Crochet Tank Top | Free Pattern | Ned & Mimi (2024)

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Nothing says “summer’s here!” quite like white cotton, and that is exactly what I’ve been working with for this crochet tank top pattern. The ‘Twinkle Tank’ is mainly simple double crochet with a special cross-over stitch repeat on alternating rows. The special stitch reminded several people of twinkling stars and so the ‘Twinkle Tank’ was born!

This crochet tank top pattern is not a difficult one, but there is some shaping and seaming involved – a confident beginner should have no problems. You got this!

Sizes

This crochet tank top pattern is available in sizes XS-5XL and includes instructions on customising the length and shoulder strap width. The top is pretty close fitting so if you are in between sizes or would like a looser fit then consider sizing up (but this is completely up to you of course).

In the photos here, I am wearing Size Medium, but my size would be closer to a Small. (I made the top for someone who is a little bit larger than me).

Yarn

For this crochet top, I used one of my favourite summer yarns – Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK. (I also used this yarn for my Crochet Zipper Pouch) and I really like working with it).

However, any Size 3/DK/Light worsted weight yarn would work well. And you if you do make this top, please be sure to let me know, either by commenting below or letting me know on Facebook or Instagram (I’m @nedandmimi on both!).

More Crochet Patterns

If you like this crochet tank top, you might also enjoy these summer crochet projects:

Notes

Please read before starting!

Construction

• The top is worked in two pieces, from the bottom up, then seamed at the end
• The mesh border at the bottom is optional and is added after seaming

Size & Fit

• The sizes in this pattern are based on the body measurements as laid out by the Craft Yarn Council (https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/woman-size). Please see Appendix A: Schematic and Appendix B: Measurement Table below for more details.
• This top is pretty close fitting, with the finished measurements being approx. that of the larger bust measurement for each size. E.g. the bust measurement for Size XS is 28-30”; the finished garment measures approx. 30” all the way around.
• If you are between sizes or would like a looser fit, consider sizing up. (This is completely at your own discretion)
• Sizes XS-2XL have been tested but the larger sizes have not. If you do make the pattern in one of these sizes I would love to hear about it! And if you spot any errors, then absolutely let me know.

Adjustments

• If you wish to add/subtract length to/from the body panel, the best place to do this is before the “Armhole Shaping” section. The stitch pattern repeats every 4 rows, so to make things as easy as possible for the armhole shaping, it is best to decrease/increase in multiples of 4 rows.
• For the shoulder straps, if you would like the straps to be a bit wider, then just add the same number of stitches on each side when you start the “Neckline shaping” section

General Pattern Notes

• Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making. (This will make your life much easier!)
• Instructions are given for the smallest size; larger sizes given in ()
• To start the piece, you can either chain the required number followed by a row of stitches or you can use the chainless foundation method.
• Ch 3 at the start of each row counts as one stitch (unless otherwise indicated). So, at the start of each row, you will skip the first stitch (the one directly under the ch-3).
• The stitch count for each row is given in [] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is indicated, then the count is the same as the previous row.

Finished Measurements

Gauge

18 stitches x 10 rows measured over dc (US) = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm)

Materials

Hook: 3.5mm/E-4 crochet hook (I love this Clover Amour one)

Yarn: Any DK/Size 3/Light weight yarn

The amounts given below are for Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (137m/125yds per 50g skein; Size 3/DK/Light; 100% Cotton)

The colorway I used was ‘Champagne White’.

Misc.

• Yarn Needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers

Special Stitches

Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog)

Step 1: Yarn over, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Step 2: Yarn over, pull through first two loops (2 loops on hook)

Step 3: Yarn over, insert hook into next st and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through first two loops (3 loops on hook)

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops

1-over-2 Double Crochet Cross (1-over-2 dc cross)

Step 1: sk next st, dc in each of the next 2 sts

Step 2: Yarn over, crossing back over the previous 2 dc, insert hook into skipped st, pull up a long loop so that the height of the loop matches the height of the previous 2 dc.

Step 3: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, yarn over and pull through the final two loops.

