The Zalina Crochet Top is a beautiful and feminine crochet top featuring a delicate lace-inspired stitch pattern, elegant straps, and sleeves. This stylish handmade top is available in sizes S through 3XL, making it a lovely addition to your crochet wardrobe. In this free crochet top pattern, you’ll find step-by-step written instructions along with a video tutorial to help you create your own Zalina Crochet Top. Whether you’re crocheting a top for yourself or making one as a special handmade gift, this pattern is a fun and rewarding project to try.
Table of Contents
- About the Zalina Crochet Top
- Materials You’ll Need
- Crochet Top Gauge
- Sizes and Finished Measurements
- Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations
- How to Crochet the Back Panel
- How to Crochet the Front Panel
- How to Assemble the Zalina Crochet Top
- Finishing the Crochet Top
- How to Style the Zalina Crochet Top
- Zalina Crochet Top Video Tutorial
- Frequently Asked Questions
About the Zalina Crochet Top
The Zalina Crochet Top is a lightweight and lacy crochet top pattern featuring an open stitch texture, short sleeves, and a relaxed, comfortable fit. Its delicate lace design gives it a feminine and airy look, making it a beautiful handmade piece to wear throughout the year.
This free crochet top pattern is worked in two main panels and then assembled to create the finished top. The openwork stitch pattern creates a lovely drape while keeping the garment light and breathable. Wear the Zalina Crochet Top on its own during warmer weather, or layer it over a camisole, tank top, or long-sleeve shirt when the temperature drops.
Whether you are looking for a new handmade wardrobe piece or want to try crocheting your first garment, the Zalina Crochet Top is a fun project to add to your crochet collection. The written pattern includes step-by-step instructions, and I have also included a video tutorial to guide you through the construction and stitch pattern.
Materials You’ll Need
To crochet the Zalina Crochet Top, you will need:
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK
- Yarn weight: DK
- Crochet hook: 4 mm
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Stitch markers — optional, but helpful when working the panels and marking the armholes
Yarn
The Zalina Crochet Top is made with Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK, a lightweight cotton yarn that works beautifully with this open lace stitch. The cotton gives the finished top a comfortable feel and allows the delicate stitch pattern to show beautifully.
You can substitute the yarn with another DK-weight yarn, but keep in mind that different fibers and yarns can produce different amounts of drape and may affect the finished measurements. Always make a gauge swatch before beginning the garment.
Zalina Crochet Top: Gauge
Gauge is important when crocheting a garment because it determines the final size and fit of your Zalina Crochet Top.
For this pattern, using Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton DK and a 4 mm crochet hook, the finished gauge after steam blocking is:
17 stitches × 8 rows = 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm)
Because this is an open lace stitch, the fabric can change slightly after blocking. For this reason, make your gauge swatch using the same stitch pattern as the garment and steam block the swatch before measuring.
Measure the center portion of your blocked swatch rather than the outer edges for the most accurate result.
If you have more than 17 stitches across 4 inches, your stitches are too small. Try using a larger crochet hook.
If you have fewer than 17 stitches across 4 inches, your stitches are too large. Try using a smaller crochet hook.
Important: Your row gauge is also important for this pattern because it affects the finished length of the crochet top.
Gauge
17 sts × 8 rows = 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm), after steam blocking
Zalina Crochet Top: Sizes and Finished Measurements
The Zalina Crochet Top is designed with a relaxed fit and approximately 5 inches of positive ease. The open lace stitch creates a lightweight fabric with beautiful drape, making this crochet top comfortable to wear and easy to layer.
The finished measurements below are for the garment laid flat.
Size M
- Width: 23 in (58.5 cm)
- Finished bust circumference: approximately 46 in (117 cm)
- Length: 19 in (48.5 cm)
- Recommended positive ease: approximately 5 in (13 cm)
To choose your size, measure around the fullest part of your bust and add approximately 5 inches for the intended relaxed fit.
Size Grading
The Zalina Crochet Top uses a repeating stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 8 + 2 chains.
For size M, the starting chain is:
112 + 2 = 114 chains
Each size is adjusted by 8 stitches, creating approximately 1.9 inches of additional width at the stated gauge.
