If you're looking for that perfect crochet top for summer, then look no further! This crochet tank top design uses a delicate ladder stitch pattern to really stand out. Ladder stitch is created with a combo of double crochet and chains, and it’s a great one to learn if you’re an improver who wants to practise shaping and hook a garment. This free crochet tank top pattern by Sara Huntington is one of those endlessly useful tops that will do double duty in wardrobe rotation, being casual enough to pair with jeans for everyday, but with just the right amount of sparkle to take you into the evening!
You will need
- Rico Creative Reflection Print (46% wool, 46% acrylic, 8% polyester, 50g/240m) in Blackberry (02), or alternative dk yarn.
See table below for yarn quantities and measurements
PLEASE NOTE - The Rico Creative Reflection Print yarn has unfortunately been discontinued. You could use an alternative DK yarn such as the Scheepjes Spirit (56% Cotton 44% Acrylic, 50g/210m), but whatever alternative yarn you use please make sure to check both your tension and the yarn quantities needed.
Tension
26 sts and 19 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over pattern using a 3.5mm hook or size needed to obtain correct tension
Abbreviations
You can find a full list of all abbreviations we use in our abbreviations and conversions guide. This free crochet tank top pattern is written in UK terminology but you can easily convert it to US terms using the guide.
Notes
Top is worked from the bottom up in two identical parts, Front and Back. An edging is worked around the neckline. Where given, remember to follow the coloured instructions for the corresponding size that you are making.
Free tank top crochet pattern
Front & back (make 2)
Using a 3mm hook, ch90 (94: 98: 106: 110: 118: 122)
Row 1 (WS) Dc in second ch from hook, dc into each ch to end. [89 (93: 97: 105: 109: 117: 121) sts]
Row 2 (RS) Ch1 (does not count as st throughout), dc in each st to end.
Row 3 As Row 2.
Row 4 Ch1, dc in each of first 6 sts, 2dc in next st, *dc in each of next 3 sts, 2dc in next st; rep from * to last 2 sts, dc in each of last 2 sts. [110 (115: 120: 130: 135: 145: 150) sts]
Change to a 3.5mm hook.
Row 5 Ch1, dc in each of next 3 sts, *ch4, skip next 4 sts, dc in next st; rep from * to last 7 sts, ch4, skip next 4 sts, dc in each of last 3 sts.
Row 5 forms the pattern.
Continue in pattern with shaping until the work measures 40cm from foundation ch, ending on a RS row.
Shape armholes
Over the following section keep the pattern correct by working 3dc at the beginning and end of every row, either into an existing dc or ch. When instructed to work in pattern for the rest of the row, make sure that the dc sts are always worked into the dc sts of the previous row, so you may need to work fewer ch after the 3dc at the beginning of the row and before the 3dc at the end of the row to achieve this.
Row 1 (WS) Ss in each of next 4 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, pattern to last 7 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, skip the last 4 sts, turn. [102 (107: 112: 122: 127: 137: 142) sts]
Row 2 Ss in each of next 2 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, pattern to last 5 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, skip the last 2 sts, turn. [98 (103: 108: 118: 123: 133: 138) sts]
Rep Row 2 another 4 (4: 4: 4: 6: 8: 8) times. [82 (87: 92: 102: 99: 101: 106) sts]
Next row Ss in first st, dc in each of next 3 sts, pattern to last 4 sts, dc in each of next 3 sts, skip last st. [80 (85: 90: 100: 97: 99: 104) sts]
Next row Rep Row 7 another 0 (0: 0: 5: 1: 2: 2) times. [80 (85: 90: 90: 95: 95: 100) sts]
Continue in patt until work measures 14 (15: 16: 16: 17: 16: 17)cm from armhole shaping, ending on a WS row.
Neck and shoulder strap shaping
With RS facing, ch1, dc in each of next 3 sts, *ch4, skip next 4 sts, dc into next st; rep from * another 2 (2: 3: 3: 3: 3: 3) times, turn. [18 (18: 23: 23: 23: 23: 23) sts]
Continue working in patt on these stitches, working the 3dc band on armhole edge only, until the shoulder strap measures 10 (10: 10: 11: 11: 13: 13) cm, ending on a WS row.
Change to a 3mm hook and work 2 rows of dc evenly along the top of the Shoulder Strap.
Fasten off.
Leave 44 (49: 44: 49: 49: 49: 54) central stitches unworked and rejoin the yarn to the next st with RS facing. This should be a dc st in the pattern repeat. *Dc in next st, ch 4, skip next 4 sts; rep from * another 2 (2: 3: 3: 3: 3: 3) times, dc in each of last 3 sts, turn. [18 (18: 23: 23: 23: 23: 23) sts]
Continue working in patt on these stitches, working the 3dc band on armhole edge only, until the shoulder strap measures 10 (10: 10: 11: 11: 13: 13) cm, ending on a WS row.
Change to a 3mm hook and work 2 rows of dc evenly along the top end of the Shoulder Strap.
Fasten off.
When repeating the instructions to make the second piece, make sure to work the same number of rows as you have worked on the first piece, rather than just working to stated length measurements.
To finish
For best results, block and press each side to measurements before sewing up.
Using mattress stitch, join the shoulder seams and then the side seams.
Neck edging
Round 1 (RS) Using a 3mm hook and starting at a shoulder seam, work a round of dc evenly around the inside of the neck edge, working dc3tog at each corner of the front and back neck.
Rep the last round another 3 times.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Fancy some more awesome crochet tops for your summer wardrobe? Then why not take a look at our pick of the best Summer crochet top patterns or the top crochet beachwear patterns!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this free tank top crochet pattern, don’t forget if you need any help with your crochet stitches you can always check out our crochet for beginners guide. And if you’re looking to treat yourself, check out our list of the best crochet hooks and the best crochet kits for beginners.
