There’s something special about making your own crochet crop top — it’s quick, stylish, and instantly rewarding. The Lorelay Crochet Crop Top was designed to be that go-to handmade piece you’ll reach for again and again. With its delicate stitch texture, flattering shape, and customizable fit, this top is perfect for sunny days, layering outfits, and showing off your handmade wardrobe.
Whether you’re new to garment-making or already love crocheting wearables, this free pattern will guide you step by step. Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s create a beautiful crochet crop top you’ll be proud to wear.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Crop Top
- Beginner-friendly construction
- Quick project (weekend make!)
- Lightweight and breathable
- Customizable length and straps
- Perfect for summer outfits
- Works great with cotton or bamboo yarn
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Skill Level
Intermediate – Suitable for crocheters comfortable with lace stitches and garment construction.
You should be comfortable with:
- Chains
- Double crochet
- Working in rows
- Simple shaping
How to Crochet 3 dc tog Across 3 Stitches
The 3 dc tog stitch creates a cluster by combining 3 double crochets from three consecutive stitches into one stitch at the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insert hook into the first stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over (yo)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain)
- Yarn over again
- Insert hook into the second stitch
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain)
- Yarn over again
- Insert hook into the third stitch
- Yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook)
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain)
- Yarn over one last time
- Pull through all 4 loops on the hook
✅ You’ve now combined 3 stitches into 1 (3dc tog completed).
– The top of the cluster will count as one stitch, so adjust your stitch count accordingly.
– “3dctog, ch 1 to close the cluster. This ch-1 counts as a stitch.”
Notes
- This pattern is written in US terms
- Take measurements of your body so you can chain accurate amount of stitches
- Ch 3 counts as 1st dc
- Multiple of 8 + 3 – see chart for size adjustments
- The stitch combination is 4 rows repeat (from Row 3 to 6). Although there’s a small difference between Row 2 and Row 6 even if they look the same. Between the shell of 5dc and dc is skip 3 only for Row 2. Between the shell of 5dc and dc is skip 4 for Row 6 and all the rows that you follow in the combination.
Materials
Essential Materials to Crochet Your Crop Top
- I Love This Cotton Yarn Color: Buttercup
- You will need approximately 340 (360, 396, 470, 520, 600, 700) yards of yarn for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL).
- 5.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed for gauge) US size H-8
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape
Ready to make your own Lorelay crochet crop top? Follow the simple instructions below as we work through each step together, turning yarn and stitches into a beautiful handmade top you’ll love to wear.
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top Sizing
Instructions are written for: XS–3XL
Always check your gauge before starting.
Example:
“This crochet crop top is designed to fit snugly with slight stretch. For a looser fit, size up.”
| Size Chest (in) | Length (in) | Width (in) |
| XS (28–30) | 15 | 14.6 |
| S (32–34) | 15 | 16.8 |
| M (36–38) | 18 | 19 |
| L (40–42) | 21 | 21.2 |
| XL (44–46) | 21 | 23.4 |
| XXL (48-50) | 21 | 25.6 |
| 3XL (52–54) | 21 | 27.8 |
Made-to-Measure Option
Although starting chain counts are provided for each size, this crochet lacy top can easily be made to measure for a custom fit while maintaining its relaxed ease. Create a starting chain that fits comfortably around your bust (or desired width) without stretching. Be sure the chain follows the stitch multiple used in the pattern. Once the correct length is reached, continue working the pattern as written. This option allows you to customize the fit while keeping the airy, relaxed look of the design.
Made-to-Measure: Step-by-Step for Beginners
Measure around your bust at the fullest point.
Add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) for relaxed ease.
Chain stitches until the chain length matches your measurement, keeping the chain loose and even.
Adjust the number of chains to match the stitch multiple used in the pattern.
Begin Row 1 and follow the pattern as written once the chain fits comfortably without stretching.
Helpful Tip
Always check your gauge before starting, especially when working a crochet lacy top with relaxed ease. Even small differences in tension can change the fit.
Gauge
Gauge is important for achieving the correct fit.
Make a small swatch using the lace stitch pattern and adjust your hook size if needed.
4 inch x 4 inch = 14 dcs x 6 rows
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Abbreviations
US terms used
**: Repeat instructions between asterisks as described
Ard: Around
Ch: Chain
Dc: Double crochet
Hdc: Half double crochet
Rep: Repeat
Sk: Skip
Sl st: Slip stitch
St: Stitch(es)
3dctog: 3 double crochets together
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Starting Chain Sizes
| Size Chest (in) | Start chain for Back and Front Panel |
| XS (28–30) | 48 + 3 |
| S (32–34) | 56 + 3 |
| M (36–38) | 64 + 3 |
| L (40–42) | 72 + 3 |
| XL (44–46) | 80 + 3 |
| XXL (48-50) | 88 + 3 |
| 3XL (52–54) | 96 + 3 |
Pattern Instructions
Main Panel
How to Crochet the Back Panel of the Lacy Top
Begin by crocheting the back panel using the lace stitch pattern. Work until the desired length is reached, checking fit as you go.
For size medium, refer to size chart for alternate starting chains
Chain 64+3 (multiple of 8+3)
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn.
*Sk next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 3 sts, dc in next st; rep from * across.
End by working dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 from previous row.
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn.