The stitch created in Step 2 & Step 3 is referred to as a long dc in the pattern.

Crochet Tank Top Written Pattern

Abbreviations (US Terms)

PATTERN: BACK

All sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Row 1 (RS):
fdc 67, (77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147), turn [67 (77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147)]

OR

Ch 69, (79, 89, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139, 149), dc in fourth ch from hook and in each ch across, turn [67 (77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147)]

Row 2:
Ch 3 (counts as one dc here and throughout), sk first st, dc (flo) in each st across, turn

Row 3:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 6 sts, [sk next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, 1 long dc into the last skipped st] {the 3 sts just made will be referred to as 1-over-2 dc cross from this point on}, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc-cross; repeat from * until 7 sts remain, dc in last 7 sts, turn

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in next st, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 2 sts remaining, dc in last 2sts, turn

Row 6: Repeat Row 2

Row 7: Repeat Row 3

Row 8: Repeat Row 2

Rows 9-28:
Repeat Rows 5-8 (until piece measures 11.25 inches)

Sizes L, (XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) only

Rows 29-32 (32, 36, 36, 36, 36):
Repeat Rows 5-8 [1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) time(s)] (until piece measures 12.75 (12.75, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5, 14.5) inches)

Adding extra length
If you wish to add extra length at this point, repeat Rows 5 – 8 until the desired length is reached. Make sure to do any repeats in blocks of 4 rows, i.e. always end on Row 8

All sizes:

Once you are happy with the length, fasten off.

Armhole Shaping

All sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Setup step: With RS facing, place a stitch marker into 5th (6th, 7th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 10th, 11th, 12th) st from the left edge of the panel. This marks the end point of the row.

Decrease Row 1 (RS): Insert hook into 6th (7th, 8th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 11th, 12th, 13th) st from the right edge of the panel, [ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st] (counts as dc2tog here and throughout), dc in each of next 5 (4, 3, 3, 1, 0, 0, 9, 8) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1- over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 7 (6, 5, 5, 3, 2, 2, 11, 10) sts remain before stitch marker, dc in each of next 5 (4, 3, 3, 1, 0, 0, 9, 8) st(s), dc2tog in last 2 sts [55 (63, 71, 81, 87, 95, 105, 113, 121)]

Dec Row 2:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc (flo) in next st], dc (flo) in each st across until 2 sts remaining, dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn [53 (61, 69, 79, 85, 93, 103, 111, 119)]

Dec Row 3:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st], dc in each of next 8 (7, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 10 (9, 8, 8, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3) sts remaining, dc in each of next 8 (7, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1) st(s), dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn [51 (59, 67, 77, 83, 91, 101, 109, 117)]

Dec Row 4:
Repeat Dec Row 2 [49 (57, 65, 75, 81, 89, 99, 107, 115)]

Dec Row 5:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st], dc in each of next 1 (0, 9, 9, 7, 6, 6, 5, 4) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 3 (2, 11, 11, 9, 8, 8, 7, 6) sts remaining, dc in each of next 1 (0, 9, 9, 7, 6, 6, 5, 4) st(s), dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn [47 (55, 63, 73, 79, 87, 97, 105, 113)]

Dec Row 5:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st], dc in each of next 1 (0, 9, 9, 7, 6, 6, 5, 4) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 3 (2, 11, 11, 9, 8, 8, 7, 6) sts remaining, dc in each of next 1 (0, 9, 9, 7, 6, 6, 5, 4) st(s), dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn [47 (55, 63, 73, 79, 87, 97, 105, 113)]

Sizes XS (S, M) only

Row 6 (WS):
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each st across (flo), turn [47 (55, 63)]

Row 7:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 6 (5, 4) st(s), 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 7 (6, 5) sts remaining, dc in each of next 7 (6, 5) st(s), turn

Row 8: Repeat Row 6

Row 9:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 1 (0, 9) st(s), 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 2 (1, 0) sts remaining, dc in each of next 2 (1, 0) st(s), turn

Row 10: Repeat Row 6

Rows 11-14: Repeat Row 7-10 [1 time]

