Easy Crochet Summer Tops Patterns
There’s a trend that’s been going around the internet lately, the crochet summer tops. There’s just something about crochet tops that feels right, especially in summer. One thing I can tell you is that as someone who doesn’t want to feel heavy in summer the crochet tops are perfect, not loud but just right.
When I was scrolling on Pinterest one night I came across this beautiful lady wearing this amazing green crochet top and fell in love immediately. That’s when I first fell down the rabbit hole of crochet summer tops. I couldn’t stop and somehow ended up three hours deep in the most beautiful handmade pieces I’ve ever seen on the internet.
Everything the crochet tops is just out of this place to be honest, the delicate mesh panels, Scalloped hemlines. Halter silhouettes tied together with satin ribbon, I was completely hooked and never looked back I must say and I don’t regret it.
Let me tell you something about this trend, whether you’re picking up the hook for the first time in your life or you’re a pro at this and you’ve been crocheting for years and years, the world of crochet top patterns right is super exciting and I’ve seen more and more people joining in.
There are so many patterns that anyone can try out even the beginners, also the other more complicated patterns that are perfect for the experienced maker who’s been this for years. It gets even better if you know how to style your crochet tops. There are styling ideas that make every single pattern feel like it belongs somewhere in a fancy dinner table. If you are into crochet or you just want to test yourself and see if you can do this then let’s get right into it.
Crochet Summer Tops Are Having a Moment Right Now, Here’s Why!
Honestly speaking, I think a lot of people get tired of fast fashion every now and then. I’m going to say this, but there’s something about holding a piece of clothing and knowing that someone’s hands made every single stitch that feels good, same goes with the crochet blankets. Summer is about the good vibes and crochet summer tops bring that energy.
I’ve realised that the designers have now been doing a lot more crochet down the runways for a few seasons now and let me tell you the DIY community has caught up with this in the most beautiful way although some people are not happy about this.
Things have changed because crochet doesn’t feel retro anymore like before. These days crochet tops feel and look different, fresh and modern. Whenever you see a crochet top on your fly paired with a nice high-waisted wide leg linen trouser or even a midi skirt with strappy sandals, you literally stop and look at the outfit again, it’s beautiful. You just see yourself in that outfit.
The Crochet Summer Tops Textures
I’m not going to leave behind the textures because they’re also part of the magic. Let’s talk about the open weave of a crochet mesh top that lets air to just move freely feels amazing and this makes the crochet top the most practical choice for the hot summer weather but still looking good.
Crochet tops have structure unlike most summer fabrics that just go limp by noon. I honestly love crochet tops in summer as they can hold the shape and also have a little bit of drama. Right now I can’t think of any other piece of fabric that looks this good even after a full day at the beach, it’s perfect!
Let’s get into the DIY community of the DIY. There’s a whole community of amazing women sharing their crochet top ideas on instagram and pinterest right now and it’s just beautiful and exciting. These people have done amazing work and they also tag their projects, also share the yarn hauls, tutorials actually showing the step by step on how you can actually do this yourself. It feels amazing like you’re part of the community and an amazing creative way and you can find this in fast fashion.
The Crochet Top Styles, My Current Obsession
This is so much fun because not all crochet tops are created equal and this part exploring different styles makes this trend even more fun. Here are some of the patterns that have been living rent-free in my head since I came across this.
The Beautiful Crochet Halter Tops
This piece is one of my favorites this summer, a crochet halter top. This one was different because it’s just so effortlessly chic and the way it sits on the shoulder, leaving the back open and breezy is exactly what you need in summer. Well, there are other ones I can’t keep out of my head, they have soft, rounded necklines with adjustable ties that work for different body types which makes it even more perfect.
It doesn’t feel heavy at all, the yarn creates just enough coverage at the same time doesn’t feel too much, it’s light, airy and again the open back design means you’re not stuck with those weird tan lines, like at this point you should be sold out on this idea.
Although you can choose the color that works best for you, I’ve been seeing a lot of halter styles in creamy off-white and a warm terracotta. Honestly for me, these colors feel sophisticated without trying too hard and not loud at all. There’s another version that I saved recently, it had a gorgeous shell still pattern across the chest that was beautiful almost like a floral texture and I fell in love immediately. Although it looked a bit complicated for me, the lady who made it said it was a beginner friendly crochet once you get the hang of the stitch rhythm and the pattern, but you can also try again if it doesn’t come out nicely or even just buy it, i mean why not?
