My Favorite Crochet Summer Top

Make a crochet summer top to add to your seasonal staples!

Summer is quickly approaching, at least I hope it is, and it’s time for lightweight airy tops.

One of my favorite summer tops is one I purchased a few years ago from a large department store. Two of the things I love most about this top are it’s openwork back and subtle waist shaping. I incorporated these two elements into the design for this summer crochet top.

Whether paired with denim shorts for a casual vibe or layered over a sundress, its relaxed silhouette and breathable fabric make it the perfect companion for sunny adventures or lazy afternoons in the park.

Yarn

Premier Chamonix Yarn is the yarn I chose for my crochet top. Chamonix is a #2 sport weight yarn and is an acrylic, angora, and mohair blend. This yarn was great to work with and I absolutely love the finished look that the angora and mohair lend to the garment.

As I update this post, I realize that this specific yarn has been discontinued since I designed this top. Check out Yarn Sub for several great recommended substitutions.

How to Crochet a Summer Top

I designed this crochet top to be 100% seamless! You don’t even have to seam the shoulders. But in order to do so, it’s constructed a little differently than you may be used to. The following will walk you through how

You’ll begin by crocheting the upper back panel with the openwork lace crochet stitch pattern. The bottom of this panel becomes the bottom of the armhole opening and the top of the panel becomes the top of the shoulders.

After completing the upper back panel, you’ll continue working along the top edge of the back panel to begin the shoulders and create the neck opening for the front upper panel.

The front upper panel is then worked down to the bottom of the armhole opening. At this point, you’ll begin working in rounds and will join the front and back panels.

You’ll continue working in joined and turned rounds to complete the body of the top. While crocheting the body of top, you’ll find there are two options included for a top with waist shaping, or a top without waist shaping.

Lastly, when you near the bottom of the top, you will create a split hem.

My Favorite Summer Top – Free Pattern

The crochet pattern for summer top is below, but if you love to work offline, or need to order your yarn, I’ve got a couple other great options for you.

Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF, including all photo tutorials, + a BONUS stitch chart & garment schematic, on Ravelry, or Etsy (aff).

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Materials

• Yarn: Sport Weight / 2 yarn Premier Chamonix Yarn in Tide Pool was used for the sample shown in the photos. See yardage in the size chart above.
• Crochet Hooks: E/3.5mm, D/3.25mm,  C/2.75mm (My favorite hooks are Clover Amour Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching.)
• Locking Stitch Markers
• Scissors
• Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch(s): chain(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• dc2tog: double crochet decrease
• Alt-dc: alternate double crochet
• Join yarn with a standing single crochet
• Join yarn with a standing double crochet
• sp(s): space(s)
• yo: yarn over
• Rep: repeat
• Rnd: round

Experience Level

• Easy

Gauge

• Back Panel, in dc with a 3.25mm hook: 26 sts = 5″; 7 rows = 2.25″
• Front Panel & Body (see gauge swatch instructions below)

Sizes

• Women’s XS through 4XL
• See size chart above.

 Special Stitches

• Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog): (Yo, insert hook in next st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru 2 loops on hook) twice, yo, pull thru remaining 3 loops on hook.
• Alternate Double Crochet (Alt-dc): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, (yo, pull up a loop) twice, yo, pull thru remaining loops.
• Join yarn with a standing sc: When instructed to “Join with a standing sc”, begin with a slip knot on your hook. Insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo and draw thru both loops on hook. 
• Join yarn with a standing double crochet: When instructed to “Join with a standing dc”, begin with a slip knot on your hook. YO, insert your hook into the stitch or space indicated, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops on your hook, yo, pull through remaining 2 loops on your hook.