Zalina Crochet Top: Starting Chains
| Size | Length (in) | Approx. Flat Width |
|---|---|---|
| S | 17.7 | 21.1 in |
| M | 19 | 23 in |
| L | 20.3 | 24.9 in |
| XL | 20.3 | 26.8 in |
| XXL | 21.6 | 28.6 in |
| 3XL | 21.6 | 30.5 in |
Approximate widths are calculated from the blocked gauge of 17 stitches per 4 inches. Actual measurements may vary slightly depending on individual crochet tension and blocking.
Finished Bust Circumference
Because the top is constructed from a front and back panel of approximately the same width, the finished bust circumference is approximately twice the flat width.
| Size | Approx. Finished Bust |
| S | 42.2 in |
| M | 46 in |
| L | 49.8 in |
| XL | 53.6 in |
| XXL | 57.2 in |
| 3XL | 61 in |
The Zalina Crochet Top is intended to have approximately 5 inches of positive ease. Keep in mind that the open lace fabric and blocking can affect the final fit and drape.
The length can be adjusted by adding or removing pattern repeats, depending on your preferred fit. If you change the length, keep in mind that this will also change the amount of yarn required.
Zalina Crochet Top: Crochet Stitches and Abbreviations
This pattern is written using US crochet terminology.
The following crochet abbreviations are used throughout the pattern:
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- dc – double crochet
- sp – space
- st – stitch
- sk – skip
- st: stitch(es)
- **: repeat instructions between asterisks as described
- ard: around
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Zalina Crochet Top: Pattern Notes
- The pattern is written using US crochet terminology.
- The starting chain is worked as a multiple of 8 + 2 to maintain the stitch repeat.
- Ch 3 counts as the first dc throughout.
- Size from the pictures is Medium.
- The lace pattern consists of a 2-row repeat.
- Gauge is measured over 4 complete 2-row pattern repeat.
- Instructions written between asterisks
* *are repeated as indicated. - The gauge for this pattern is measured after steam blocking.
- Take your time checking your stitch count, especially when beginning each panel, to ensure the lace pattern remains aligned.
- The front and back panels are worked almost straight, but includes simple neckline shaping.
- Panels are sewn together at the shoulders and side seams.
- Blocking is recommended to open the lace stitches and improve the overall drape.
Before You Begin
I recommend reading through the pattern once before starting your Zalina Crochet Top. The top is made in separate front and back panels, which are then assembled to create the finished garment.
Because the lace stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 8 + 2, keeping the correct starting chain and stitch count is important for maintaining the pattern repeat throughout the panels.
Don’t forget to make your gauge swatch and steam block it before measuring. This will help you achieve the intended size and drape of your finished crochet top.
Zalina Crochet Top: Back Panel
Ch 106 (S), 114 (M), 122 (L), 130 (XL), 138 (XXL), 146 (3XL) or any multiple of 8 + 2
Row 1: Sc into the 2nd ch from hook. Sc across.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as first dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. *Ch 2, sk 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * across. Ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the last st.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. *Sk 3 sts, work the following in the same next st: (dc, dc, ch 3, sl st into the base, dc, ch 1, dc, dc, ch 3, sl st into the base, dc). Sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * across. Sk 3 sts, dc in the last st.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Row 5: Rep Row 3.
Repeat Rows 2–3 until you reach:
- Size S: Row 34
- Sizes M: Row 36
- Sizes L and XL: Row 38
- Sizes XXL and 3XL: Row 40
Zalina Crochet Top: Front Panel
Ch 106 (S), 114 (M), 122 (L), 130 (XL), 138 (XXL), 146 (3XL) or any multiple of 8 + 2
Repeat the same pattern as the Back Panel until you reach:
- Size S: Row 30
- Size M: Row 32
- Sizes L and XL: Row 34
- Sizes XXL and 3XL: Row 36
The final 4 rows of each size are left for the straps.
The straps are worked as a continuation of the Front Panel. With the right side facing, place stitch markers to indicate the stitches where the straps will begin.
Sizes S and M
Left Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, place a stitch marker in the 33rd stitch from each side edge.
Row 31 (S), Row 33 (M): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 32 (S), Row 34 (M): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 34 for Size S or Row 36 for Size M.
Fasten off.
Right Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, join yarn in the 33rd stitch from the left neckline edge.
