Skip to Content

35 Free Crochet Tank and Crop Top Patterns

This post may contain affiliate links.

Hello, summer! Welcome the warm weather with this list of 35 free crochet tanks and crop top patterns. Whether you’re looking for a light and airy crochet crop top or a more sophisticated tank, this list of easy crochet top patterns has something for everyone. These patterns are easy to follow and will help you stay cool in the summer heat. So grab your crochet hook and some yarn, and get started on one of these amazing tank tops today!

photo collage of four women wearing crochet tops, with text overlay that reads "35+ Free Crochet Top Patterns"

Crochet Top Patterns

Winter isn’t the only season for crochet! This summer, why not try your hand at making a crochet tank top or crop top?

In this list, we’ve gathered some of the best crochet top patterns for beginner and intermediate crocheters. You’ll find free patterns that work for nearly every summer occasion, from breezy crop tops to wear at the beach, to more sophisticated tanks you can dress up for work.

Never crocheted a top before? Don’t worry. Crop tops and tanks are the perfect beginner project. They use less yarn than sweaters and are quicker and less complicated to make. The top patterns in this list are easy to follow, and some even include video tutorials.

And just in case you’re new to crochet, here is our How to Crochet beginner’s guide, and our guide to the six basic crochet stitches for beginners.

How to Choose a Beginner-Friendly Pattern

While crochet sweaters are often a bit more complicated to make, tanks and crop tops provide a perfect, wearable project for beginners. In the list below, you’ll find a variety of patterns that meet these criteria and are totally doable – even if it’s your first crochet garment project. 

Here’s what to look for when choosing the pattern that’s right for you.

  • Look for patterns that use basic stitches only, such as chains, slip stitches, single crochet, double crochet, and half double crochet.
  • Choose a pattern with simple construction. For example, look for a pattern where the straps that are added after the bodice is finished (rather than worked together in one piece). You’ll have to do a little seaming, but you won’t have to worry about a lot of increasing and decreasing.
  • Look for a pattern that’s made with either a matching front and back or a symmetrical tube that’s worked in the round. That will keep things simple.
  • Last but not least, remember that patterns made with medium-weight yarns, such as worsted or aran, are generally quicker to work up than patterns made with lightweight yarns, such as fingering.

Ready to move beyond the basics? Intermediate and advanced crocheters will find a few slightly more complex patterns with details and techniques appropriate for those with more experience.

Crochet Tanks and Crop Top Patterns

Looking for a new crochet tank top or crop top pattern to make this summer? Look no further! We have gathered some of the best patterns from around the internet for beginner and intermediate crocheters.

Supplies You’ll Need for Crochet Tops

Gather these materials to make your crochet top pattern:

What’s the Best Yarn for Summer Tops?

Crochet summer tops can be made with a variety of yarn weights, from fingering-weight and sport yarn to worsted-weight and aran yarn. Many crochet tops are made from cotton yarn, which keeps them soft and breathable while giving a nice drape. Check your specific pattern for the best type of yarn, and be sure to check your gauge before getting started.

How Much Yarn Do I Need for a Crop Top?

Depending on the size and style you choose, most crochet crop tops and tank tops require anywhere from 3-6 skeins of yarn. Larger sizes and more complex patterns use more yarn than simple tube top patterns in smaller sizes.

And, of course, since different brands of yarn are sold in different size skeins, it’s essential to check the yardage required when yarn shopping!

Tips for Making Crochet Tops

Here are some of the best ways to ensure a successful experience with making your new crochet top.

Choose a Pattern That Matches Your Skill Level

Most patterns will be marked with a recommended skill level. If you’re a beginner, keep your eye out for patterns that are marked “easy.” 

In addition, take a few minutes to read through the pattern before committing. Check out what type of stitches are used, what kind of yarn is required, and whether there is seaming, shaping, or any other techniques you might need to know. Many of these techniques sound more complicated than they actually are, so keep an open mind. You can always look up the techniques you don’t know.

A pattern that includes a video tutorial can make the process much easier for visual learners. Don’t write a design off right away just because it contains a stitch or technique you’ve never tried before. On the other hand, a project that is significantly beyond your experience level can quickly become discouraging.

Choose the Right Yarn (Both Weight and Fiber Content)

For each of the patterns in this list, I’ve included the suggested yarn right here within the post. Using the same yarn as the pattern designer is one of the easiest ways to help your crocheted top turn out as intended.

If you choose to use a different yarn, it’s best to find one with the same weight and fiber content as the suggested yarn (or as similar as possible).

Check Gauge and Body Measurements

No matter what yarn you choose to use, don’t forget to check your gauge! Crochet a gauge square before beginning your top. Then, if needed, adjust your hook size accordingly.

And, of course, it’s important to choose the right size for the best fit. Most crochet top patterns conveniently include instructions for multiple sizes. For best results, you’ll want to check your body measurements before choosing a size. Just because you’re always a size medium in store-bought clothes doesn’t mean that the pattern will be perfectly true to size. Measure carefully before you spend time crocheting your top.

Try Your Top on as You Make it to Adjust the Fit

The beauty of making your own clothing is that you can check the size as you go! Whether you’re crocheting in the round or making a front and back that will be seamed together, take a break every so often to hold your pattern up to your body, or try it on to see how it fits. 

Catching an incorrect fit toward the beginning stages of your project will allow you to add or decrease stitches (or even start over if necessary) without waiting until you get to the end of your pattern (potentially many hours in!).

More Crochet Patterns

Check out these collections of free crochet patterns.

photo collage of four women wearing crochet tops, with text overlay that reads "35+ Free Crochet Top Patterns"

What’s Next?

Pin this post: Save this tutorial to your Pinterest boards so that you can come back to it later.

Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!

Share on Instagram or Facebook: When you make this project, share it on social media and tag me @sarahmaker_. We love to see what you make!

Have questions? Join the Facebook Group!

We hope this article was useful for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to join my Facebook Group. We created this group for you to share pictures, ask questions, and help each other out.