The Crochet Mesh Tops
Now with this one, the crochet mesh top this piece you can layer over everything this summer. You can play around with this one, I’m talking over a bandeau bikini top for the beach day, you can layer it over a silk bralette for evening or even just a fitted talker for when you want to add something visually interesting without looking bulky and messy.
I like this so much, the mesh construction is what makes this top so versatile and unique. I like way the stitches are open and spaced nicely, it doesn’t add warmth the way a solid knit would it’s just perfect. I like that it just adds dimension, that’s all.
I’ve seen many people styling mesh tops with everything really, from flowy maxi skirts to cargo pants if you feel like it. Many options and honestly both of them look amazing. There’s just something about this that makes both styles look good, the handmade crochet texture of the crochet and something like cargo pants and sneakers looks really good, you’re good at running your errands.
Yes, everyone has their own color but be careful and be intentional when choosing the color here. I would go for a white or a cream crochet mesh top cause it it looks really good in pictures, also feels clean and has that summer feeling and can be styled easily. Even though these are my primary colors I would go for, you can also try sage green and dusty blue versions that have a softer look and more vintage inspired feel to it but honestly you can just try different colors but don’t just go for any color hoping that it will look good.
Crochet Tank Tops
If you’re into tank tops then you should definitely try the crochet tank tops. They are perfect for everyday life, running small errands. The crochet tank top is beautiful. It has the structure of a regular tank top but the only difference here is that the texture is completely different and very light at the same time. You don’t have to struggle at all with this one, you can just throw it on with a denim short/pants and instantly feel good like you actually put in an effort in your outfit.
The crochet tank tops come in different forms. I love the one with a slightly cropped length that hits just at the waistband of high rise pants. It looks really good but it doesn’t have to be that size exactly. With this type of crochet, sometimes you get some that have solid stitches for a more sophisticated elegant look and feel, while other crochet tank tops have decorative openwork panels that add lightness but are still really good. You’ll love it. To be honest, both of them are good and look beautiful. It’s all up to you as an individual and what you prefer. You need to be comfortable with the coverage and what you’re planning to pair it with, that’s all.
Some Crochet Top Patterns Are Worth Bookmarking
Like I said before, the crochet community are just amazing people and they are so generous with their knowledge. There are so many amazing crochet tops patterns that are free without paying anything at all. You can create something amazing yourself without spending a cent on the pattern itself and it feels so good to also crochet something yourself. Below are some of the styles to look for when doing some research for your next exciting crochet project.
Other Easy Fashion Ideas
This is what you should search for:
- Look for the beginner friendly crochet tank tops patterns that are free (here you should look for patterns using single or half double crochet with just the minimal shaping to it)
- You should also search the crochet halter top pattern for free with the tie closure ( also include the adjustable and flattering on many different body types, this should do )
- Now here also go for the easy crochet mesh top with free pattern again (This is great someone who want to learn the open stitch technique, amazing)
- Another thing you do is search for the crochet summer tops free patterns on Ravelry and Lovecrafts ( I love both of them, they have huge libraries and I’m hoping that you love them too)
You also need to take note of this for your research and tutorial search, always check the stitch count notes and whether the designers included the size modifications or not. To get a good crochet, a pattern that only comes in one size is not as useful as the one that walks you through how to actually adjust your measurements and so on, so be on the lookout for that. Another important note is, look for the patterns that include a sizing sample guide to make things a little bit simple for you. I know this might look like a minor thing but it makes a real difference in how the finished crochet fits and you don’t wanna miss that.
These are some of my favorite free resources:
- Ravelry has a huge database of patterns you can use for your own crochet projects
- YouTube is good for your long in depth stitch tutorial and most of these tutorial have written patterns
- Pinterest is perfect for inspiration, and you’ll be able to see different patterns and there’s lot and most of them link back to the original creators
- Blogs designed especially for crochet only, these type of blogs dive deep into crochet tips and patterns
Styling Your Outfit with a Crochet Top
You need to get your crochet outfit right and here it’s all about keeping it nice and effortless without looking like you don’t know what you’re doing. And with crochet tops, the texture of the crochet already does a lot of the visual work so you need to make sure that the rest of the outfit stays pretty simple, not messy at all.