Row 31 (S), Row 33 (M): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 32 (S), Row 34 (M): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 34 for Size S or Row 36 for Size M.
Fasten off.
Sizes L and XL
Left Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, place a stitch marker in the 41st stitch from each side edge.
Row 35 (L & XL): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 36 (L & XL): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 38 for Sizes L and XL.
Fasten off.
Right Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, join yarn in the 41st stitch from the left neckline edge.
Row 35 (L & XL): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 36 (L & XL): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 38 for Sizes L and XL.
Fasten off.
Sizes XXL and 3XL
Left Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, place a stitch marker in the 49th stitch from each side edge.
Row 37 (XXL & 3XL): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 38 (XXL & 3XL): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 40 for Sizes XXL and 3XL.
Fasten off.
Right Strap
With the Front Panel right side facing, join yarn in the 49th stitch from the left neckline edge.
Row 37 (XXL & 3XL): Ch 3, then work Row 3 of the stitch pattern across to the marked stitch. Dc in the marked stitch.
Row 38 (XXL & 3XL): Rep Row 2 of the stitch pattern.
Continue Strap:
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 of the stitch pattern until you complete Row 40 for Sizes XXL and 3XL.
Fasten off.
Zalina Crochet Top: Sleeves
Make 2 sleeves.
The sleeves are worked using the same stitch pattern as the Front and Back Panels.
Sleeve Foundation Chain
- Size S: Ch 72 + 2
- Size M: Ch 80 + 2
- Sizes L and XL: Ch 88 + 2
- Sizes XXL and 3XL: Ch 96 + 2
Sleeve
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from hook and sc across.
Row 2: Ch 5 (counts as first dc + ch 2), turn. Sk 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. *Ch 2, sk 3 sts, (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next st, ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * across. Ch 2, sk 3 sts, dc in the last st.
Row 3: Ch 3, turn. *Sk 3 sts, work the following in the same next st: (dc, dc, ch 3, sl st into the base, dc, ch 1, dc, dc, ch 3, sl st into the base, dc). Sk 3 sts, dc in the next st. Rep from * across. Sk 3 sts, dc in the last st.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Row 5: Rep Row 3.
Continue alternating Rows 2 and 3 until you reach the required number of rows for your size:
- Sizes S and M: Work a total of 14 rows.
- Sizes L and XL: Work a total of 16 rows.
- Sizes XXL and 3XL: Work a total of 18 rows.
Fasten off.
Repeat the instructions to make the second sleeve.
Assembly Instructions for the Zalina Crochet Top
Joining the Panels
Use a slip stitch to seam all pieces together.
Turn Right Side Out
Once all seams are complete, turn the top right side out.
- Position the Panels
Place the front and back panels with right sides facing each other (inside out). - Join the Shoulders
Slip stitch across both shoulder seams, leaving the neck opening unworked. - Attach the Sleeves
- Align each sleeve with the armhole opening.
- Make sure the center of the sleeve matches the shoulder seam.
- Slip stitch the sleeves to the panels evenly on both sides.
- Join the Sides and Sleeves
- Fold the top so seams align.
- Starting from the bottom edge, slip stitch up the side of the body and continue along the sleeve to the underarm.
- Finishing the Seams
Carefully slip stitch all edges, ensuring the lace pattern aligns neatly for a clean, professional finish.
Zalina Crochet Top: Edging
Neck Edging
Join yarn in any stitch along the neckline.
Row 1: Ch 1, slip stitch in each st around, join with a slip stitch to first sl st.
Zalina Crochet Top: Video Tutorial
Want to make the Zalina Crochet Top along with me? In this step-by-step video tutorial, I’ll show you how to crochet this beautiful and feminine crochet top from start to finish. We’ll work through the stitch pattern, panels, straps, and sleeves together, with clear instructions to help you follow along at your own pace. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or still building your skills, this tutorial will make it easier to create your own Zalina Crochet Top
More Crochet Tops to Make
If you love making crochet tops, be sure to check out the other crochet top patterns on my blog. You’ll find a variety of designs, from easy and beginner-friendly styles to more detailed crochet tops that are perfect for adding a handmade touch to your wardrobe. After making the Zalina Crochet Top, explore the other designs and find your next crochet project.