Pattern Notes

• Beginning chain(s) are not included in stitch count, unless noted otherwise.
• This lightweight crochet top was designed to have the openwork in the back, but it is a reversible top and you could wear it with the openwork in the front, if you choose. There are modeled photos of both options at the bottom of this post.
• Premier Yarns Chamonix in Tide Pool was used for the sample in the photos. Fine/Sport (2) Weight Yarn / 80% Acrylic/10% Mohair / 10% Polyamide (380 yards / 348 m / 3 oz / 85 g)
• Yardage: Refer to the Size Chart above.
• Changes for Sizes are written as follows: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) unless noted otherwise.
• Stitch Counts are written at the end of the rows as follows: (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL) unless noted otherwise.
• Construction Notes: You’ll first crochet the upper back panel which has the openwork lace crochet stitch pattern. After completing the upper back panel, you’ll continue working along the top edge of the back panel to begin the shoulders and neck opening of the front upper panel. The front upper panel is then worked down to the bottom of the armhole opening. At this point, you’ll work a round to join the front and back panels, then continue working in joined and turned rounds to complete the body of the top. Once you near the bottom of the top, you will create a split hem.

Gauge Swatch for Front Panel & Body

Gauge: 26 sts = 5″; 15 rows = 4″

Row 1: With yarn & a 3.50mm crochet hook, ch 29, switch to a 3.25mm crochet hook, dc in 3rd ch from your hook, dc in each remaining ch across. Turn. (27 sts)

Row 2: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn. (27 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * across. Turn. (27 sts)

Row 4: Alt-dc, dc in each st and ch-1 sp across. Turn. (27 sts)

Row 5: Alt-dc, dc in each st across. Turn. (27 sts)

Rows 6 – 15: Rep Rows 3 – 5, ending with a Row 3 repeat. (27 sts)

Finished Size: 5.2″ W x 4″ H.

Upper Back Panel

Note: Row 1 is the bottom of the back panel. As you work the panel, you’re working from the bottom of the armhole opening up towards the shoulders.

Row 1: With yarn & a 3.50mm crochet hook, ch 81 (91, 101, 111, 121, 133, 143, 153), switch to a 3.25mm crochet hook, working into the back humps of the foundation ch, dc in the 3rd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Place a stitch marker into the bottom of each of the first and last stitches of Row 1.

Rows 2 – 6 (8, 9, 9, 9, 11, 12, 13): Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the Openwork Section.

Row 1: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 35 (40, 45, 50, 55, 61, 67, 71) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Row 2: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 32 (37, 42, 47, 52, 58, 64, 68) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 3: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 31 (36, 41, 46, 51, 57, 63, 67) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 4: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 56, 62, 66) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from *, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 5: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 28 (33, 38, 43, 48, 54, 60, 64) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from *, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 6: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 25 (30, 35, 40, 45, 51, 57, 61) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from *, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 7: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 24 (29, 34, 39, 44, 50, 56, 60) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * twice, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 8: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 23 (28, 33, 38, 43, 49, 55, 59) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 3 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 9: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 21 (26, 31, 36, 41, 47, 53, 57) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 3 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 10: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 18 (23, 28, 33, 38, 44, 50, 54) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from * 3 times, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 11: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 17 (22, 27, 32, 37, 43, 49, 53) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * 4 times, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 12: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 16 (21, 26, 31, 36, 42, 48, 52) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 5 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 13: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 14 (19, 24, 29, 34, 40, 46, 50) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 5 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Sizes XS & S: Continue on to Upper Front Panel. All other sizes continue on to the next row.

Row 14: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next — (–, 21, 26, 31, 37, 43, 47) sts, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, sl st in the next st, * ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, rep from * 5 times, then ch 3, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, skip the next dc & ch-2 sp, sl st in the next st, ch 3, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 15: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next — (–, 20, 25, 30, 36, 42, 46) sts, ch 1, dc in the next st, * ch 6, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, rep from * 6 times, then ch 6, skip the next dc and 2 ch-3 sps, dc in the next dc, ch 1, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Sizes M & L: Continue on to Upper Front Panel. All other sizes continue on to the next row.

Row 16: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next — (–, –, –, 29, 35, 41, 45) sts, skip the next st, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 3, sl st in the next ch-6 sp, ch 3, rep from * 7 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, skip the next dc, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Row 17: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next — (–, –, –, 27, 33, 39, 43) sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, * (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 6, rep from * 7 times, then (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, skip each of the next 3 sts, dc in the next st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn.

Sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL & 4XL: Continue on to Upper Front Panel.

