A red cord laced into a five-point star across a center cut-out gives this white top a bold graphic focal point — all the drama comes from the lacing rather than a complicated stitch. For another laced cut-out detail in a different shape, the cut-out heart top outlines a heart opening in contrast colour.
Crochet Cut-Out Star Top
The body is worked as two simple panels, with the star opening shaped at the center front and the cord threaded through afterward. If you like the contrast-trim look, the cut-out crop top keeps the opening minimal for a cleaner finish.
Materials & Tools
- Yarn in two colors — a main color for the body and a contrast for the star outline, the woven star detail, and the back lacing. Pick a contrast that stands out clearly against your base.
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Tape measure
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
Crochet Stitches Explained
The Pattern
Measurements & Base Panel
- Measure your bust and divide it by two. Measure from about an inch below the neck out to the side to determine your top width. Chain an odd number equal to half your bust measurement, then half double crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1 and turn at the end of each row. Repeat half double crochet rows until the panel reaches your desired top length.
Star Cut-Out Construction
- Find the center stitch of the last row and mark it. Count five stitches to each side of the center to create eleven stitches total. Attach your yarn and half double crochet across these eleven stitches. Decrease at the beginning and end of each row until three stitches remain, then finish the point with a three-stitch double crochet decrease and fasten off.
- Reattach your yarn at the side stitch to begin the next star point. Alternate increase rows and regular half double crochet rows to shape the sides. Chain six plus one turning chain to extend the star point, then half double crochet back across to connect the star shape.
- 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!
Shoulders & Neckline
- Increase on the inner edges of the top panels. Once the star shape is complete, join the two sides together. Shape the neckline using slip stitches, single crochet, and half double crochet, adjusting the neckline depth based on your neck-to-shoulder measurement.
Back Panel Options
- For full back coverage, continue in half double crochet rows. For a lace-up back, work seven to eight rows of half double crochet, then decrease gradually to form a V shape for the lacing.
Sleeves
- Try on the top and mark your desired sleeve placement. Single crochet evenly around the armhole, then work half double crochet in continuous rounds. Decrease at the start and end of selected rounds to taper the sleeve, and continue until it reaches your preferred length.
Edging & Star Detail
- Switch to your second color. Single crochet evenly around the star cut-out, chaining 3 at each star point to create sharp edges. Make a long chain for the inner star detail and weave it through the five star points in an over-and-under pattern. Finally, make an additional long chain for the back lacing and thread it through the back loops.
A Few Notes
- This is a made-to-measure, freeform design. The star and the shaping are guided by fit, not fixed stitch counts, so plan to try the top on often and work with a star image nearby for reference.
- Do the gauge math before you chain. Work a small half double crochet swatch, find your stitches per inch, and multiply by half your bust — that’s your real foundation count. Chaining the raw measurement number alone won’t give you a panel that fits.
- Mark generously. Keep markers in the center stitch and at each star point; the whole star’s symmetry depends on those reference points staying put.
FAQ
1. How do I figure out how many to chain? This top is made to measure. Crochet a quick swatch to find how many half double crochets you get per inch, then multiply that by half your bust measurement, rounding to an odd number so you have a true center stitch for the star. Then work the length to your own measurements.
2. Is this a beginner project? Not really — it’s an advanced, partly improvisational design. The base panel is simple half double crochet, but the star cut-out, the neckline shaping, and the sleeves are all worked by fit and feel rather than precise counts, so it’s best for someone comfortable shaping a garment as they go.
3. What’s the second color for? It does the decorative work: outlining the star cut-out, forming the chain that weaves through the star points, and creating the lacing for the back. A strong contrast against your base color makes all three details pop.