Here are some good combinations I keep coming back to:
- For a crochet halter top, go for wide-leg linen trousers and for shoes try the block-heel sandals. This outfit never disappoints, you can go to every summer outdoor dinner with this one. It’s effortless and beautiful.
- For a crochet mesh top, you can just layer it over a slip dress for a beautiful evening outing with the girls. I mean the contrast of the knitted texture against the silky based look absolutely beautiful.
- Now for a crochet tank top, go for a nice denim midi skirt with the comfortable slip-on shoes. Then you’re good to go. This is a classic style, it’s so easy and always looks intentional and on point!
- For a cropped crochet top, goes well with bike shorts and nice sneakers. For a more casual look, this is more street style inspired look and it’s amazing.
- And lastly the white crochet halter top with a linen button tied at the waist over it is amazing. Like I said, the layering adds dimension and also the linen keeps the pattern in order.
You obviously need accessories but it’s important to be considerate with the type of accessories you go for here. Crochet on its own has a lot of texture so you need to keep your jewelry as simple as you can. I would go for a single gold chain necklace, small hoop earrings and a nice summer tote bag perfect for the crochet outfit.
Beginners Tips Starting Their First Crochet Top Pattern
For someone who always wanted to get started with crochet top patterns but still haven’t started yet, this is your sign to get started. It might feel like it;s bit too much easier than you think and once you get started, you can never go back.
Get started with the yarn weight. Because it’s summer tops, fingering weight or the sport weight cotton yarn is your best friend in this case. You don’t want it to be heavy, it should be light and breathable. You need to do your best to avoid the acrylic for wearables as much as possible as it tends to be a bit warmer and less comfortable against your skin in a hot summer weather and you don’t want that.
The construction should be simple. Look for the patterns that are made in just one simple piece. You can either form from the top down or the bottom up, your choice. All you need to do here is avoid the patterns that have lots of sewing parts together, you don’t want any complications. Honestly sewing pieces together can be a little bit tricky for a beginner. So for me, making it one piece at a time also lets you try it on as you go so that you can go where you want to make changes.
Make a sample (swatch), then make another one again. Okay, hear me out, I know most people skip this step and I’ve done that before. But it’s important to get the right size for your clothes. It doesn’t take that long to be honest, only 20 minutes at most. But doing this can help you avoid making it to the top be way too big for you or too small. It happens so an extra 20 minutes won’t hurt.
YouTube is your best friend. Who doesn’t love tutorials on YouTube, even though you’re following a written pattern but watching a tutorial on YouTube helps a lot as you can see someone demonstrating a stitch you’ve never done before. I’ve been saying this but the crochet community is amazing and support is incredible.
Go for easy stitches that are easy to work with. I think you should start with the half double crochet and double crochet because they are great for clothes and they also hang nicely, don’t take too much time to make. Don’t start with fancy stitches like shells or puffs as a beginner. You will get there and I know they’re pretty but you need to take it easy cause they take more time. You don’t need to make things too complicated for you especially if you’re only starting out.
Choose a Good Yarn for Crochet Summer Clothes
It’s summer and your choice of yarn is everything, whether it’s a summer top or cute beach dress. If you make the wrong decision and choose the wrong yarn then your crochet will be your worst nightmare, a beautiful comfortable pattern can feel still and very uncomfortable when wearing it in this heat. Now here’s what you need to look for:
Cotton here is your standard gold for summer crochet tops that’s nice and comfortable. I love it cause it’s breathable, you can also wash it in your washing machine, it’s super clean once it’s all done and polished. I also like the fact that it can take dye beautifully so no color limitations here, you can get creative. The clothes made with cotton have a bit of weight and clothes hang nicely on the body. It’s perfect, they don’t bounce back like wool does.
Linen or Linen blends are also having a moment too honestly. You get to have that beautiful natural texture and only gets softer with washing, it’s the best thing ever. Linen has a slightly uneven look and this makes the look of handmade clothes special, like they were carefully made by hand, you can’t beat the human touch.
Bamboo blends are amazing, they feel so soft, smooth and light which is perfect for summer. These are perfect for crochet mesh tops or just any other clothing you want the fabric to just hang nicely and loose on your body.