Upper Front Panel

Row 1: Continuing on from the Openwork Section, alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 12 (12, 15, 20, 20, 25, 31, 31) sts, ch 53 (63, 67, 67, 77, 79, 77, 87), skip across to last 13 (13, 16, 21, 21, 26, 32, 32) sts, dc in each of the last 13 (13, 16, 21, 21, 26, 32, 32) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Row 2: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st and ch across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Row 4: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st and ch-1 sp across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Row 5: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Rows 6 (22, 25, 28, 28, 31, 34, 34, 37): Rep Rows 3 – 5, ending with a Row 4 repeat. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the Body of Top.

Body of Top

Bring Row 1 of the Upper Back Panel to meet the last row of the Upper Front Panel. Use the stitch markers in the Upper Back Panel to hold the front and back panels together at each corner.

Rnd 1: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each st across the front panel, dc in each st across the back panel to the last 2 sts, dc2tog. Join w/ a sl st to the alt-dc. Turn. (157, 177, 197, 217, 237, 261, 281, 301 sts) Leave the gap at the underarm where the stitch markers were. This adds to the armhole depth. Remove stitch markers.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st, *ch 1, skip the next st, sc in the next st, rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Turn. (157, 177, 197, 217, 237, 261, 281, 301 sts)

Rnd 3: Alt-dc in teh first st, dc in each remaining st and ch-1 sp around. Join. Turn. (157, 177, 197, 217, 237, 261, 281, 301 sts)

Rnd 4: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st around. Join. Turn. (157, 177, 197, 217, 237, 261, 281, 301 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the instructions for Top With Waist Shaping or Top Without Waist Shaping, depending on the style you prefer to make.

Top With Waist Shaping

Repeat Rnds 2 – 4, from Body of Top, until your crochet summer top measures 8” (9”, 11”, 11”, 14”, 14”, 16″, 16″) from shoulder.

Waist Shaping: Switch to crochet hook 2.75mm (or smaller hook, if desired) and repeat Rnds 2 – 4 until top measures 14” [15”, 16”, 16”, 17”, 17”, 18″, 18″] from top of shoulder.

Hip Shaping: Switch back to crochet hook 3.25mm (or larger hook) and repeat Rnds 2 – 4, ending with a Rnd 3 repeat, until top measures 20” (21”, 21”, 22”, 22”, 22”, 23″, 23″).

Custom Length: If you prefer a longer top, continue to repeat Rnds 2 – 4 until top measures desired length less 1″ (ending with a Rnd 3 repeat).

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the Split Hem Front.

Top Without Waist Shaping

Repeat Rnds 2 – 4, from Body of Top, until top measures 20” (21”, 21”, 22”, 22”, 22”, 23″, 23″) from shoulder, ending with a Rnd 3 repeat.

Custom Length: If you prefer a longer top, continue to repeat Rnds 2 – 4 until top measures desired length less 1″ (ending with a Rnd 3 repeat).

Do not fasten off. Continue on to the Split Hem First Panel.

Split Hem First Panel

Row 1: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each of the next 78 (88, 98, 108, 118, 130, 140, 150) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Rows 2 – 3: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to the Split Hem Second Panel.

Split Hem Second Panel

Row 1: With yarn & a 3.25mm crochet hook, join yarn with a standing dc in the 80th (90th, 100th, 110th, 120th, 132nd, 142nd, 152nd) st of the last round of top before split hem, dc in each of the next 78 (88, 98, 108, 118, 130, 140, 150) sts. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Rows 2 – 3: Alt-dc in the first st, dc in each remaining st across. Turn. (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 131, 141, 151 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, work 1 sc into the top of each dc and 2 sc into the side of each dc around entire hem. Join. (181, 201, 221, 241, 261, 285, 305, 325 sts)

Fasten off. Weave in ends. Continue on to Finishing Options.

Finishing Options

Professionally finish your crochet summer top by blocking it with one of three simple blocking methods.

Do you prefer a tighter fit around the armholes? If you’d like a tighter fit around the armholes, join yarn with a sc at the bottom of the underarm and sc around the opening. Stitch count is not crucial.

Small Cap Sleeve Option: Add a small cap sleeve by working 2 – 3 rounds of sc around each armhole.

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More Crochet for Summer

Are you looking for more summer crochet projects? We have several more patterns for summer crochet, including crochet summer tops, crochet summer hat, crochet summer cardigan, crochet beach bags, and a crochet beach cover up.