Crop tops have taken over and are now becoming a wardrobe essential. And sometimes it is also called 'midriff tops'. Crocheting crop tops lends a handmade charm to any collection, whether you wear them with high-waisted shorts in the summer or layered over a turtleneck in the winter. You can create one yourself! You can quickly make your stylish, personalized top with the right crochet hook. In this blog, we'll show you how to create fashionable crop tops.
What Supplies Do You Need?
Let's check out the materials you need:
- For crocheting in summer, use cotton or acrylic blend yarn for breathable and lightweight. Check the pattern instructions for yardage recommendations. Make sure you measure the width, bust, and length of your body.
- The hook size depends on the yarn weight. For example, for lacey openwork tops, you can use a 3.5mm - 4.5mm wooden crochet hook. Read our blog to learn more information on how to choose the right hook sizes for your crochet projects.
- You must have crochet accessories, which include a meadow needle gauge, measuring tapes, stitch markers, a finishing needle, and scissors from Lantern Moon offering a luxurious experience.
Crochet Abbreviations and Basic Techniques
Don't worry if crocheting is new to you! The following stitches and methods will assist you in making the ideal crop top:
- Foundation Chain: CH, laying the foundation of your top.
- Double Crocheting: DC produces a looser fabric and has more drape.
- Single crochet: SC, you get a neat finish and tight stitches.
- Slip Stitch: Slst is ideal for tying edges together and creating a polished appearance.
- Half Double Crochet: HDC, is the perfect combination of double and single crochet. Read our blog for a step-by-step guide to basic crochet stitches part 1.
Keep in mind, in the UK and the US, there are different standard names for stitches. In this blog, we will follow the US terms, refer to our blog for the US vs UK terminology.
How to Crochet a Crop Top?
Don't worry if you are a beginner, if you have a good knowledge of basic stitches, you can easily make this interesting pattern. Here are the step-by-step instructions for you to follow:
Step 1: Take the measurement and plan your design
- Start by measuring your designed crop length and bust. Choose the style, such as halter neck or straps. You can either craft your own or follow any pattern.
Step 2: Create the Foundation Chain
- Make CH stitches with a single-ended crochet hook from Lantern Moon, and make sure the length of the CH matches the size of the bust.
- If you need a loose fit, add more CH stitches to it.
Step 3: Work on the Body of the Top
- You can work using Tunisian crochet or DC stitches. Learn 5 simple Tunisian crochet stitches for a beginner.
- HDC is also a good option for a snug crop top.
- Continue your crop top, until you achieve the desired size.
Step 4: Add Straps or Sleeves
- CH 50-60 stitches to make straps and sew using a smooth, small-eyed finishing needle.
- Make a longer CH and tie it behind the neck for a halter neck.
- You can even include the sleeves to make it attractive.
Step 5: Finishing Touch
- To make the top visually appealing, add embellishments such as buttons, tassels, or beads.
- Make sure to weave all the loose ends.
Points to Keep in Mind
Here are some tips that you can follow to make your top attractive:
- Make sure to choose the yarn that gives the desired texture and drape.
- When working, ensure you know how to increase and decrease in crochet, for crocheting a halter-style top.
- Use stitch markers to track where you want to make any changes in the style.
- Before you begin your masterpiece, make a small swatch to see the best result.
- Start with simple stitches that you can create easily, then move to the complex ones.
- Once you know the basic stitches, explore different styles and create a unique crop top.
Let's begin your crochet journey interesting and adventurous by creating a crop top, a great way to showcase your creativity and create a unique, fashionable item. Choose a Bequest Tunisian or Radiance crochet hook set from Lantern Moon for a streamlined crocheting experience. The set contains a range of hooks of multiple sizes in a portable case that provides a comfortable grip.