Avoid using 100% wool when making your summer tops because it’s too warm for hot weather. Avoid using the thick yarns because they can feel so heavy in summer it will ruin your day. Most importantly, you need to avoid the fancy textured or fuzzy yarns because they can make it so difficult to see your stitches and can make your top look too busy. And it’s so unnecessary, you still wanna look elegant.
Why Handmade Always Wins in the Summer
The crochet summer clothes are so special and there’s a reason why most people feel that way. When you make something yourself AKA DIY project, it hits different because it’s intentional unlike something you go to shop to buy. The crochet tops are beautiful. Everything is special the yarn, the color, the pattern and the fit cause everything about it is special.
Crochet fashion has made a comeback in fashion and I must admit that this fashion is beautiful and perfect for summer. At the moment most people are craving auntheticity and this trends check the bix. There’s something different about holding a piece of clothing you have made yourself after it took hours making.
If you love crochet and it’s a hobby yourself, summer is the perfect season to make something that you can actually wear with different colors. Seeing your project come together over a weekend or two, and then for you to wear allseason of summer is something so fulfilling. The feeling you get when someone ask where you got the top and get to tell people that “I made it myself” is such an amazing feeling.
Not everybody can make the pieces themselves but shopping around handmade instead still have the same feeling and energy. It has story, the fact that someone took some time to make it that’s what makes it special. Another thing is the personality that comes with it.
FAQ: The Best Crochet Summer Tops
Q: What is the easiest crochet top for beginners that’s easy to make? The easiest one for me is a crochet tank top because here you work with the simple stitch like double crochet or half double crochet, the most simple and beginner friendly option anyone can start with. You can easily look for a free crochet top pattern that uses one stictch throughout and doesn’t really need a complicated shaping at all. At the beginner level, many patterns are worked flat in other words in rows and then the sewing at the sides so that it’s as simple as possible and straightforward.
Q: Where can I get the free crochet top patterns? There are many places where you can easily find the nice pattern like the Ravelry, Lovecrafts and of course there are so many indivisual maker blogs where you can find the ebst sources for the crochet top free partterns without paying a cent. Another great platform is Pinterest for inpiration, most of the pins on Pinterest have links that link directly to the roginal pattern. Another good option is YouTube, here you can look for tutorials.
Q: What is the best yarn for a crochet summer top? If you want to make something for summer, cotton is the best choice. In hot weather, you want a breathable and light crochet that holds it’s shape well without any struggle. You need to go for the fingering weight or sport weight cotton and it’s perfect for tops and tanks in summer. Also take into account linen and bamboo blends, these are your wonderful options with you want something different and full of nice texture.
Q: How long does it usually take make a summer crochet top? Making this depends on the pattern and your skill level most of the time, but with the simple crochet top patterns you can finish it within a weekend if you’re not that busy. For a beginner you might take atleast 10 to 15 hours for your first crochet piece, and then for someone who’s got more experince it can take them 5 to 8 hours to finish. Now for more complicated designs like a crochet mesh top you take longer than usual.
Q: Is is possible to make a crochet halter top as a beginner? Yes, you can. There are many crochet halter top patterns are beginner friendly and anyone can make them, especially those that use the basic stitches and have the adjustable ties so that fitting can a little easier. Don’t stress yourself with complicated patterns, looks for the patterns that are labelled beginners or easy before starting with anything commplicated.
Q: What are the best top crochet ideas that are trending right now? There are some of the most popular crochet ideas right now on Pinterest and instagram that include the open-back halter designs, cropped mesh tops in neutral and earthy tones, black and white is a also a thing right now, sleeveless tanks wuth shell stitch detailing have been going around and yoi can also go for the color blocking designs that have two or even three yarns. Social media is the best place for for inspiration.
Here are my final thoughts
The summer crochet tops are more than just a trend on the internet. These tops are so much fun, craft , a community you get to be part of especially if you love to crochet things yourself. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re here because you wanted to make something with your own hands or because you fell in love with the aesthetics and wanted to know know how to style it but i really hope that this article gave you a little something uself and a litttle bit of of inspo to go out and enjoy your summer in style.
There’s something about crochet that hits different for me, every project teaches you something new, every stitch is fixable and at the end of the day you end up with something beautiful that you can wear all summer. The pride you cannot get with your shopping spree.
So lady, pick up that hook and go find a free crochet top pattern and get started. Be sure to get some cotton yarn in your favorite color that screams summer!
