68)
Armhole/Grip Length: 13 (13, 14, 15, 17) (19, 20, 22, 23)
Total length of plate (handle + body): 38 (38, 41, 44, 48) (52, 56, 60, 63)
measurementsCustoms service:
Fit without bust: 30 (32, 36, 40, 44) (48, 52, 56, 60)
Upper Bust: 25 (27.5, 30.5, 33.5, 38) (41.5, 45, 49, 53.5)
Width: 12.5 (13.75, 15.25, 16.75, 19) (20.75, 22.5, 24.5, 26.75)
Armhole/Grip Length: 5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)
Overall length of top (handle + body): 15 (15, 16, 17.5, 19) (20.5, 22, 23.5, 25)
MESSER:10 cm/4” square = 18 stitches wide x 10.5 rows high on half double crochet of back loop
Terrakotta-Crop-Top-Muster
back wall (1STA half)
FOUNDATION CHAIN:Chapter 45 (45, 49, 53, 57) (61, 65, 69, 73).
CAREER 1 (RS):HDC in 2ndHook chain, HDC in each chain, rotate.
<44(44, 48, 52, 56)(60, 64, 68, 72)>
CAREER 2 (BASIC CAREER):Ch 1, BLO HDC across, HDC on last point, tack.
<44(44, 48, 52, 56)(60, 64, 68, 72)>
To repeatBASISup toCAREER 20(22,24,26,30)(32,36,38,42).
Don't arrest! Go straight to'FIRST BELT'Instructions.
First strap
CAREER 1:1 ch, BLO HDC sideways, [BLO HDC, HDC] in last st, 48 ch (48, 51, 55, 61) (67, 73, 79, 85), turn.
<45(45, 49, 53, 57)(61, 65, 69, 73) + 48(48, 51, 55, 61)(67, 73, 79, 85)chs>
*Note: the chain will look quite long, but it is the total length of the front + back strap together.
CAREER 2:HDC in 2ndCh from hook, HDC in every ch, BLO HDC across, HDC in last st, turn.
<92(92, 99, 107, 117)(127, 137, 147, 157)>
To repeatBASISup toCAREER 4(4,4,4,4)(6,6,6,6).
<92(92, 99, 107, 117)(127, 137, 147, 157)>
Total rows: <24(26, 28, 30, 34)(38, 42, 44, 48)>
Don't arrest! Go straight to'PAINEL FRONTAL'Instructions.
Painel frontal
CAREER 1:Ch 1, BLO HDC 47(47, 52, 56, 61)(65, 70, 75, 80), HDC2tog+, Flip.
<48(48, 53, 57, 62)(66, 71, 76, 81)>
To repeatBASISup toCAREER 18(20,24,28,32)(34,36,42,46).
<48(48, 53, 57, 62)(66, 71, 76, 81)>
Total rows: <42(46, 52, 58, 66)(72, 78, 86, 94)>
Don't arrest! Go straight to'SECOND VOLUME'Instructions.
Second strap
CAREER 1:1 ch, BLO HDC sideways, [BLO HDC, HDC] in last st, 44 ch (44, 46, 50, 55) (61, 66, 71, 76), turn.
<49(49, 54, 58, 63)(67, 72, 77, 82) + 44(44, 46, 50, 55)(61, 66, 71, 76)capsules)>
CAREER 2:HDC in 2ndCh from hook, HDC in every ch, BLO HDC across, HDC in last st, turn.
<92(92, 99, 107, 117)(127, 137, 147, 157)>
To repeatBASISup toCAREER 4(4,4,4,4)(6,6,6,6).
<92(92, 99, 107, 117)(127, 137, 147, 157)>
Total rows: <46(50, 56, 62, 70)(78, 84, 92, 100)>
Don't arrest! Go straight toREAR PANEL (2NDA HALF)'Instructions.
back wall (2NDA half)
CAREER 1:Ch 1, BLO HDC 43(43, 47, 51, 55)(59, 63, 67, 71), HDC2tog+, Flip.
<44(44, 48, 52, 56)(60, 64, 68, 72)>
To repeatBASISup toCAREER 21(23,25,27,31)(33,37,39,43).
Total rows: <67(73, 81, 89, 101)(111, 121, 131, 143)>
*Do not turn the work at the end of the last row.
Don't arrest! Go straight to'KANTE'Instructions.
sharpening
Rotate your work 45 degrees. Chain stitch along the top edge of the back piece, along the shoulder straps, the neckline and the armholes.
Don't arrest! Go straight to'SET TO'Instructions.
Sentence
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise with the wrong side toward you.
Sew the edges of the back panel together.
Open.
With WS up(the center back seam of the slip stitch should face you), attach the straps to the back of the blouse.
*Before sewing, I recommend trying the bodice on. Adjust strap position as needed.
Sew the handles to the back panel.
*For a perfect edge, do not insert the needle to the right side of the slip stitch edge. Make sure your darning needle only catches the yarn that is facing you.
Weave in all ends.
Turn the blouse inside out.
Voila! You have completed your Top Crop Ribbed 🙂
Ready for your next crochet project?
check moreCrochet pattern for summer,easy crochet instructionsorCrop-Top-Muster!
FAQs
How do you crochet a ribbed pattern? ›
Crochet ribbing using the back loop only (BLO) In this technique you simply work your crochet stitches into the back loop of the stitch on the previous row, then turn and repeat. What is this? This is probably the most common approach to ribbing and can be used with any crochet stitch.
How many stitches does a crop top need? ›You should have 115 stitches on your needle.