*Sk next st, 3dctog over next 3 sts, ch 1 (cluster made), ch 2, dc in same st as last dc of 5-dc group from previous row (center dc of 5-dc group), ch 2, 3dctog over same st and next 2 sts, sk next st, dc in next st;
rep from * across.
End by sk next st, dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 from previous row.
Row 4: Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn, 2 dc in first st, ch 1.
*Sk next 4 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 4 sts, dc in next st; ch 1, sk next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 4 sts, dc in next st; rep from * across. End by sk next 4 sts, 3 dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 from previous row.
Row 5: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), turn. 3dctog over first st and next 2 sts, ch 1 (cluster made). *Sk next st, dc in next st, sk next st, 3dctog over next 3 sts, ch 1 (cluster made), ch 2, dc in same st as center dc of 5-dc group from previous row, ch 2, 3dctog over same st and next 2 sts; rep from * across. End by sk next st, 3dctog over next 3 sts, ch 1 (cluster made), ch 2, dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 from previous row.
Row 6: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn. Sk next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 4 sts, dc in next st; *ch 1, sk next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, sk next 4 sts, dc in next st; rep from * across. End by sk next 4 sts, dc in 3rd ch of beginning ch-3 from previous row.
Row 7: Rep Row 3.
Row 8: Rep Row 4.
Row 9: Rep Row 5.
Row 10: Rep Row 6.
Rows 7–10 form the 4-row repeat pattern.
Rep Rows 7–10 until you have:
13 rows total for Sizes XS and S
17 rows total for Size M
19 rows total for Sizes L and XL, 2XL and 3XL
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Begin Armhole Shaping
Row 14 (XS, S), Row 18 (M):
Turn, cut the yarn, skip 8 sts, and attach yarn in the 9th st.
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1).
Skip next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, dc in next st;
ch 1, skip next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, dc in next st;
repeat from * across.
End by skipping next 4 sts, dc in the 9th st counted from the corner.
Row 20 (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL):
Turn, cut the yarn, skip 8 sts, and attach yarn in the 9th st.
Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in first st, ch 1.
Skip next 4 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, dc in next st;
ch 1, skip next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, dc in next st;
repeat from * across.
End by skipping next 4 sts, 3 dc in the 9th st counted from the corner.
Continue Working Even
Continue repeating the established stitch pattern until you reach:
- Row 18 for XS and S
- Row 22 for M
- Row 26 for L, XL, 2XL and 3XL
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Straps
(Left Side When Wearing)
Row 19 (XS, S), Row 23 (M), Row 27 (L, XL, 2XL and 3XL):
Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn.
Skip next st, 3dctog over next 3 sts, ch 1 (cluster made), ch 2, dc in the same st as the center dc of the 5-dc group from the previous row, ch 2, 3dctog over the same st and next 2 sts, skip next st, dc in next st.
Row 20 (XS, S), Row 24 (M), Row 28 (L, XL, 2XL, 3XL):
Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), turn.
Skip next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, ch 1, skip next 4 sts, dc in last st.
Continue Working Even
Continue repeating this 2-row stitch pattern until you reach:
- Row 23 for XS and S
- Row 27 for M
- Row 31 for L and XL, 2XL and 3XL
Fasten off.
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Straps
(Right Side When Wearing)
Skip the neck opening and attach yarn:
- In the 9th st for sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
- In the 13th st for sizes 2XL and 3XL
Repeat the strap instructions as written for the left side.
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Assembly
Place the front and back panels with right sides facing each other.
Sew the panels together along the shoulder seams.
Sew the side seams, leaving the armholes open.
Turn the top right side out.
Weave in all loose ends.
Lorelay Crochet Crop Top: Neckline and Armhole Edging
(Beginner-Friendly Instructions)
The edging helps your Lorelay Crochet Crop Top keep its shape and gives it a clean, polished finish. You will work one round of single crochet evenly around each opening.
Neckline Edging
Round 1:
- With the right side of the top facing you, attach yarn at one shoulder seam using a slip stitch.
- Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch).
- Work 1 sc in each stitch across the neckline.
👉 When working along the sides of rows (not into regular stitches), place your single crochets evenly along the edge — aim for about 1 sc per row.
- At each corner of the neckline, work 3 single crochet stitches together (3sctog) to create a smooth, shaped edge.
- Continue working sc evenly around until you reach the beginning.
- Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Armhole Edging (Repeat for Both Sides)
- Attach yarn at the underarm seam.
- Ch 1.
- Work 1 sc evenly around the entire armhole opening.
👉 Again, when working along row edges, space your stitches evenly to avoid puckering or stretching.
- If your armhole has a sharp corner at the underarm, work 3sctog there to help it lay flat.
- Join with a slip stitch to the first sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Beginner Tip 💡
- If your edge feels tight → you may be placing too few stitches.
- If it feels wavy → you may be placing too many stitches.
- The goal is a flat, smooth edge that doesn’t pull or flare.
If you enjoyed making the Lorelay crochet crop top, you might also love my Ilsa Crochet Crop Top Pattern. This design features a slightly different stitch texture and silhouette, making it a great complementary project for your handmade summer wardrobe. Check out the full tutorial and free pattern for the Ilsa Crochet Crop Top here and add another stylish crochet crop top to your collection.
Sharing Your Work
If you make this top, share your photos on social media and tag @yelenastylecrochet
Copyright & Disclaimer
This pattern is free for personal use. You may sell finished items but please credit the designer and link back to this tutorial.
Happy crocheting!