Size M only

Rows 15-16: Repeat Row 7-8 [1 time]

Sizes L (XL, 2XL) only

Dec Row 6 (WS): Repeat Dec Row 2 [71 (77, 85)]

Row 7:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 3 (1, 0) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 4 (2, 1) sts remaining, dc in each of next 4 (2, 1) sts, turn [71 (77, 85)]

Row 8:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each st across (flo), turn

Row 9:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 8 (6, 5) st(s), 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 9 (7, 6) sts remaining, dc in each of next 9 (7, 6) st(s), turn

Row 10: Repeat Row 8

Rows 11-14 (14, 18): Repeat Rows 7-10 [1 (1, 2) time(s)]

Sizes 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Dec Row 6 (WS): Repeat Dec Row 2 [95 (103, 111)]

Dec Row 7:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st], dc in each of next 9 (8, 7) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; repeat from * until 11 (10, 9) sts remaining, dc in each of next 9 (8, 7) sts, dc2tog in last 2 sts, turn [93 (101, 109)]

Dec Row 8: Repeat Dec Row 2 [91 (99, 107)]

Row 9:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 3 (2, 1) st(s), 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 4 (3, 2) sts remaining, dc in each of next 4 (3, 2) sts, turn [91 (99, 107)]

Row 10:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each st across (flo), turn

Row 11:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 8 (7, 6) sts, 1-over-2 dc cross, *dc in each of next 7 sts, 1-over-2 dc cross; Repeat from * until 9 (8, 7) sts remaining, dc in each of next 9 (8, 7) sts, turn

Row 12: Repeat Row 10

Rows 13-20: Repeat Row 9-12 [2 times]

Size 5XL only

Rows 21-22: Repeat Rows 9-10 [1 time]

Neckline Shaping (Right Hand Side)

Size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) only

Row 1 (RS):
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts, turn [9 (10, 11, 12, 14, 15)]

Row 2:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc (flo) in next st] (counts as dc2tog), dc (flo) in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, turn [8 (9, 10, 11, 13, 14)]

Row 3:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, turn [8 (9, 10, 11, 13, 14)]

Row 4:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, turn

Size XL (2XL) only

Rows 5-6: Repeat Row 3-4 [1 time]

Fasten off.

Size 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Row 1 (RS):
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 14 (15, 16) sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts, turn [16 (17, 18)]

Row 2:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc (flo) in next st] (counts as dc2tog), dc (flo) in each of next 14 (15, 16) sts, turn [15 (16, 17)]

Row 3:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 12 (13, 14) sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts, turn [14, 15, 16)]

Row 4:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Row 5):
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Row 6:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Fasten off.

Neckline Shaping (Left Hand Side)

Size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) only

Row 1 (RS):
With RS facing, insert hook into 10th (11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th) st from left edge of work and pull up a loop (remember, the ch-3 from the previous row counts as a st), ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc in each of next 9 (10, 11, 12, 14, 15) sts, turn [9 (10, 11, 12, 14, 15)]

Row 2:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 6 (7, 8, 9, 11, 12) sts, dc2tog in next 2 sts, turn [8 (9, 10, 11, 13, 14)]

Row 3:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, turn [8 (9, 10, 11, 13, 14)]

Row 4:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 7 (8, 9, 10, 12, 13) sts, turn

Size XL (2XL) only

Rows 5-6: Repeat Rows 3-4 [1 time]

Fasten off.

Size 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Row 1 (RS):
With RS facing, insert hook into 17th (18th, 19th) st from left edge of work and pull up a loop {remember, the ch-3 from the previous row counts as a st}, ch 2 (does not count as a st), dc in each of next 16 (17, 18) sts, turn [16 (17, 18)]

Row 2:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, dc2tog (flo) in next 2 sts, turn [15 (16, 17)]

Row 3:
[Ch 2, sk first st, dc in next st] (counts as dc2tog) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Row 4:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, dc2tog (flo) in next 2 sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Row 5:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Row 6:
Ch 3, sk first st, dc (flo) in each of next 13 (14, 15) sts, turn [14 (15, 16)]

Fasten off

PATTERN: FRONT

All sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Rows 1-28: Repeat as for BACK

Sizes L, (XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) only

Rows 29-32 (32, 36, 36, 36, 36): Repeat as for BACK

Armhole Shaping

Please pay special attention to the row repeats after the decreases. The repeats are not the same as for the back.

All sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)

Dec Rows 1-5: Repeat as for BACK

Sizes XS (S, M) only

Rows 6-10: Repeat as for BACK

Size M only

Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 7-8 [1 time]

Size L (XL, 2XL) only

Dec Row 6 – Row 10: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 7-8 [1 time]

Size 2XL only

Rows 13-14: Repeat Rows 9-10 [1 time]

Size 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Dec Row 6 – Row 12: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 13-14: Repeat Rows 9-10 [1 time]

Size 5XL only

Rows 15-16: Repeat Row 11-12 [1 time]

Neckline Shaping (Right Hand Side)

Size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) only

Rows 1-4: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 5-8 (8, 8, 8, 10, 10): Repeat Rows 3-4 [2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times]

Fasten off and leave a long tail.

Size 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Rows 1-6: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 7-12: Repeat Row 5-6 [3 times]

Fasten off and leave a long tail.

Neckline Shaping (Left Hand Side)

Size XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) only

Rows 1-4: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 5-8 (8, 8, 8, 10, 10): Repeat Rows 3-4 [2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) times]

Fasten off and leave a long tail

Size 3XL (4XL, 5XL) only

Rows 1-6: Repeat as for BACK

Rows 7-12: Repeat Row 5-6 [3 times]

Fasten off and leave a long tail.

FINISHING

Blocking

Block both pieces to measurements for your size.

Seaming

Lay front and back panels on top of each other with RS facing (so you are looking at the WS).

Seam left and right hand sides.

Seam shoulders.

Turn the top the right way around.

Bottom Border (optional)

With the RS facing you, turn your work upside down so you are looking at the very first row of the back panel.
Insert hook into first st beside the right hand seam and pull up a loop.

Round 1:
Ch 4 (first ch counts as 1 sc here and throughout), *sk next st, sc into next st, ch 3; repeat from * around, complete the round with a sl st into second ch of the starting ch-4

Round 2:
Sl st into third ch of starting ch-4, ch 4, *sc into next ch-3 sp, ch 3; repeat from * around, complete the round with a sl st into second ch of the starting ch-4

Round 3: Repeat Round 2

Round 4:
Sl st into third ch of starting ch-4, ch 1, 1 dc in same ch-4 sp, *(1 sc, 1 dc) into next ch-3 sp; repeat from * around, invisible join to top offirst dc of round.

Fasten off and neatly weave in tail.

Neckline Finishing

With the RS of the back panel facing you, insert hook into the lastrow of the neckline on the left hand side and pull up a loop.

Edging
Ch 1, sl st all the way around the neckline [110 (122, 134, 146, 174, 186, 194, 206, 218) approx.]

Approx. sl st count for the neckline edging is calculated as follows:

NECK SEAM sts * 2
+ CORNER st * 4
+ STRAPS: (2 sts per row) * 2
+ Shoulder SEAM (2 sts per seam * 2))

As long as your sl sts are neat and even, you do not need to betoo concerned with the exact count.

Armhole Finishing

Left Armhole

With the back panel facing you, insert hook at the base of the leftarmhole (at seam) and pull up a loop.

Edging
Ch 1, sl st all the way around the armhole [84 (86, 96, 96, 108, 118, 126, 128, 138) approx.]

Approx. sl st count for the armhole edging is calculated as follows:

ARMHOLE ROWS (2 sts per row) * 2 + ARMHOLE INSET sts * 2
+ CORNER sts * 2

Right Armhole

Repeat as for Left Armhole.

If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry, Etsy or LoveCrafts.

I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!

Happy crocheting!

Sarah

Appendix A: Schematic

Appendix B: Garment Measurement Table

(All measurements below are in inches)

Appendix C: Stitch Pattern Repeat