What is the stitch for ribbing? ›Rib stitch is a textured vertical stripe stitch pattern and is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row, then knitting the same stitch in the next row. This forms columns of knit and purl stitches, and is often used for cuffs or brims.
What crochet stitch looks like ribbing? ›The single crochet rib stitch actually gives you a knitted looking row. It is very similar to the camel stitch but instead of half double crochets it is made using single crochets. If you can single crochet, you can do the single crochet rib stitch.
What is the hardest thing to crochet? ›Typically, the Jasmine Stitch is considered by crocheters to be the hardest stitch to learn. It is certainly a beautiful stitch, but it uses a very unconventional technique that doesn't always come naturally to people.
What is the oldest crochet pattern? ›The oldest form of crochet is slip-stitch crochet, but that is a term we give it today. It was known as “shepherd's knitting” in the British Isles and pjoining in Denmark, and had other names in other languages.
What is a good length for a crop top? ›Some crop tops fall to just below the bra-line, while others stop right above the belly button. Longer crop tops can cover most of the belly and just leave a small strip of skin above your waistband.
Should a crop top be tight? ›Not every crop top needs to be tight and a bra style look. They can also be a bit loose and oversized if you want. Crop also doesn't have to mean it shows your stomach! I just think these proportions look really great when you have a slightly cropped top paired with high rise bottoms.
How do you calculate number of stitches? ›Calculate number of stitches to pick up per segment
Divide the number of stitches per 10 cm by 10 to get the number of stitches per cm. Then, multiply the number of stitches per cm by the number of centimetres per segment. In my example, I divided 28 by 10 to get 2.8 stitches per cm.
The general rule of thumb is to cut the ribbing 2/3 to 3/4 of the distance of the piece it's being applied to. For example, if a neckline circumference is 16″, ribbing can be around 12″.
What is a ribbed neckline? ›
Ribbed t-shirts are knitted in a way that they are covered in rows of vertical lines. These lines alternate between being raised and sunken. In some instances, the whole shirt is ribbed, while in others just the collar and cuffs of the shirt are ribbed.
Do you need even number of stitches for ribbing? ›Rib stitch over an odd number of stitches is worked the same as for rib stitch over an even number of stitches—by alternating knits and purls. The difference is that when you cast on an odd number of stitches, you will end the row with the same stitch you began it with.
Which is tighter 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing? ›The fewer stitches in this knit/ purl combination, the more stretchy the resulting fabric. So a 1x1 rib pattern will pull in more than a 2x2 rib pattern, and a 4x4 rib pattern will not pull in much at all.
What is the difference between rib knit 1x1 and 2x2? ›2x2 Rib Stitch
It's almost identical to the 1x1 Rib Stitch, but is made by alternating 2 knit and 2 purl stitches in every Is used to add elasticity to knitted fabric, in particular for sweater cuffs and necklines, as a border for hats, mittens, and socks, or even for the whole garment to make it ideally fitted.
When you work a rib, you are moving your yarn back and forth between the two needles as you knit and purl, causing the yarn to take a longer path than it does when knitting all knit stitches, so you are actually using a bit more yarn than in stockinette.
Why does my ribbing look like seed stitch? ›SEED STITCH LOOKS LIKE RIBBING
This issue occurs because the only difference between seed stitch and “knit 1, purl 1” ribbing is that in ribbing knits and purls are stacked on top of each other forming neat columns of stitches (“ribs”). In seed stitch, knits and purls are scattered.
Crocheter or Crochetier
The reason for this is that the overall term crochet comes from the French word for hook. So technically, the translation from French makes the title “crochetier.” It seems that English speakers have made the term simpler by just saying “crocheter” instead.
More serotonin is released with repetitive movement, which improves mood and sense of calmness. After you've learned knitting or crochet, it can also reduce blood levels of cortisol-the stress hormone. New neuropathways can be created and strengthened by learning new skills and movements.
Is crocheting an addiction? ›Crochet is one of the most popular crafts in the world. It's addictive, relaxing, and creative all at the same time. In this article, we'll explore 11 reasons why crochet is so addictive! Crochet has been around for centuries, with the first known examples dating back to the early 1800s.
What's the fastest thing to crochet? ›Based on the numbers, the consensus is that the double crochet stitch is the fastest to work up. Based on the number of yarn overs and loops to pull, this stitch is a favorite for many! It's fast, it's easy and once you get going, this stitch has a nice, easy rhythm.
Is knit or crochet faster? ›
On top of that, crochet stitches are typically larger than their knitting counterparts, so it is quite a bit faster to create the same surface area (but uses more yarn).
Which country is famous for crochet? ›Crochet's early history was rooted in Ireland where the craft helped provide much-needed income during the desperate times of the potato famine. Visit this gorgeous country and see where the craft came from.
Who is the best crochet in the world? ›The actual record holder for world's fastest crocheter is Lisa Gentry who set the official record on June 25, 2005. To set the Guinness World record, Lisa crocheted 28 treble crochet stitches in one minute.
Why do old people crochet? ›Studies have shown that creative activities foster emotional, cognitive, and mental health. Creative pursuits develop problem-solving, a sense of purpose, and personal growth for older adults. The fine motor dexterity of knitting and crocheting stimulates the brain and can improve symptoms of dementia.
Is there a rib stitch in crochet? ›The single crochet rib stitch actually gives you a knitted looking row. It is very similar to the camel stitch but instead of half double crochets it is made using single crochets. If you can single crochet, you can do the single crochet rib stitch.