Two pieces in one pattern a mesh shrug that sits across the shoulders and a granny motif bralette underneath and the cut-out between them is the whole point. The combination reads festival-ready without needing to join separate garments together. For another take on the cut-out bralette style, the cut-out heart top uses a similar open-front approach with a different motif shape.
Crochet Cut-Out Floral Top
The bralette cups come together faster than they look, each one is a granny motif worked into a triangle, with the flower detail built into the centre rounds. The mesh shrug adds coverage without weight, and the two pieces tie together at the front so sizing is flexible. If you want to extend the look into a full set, the flower cut-out top pairs with a crochet skirt the same way.
Materials & Tools
- Worsted weight yarn (cotton or a cotton blend works especially well for drape and breathability)
- 4 mm crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Yarn quantity: This varies depending on your finished cup size and tie lengths, but plan for at least 150–200 yards as a starting estimate. Swatch your tension before committing to a full skein.
Crochet Methods You’ll Use
Difficulty & Time
Skill level: Beginner-friendly with one new stitch technique (extended half double crochet) Estimated time: 3–5 hours for a first make; faster once you’ve made the first cup and have the rhythm down
Technique Notes: Extended Half Double Crochet (eHDC)
This stitch is the backbone of the whole pattern, so it’s worth understanding before you start. It’s not complicated — it’s simply a half double crochet with one extra step that gives the fabric a slightly more open, drapey texture.
How to work an extended half double crochet:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
- Pull up a loop — you now have three loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through one loop only (this is the “extension” step).
- Yarn over and pull through all remaining loops on the hook.
That’s it. Practice a small swatch if you’ve never worked it before, and you’ll have it memorized within a few stitches.
The Pattern
The Flower Center
- Create a slip knot and chain 3. Slip stitch into the first chain to form a small ring.
- Chain 3, then work 11 extended half double crochets into the ring for a total of 12 stitches. Slip stitch into the top of the starting chain to close the round.
The Petals
- Chain 4 and single crochet into the same stitch to begin the first petal. Work one half double crochet, one extended half double crochet, and one double crochet into the following stitches to shape the petal.
- Slip stitch into the next stitch, then slip stitch once more to move into position for the next petal.
- Repeat this sequence evenly around the flower until you have six petals total. Fasten off once all petals are complete.
- New to crochet and not sure how to read a pattern yet? The video tutorial below will guide you through it step by step, you’ve got this!
Shaping the Bra Cup Border
- Attach yarn to the top of any petal using a slip knot. Chain 8 and slip stitch into the top of the next petal. Continue this chain-loop sequence around all six petals.
- Chain 3, then work extended half double crochets into each stitch across the chain spaces. At every other petal tip, work two extended half double crochets, chain 1, and two more extended half double crochets into the same space to create three evenly spaced increase points.
- Continue with another round of extended half double crochets, repeating the same increase sequence at each chain space to expand the cup.
- Fasten off. Repeat all steps from the beginning to make the second cup.
Assembly & Straps
- Crochet a long chain of approximately 220 stitches to create the underbust drawstring.
- Attach yarn to the top corner of each cup and chain to your desired length for the neck ties.
- Using your tapestry needle, weave the long bottom chain through the base of both cups to secure them and create the underbust tie.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Make both cups before assembling. Finishing both before you start joining gives you a chance to compare them and catch any tension differences early.
- Your chain tension matters for the cup border. If the chain-8 loops between petals feel loose or tight, adjust by going up or down a hook size just for that section. The fit of the cup shape depends heavily on those connecting loops staying consistent.
- Count your increase points carefully. The three increase points in the cup border round should fall at every other petal tip — not all six. Placing increases at all six will flare the cup outward instead of building a rounded shape.
- Neck ties: chain with a relaxed hand. Long chains worked under tension curl and twist. Keep your grip light, or block the ties flat after finishing.
- Swatch for size before committing to yarn. Because cup size is largely determined by how many rounds of increases you work, it’s worth checking your gauge against your measurements rather than simply following the round count as written.
- Block the finished cups before assembly. A quick wet block helps the petals lie flat and evens out any stitch inconsistencies. This is especially useful if you’re working in cotton, which responds well to blocking.
Yarn Substitution Notes
Worsted weight is called for here, but this pattern is fairly flexible on fiber.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Cotton or cotton-linen blends are the most popular choice for tops like this — they’re breathable, hold their shape, and block beautifully. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and Paintbox Simply DK (held double) are both solid options.
- Bamboo or bamboo-blend yarns give a lovely drape if you want the top to feel a little more fluid.
- Acrylic works, but tends to feel less breathable against skin in warm weather. If you go this route, choose a lighter acrylic rather than a chunky, dense one.
- Avoid anything with too much stretch (like superwash wool blends), as the cups may grow unevenly with wear.
Whatever you choose, check that your gauge produces fabric with enough stitch definition to show off the floral texture — looser gauge with a drapey yarn can muddy the petal shaping.
Customization Ideas
Adjust the cup size: The number of increase rounds in the cup border section controls how large the cups become. Work more rounds with increases for a larger size; fewer rounds for a smaller, more minimal fit.
Add more petals: The pattern calls for six petals, but nothing stops you from working eight and adjusting the increase spacing accordingly for a fuller floral look.
Color play: These cups look striking in two colors — a contrast color for the flower center and petals, then a tonal or neutral for the border and ties. You can also work all six petals in the same color for a cleaner aesthetic.
Tie length: The neck ties can be adjusted freely. Chain to the length that works for your preferred neckline or your torso length.
Embellishment: A few small shell stitches or picots along the tie edges add a delicate finish without much extra work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a beginner make this top? Yes, with a small caveat. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches and can follow a round-based pattern, you have everything you need. The extended half double crochet is the one new technique here, and it only takes a few minutes to get comfortable with it. Work a small swatch before you start and you’ll be fine.
How do I know if my cups are the right size? Hold the finished cup up to your chest during the border shaping rounds. Because the size is determined by how many increase rounds you work, you can add or skip rounds to customize the fit rather than committing to a fixed count.
Will the drawstring actually stay secure? Woven through the base of both cups and tied at the back, the chain drawstring is quite secure once it’s snugged in. For extra security, you can add a small slip stitch at each end of the weave path before trimming your tail.
What’s the best way to care for this top? That depends on your yarn fiber. Cotton and cotton blends are generally safe to hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry — avoid the dryer, which can shrink natural fibers or distort the stitch structure. Always check your yarn label first.
Can I adjust the tie style? Absolutely. The neck ties are just long chains, so you can make them longer for a halter-style wrap, shorter for a more structured look, or replace them with ribbon or fabric ties threaded through a chain channel if you prefer a different texture.
